Falls Journal
Whitney Jackson
Square dancing isn’t all crinoline skirts.
The dress is casual for lessons and weekly dances. But four times a year, the Fort Frances “Pairs ‘n Squares” Square and Round Dance Club dresses up for special events.
Club president Miriam Burchell likes to reminisce on her own parents’ romance, which started out at a square dance.
Ever since hearing the story of her mother’s heart being sent aflutter by her father, Burchell has held the entertaining activity of square dancing near and dear to her heart.
“It requires a commitment to be there every lesson,” noted Burchell.
“My favourite part of dancing is the friendships formed, though,” she added. “Square dancing is friendship set to music.”
Burchell explained that the dancers depend on each other to make the dance turn out right. And with a wide variety of members has come a few unlikely friendships.
The group consists of a doctor and his wife, retired educators, a nurse, and many other vocations, including a farmer and Walmart staff.
While most of the members are retired (the age range climbing all the way up to 90), dancing helps keep you young, Burchell says.
“It is something that draws couples closer,” she noted.”
Meanwhile, the club has started beginning lessons on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances.
The group already has nine potential beginners line up but is looking to get more if people are interested.
Beginner lessons are offered whenever there is an interest, and this year the club is trying to get a whole square of newcomers.
“We don’t have a beginner group very often,” admitted Burchell.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone new in town who wants to meet people and have some fun.”
Over the years, the “Pairs ‘n Squares” have entertained at many functions, including the Terry Fox Run fundraising event, Fun in the Sun, the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, and the World Health Organization conference.
The club also has entertained the residents at Rainycrest Long-Term Care, and continues to provide demonstrations and introductory lessons at local schools.
Currently, the club consists of 24 members dancing in McMillan Hall (Knox United Church) on Tuesday evenings.
Four times a year, the club dances on a Saturday afternoon and evening at pre-arranged special events and occasionally travels to surrounding communities to dance.
The group dances every Tuesday during the school year from 7-9 p.m., with lessons prior from 6-7 p.m.
If you would like to learn to dance, all are welcome to attend Knox United Church.
Call 274-9593 or 1-218-875-3126 to reserve a spot in a square (partners are not necessary).
The first lesson is free, with a fee of $2/person after that.
