Swinging dancers, not so square
The Community Complex was a sea of movement and colour as over 600 square dancers took to the dance floor to strut their stuff.
Photo by Mike Moores
By Wendy Laing
DELORAINE AND the Valley welcomed the 60th National Square Dancing Convention this month.
Six hundred and thirty-five registered square dancers, ranging in age from 12 years to over 80 years, came from all over Australia for the event, which was held across two venues, the Community Complex and the Bowls Club, from 24–28th April.
‘The Deloraine Community Complex is amazing,’ Coordinator and Caller, Di Ashton from the Launceston Square Dance Club said. ‘We had a great rapport with the Meander Valley Council to help stage the event in Deloraine.’
Square dancing clubs began in Tasmania in 1952 and then went on to join the National body 60 years ago. Usually conducted in capital cities, this was the first time a National Convention had been held in a regional town anywhere in Australia.
Not only were the established square dancers having a wonderful time, but on the Sunday afternoon a public session was held, and anybody interested in learning how to square dance was invited to come along and join in.
During the Convention, the Australian National Association also held well-attended workshops on all aspects of square dancing.
‘The square dances at this Convention are called the mainstream level,’ Di Ashton said. ‘There are 64 moves you need to know by heart. Consistency is the keyword and once learned, you can dance anywhere in the world.’
Weekly classes in modern square dancing have begun in Deloraine and are held on Friday nights from 7.30pm to 10.00pm at the Bowls Club.
Couples, singles and families are welcome to come along and enjoy a fun night of dancing and friendship. For further details contact Gary Petersen on 0499 088 680 or email tassquare@bigpond.com.
