ARLINGTON — If you are a young person who has an interest in Americana music, you might consider square dancing.
No, really.
The people who moved to North America from Europe brought with them all sorts of folk dancing, which, as time went by, became more homogenized, resulting in the traditional Western square dance. The folk music revival of the 1950s played a part in the corresponding resurgence of square dancing.
The people who populate the square dance clubs of Washington state (it’s the state’s official dance by the way) are eager to get more young people involved in this American art form.
In fact, the Marysville-based Happy Hoppers square dance club is offering a free first square dance lesson to help people get their feet wet and whet their appetites for more.
Happy Hoppers president Rod Davidson, a young-looking 72-year-old nuclear engineer who retired to Camano Island, said the unofficial theme of the club is “Fun, Fitness, Friendship.”
They might as well add “Families” to that motto because that’s how the tradition is best going to be passed down the generations.
Anyway, the Happy Hoppers have been together about 58 years and currently have about 85 members. Yes, many of the members are between the ages of 58 and 85, but younger people are showing an interest.
“We’ve been out recruiting,” Rod said. “We hope people will take the lessons we’re offering and then join our club.”
Davidson’s wife Bertha, 70, a retired medical tech, has had more fun with the club than she ever expected when they joined about four years ago.
“We come in all shapes and sizes,” Bertha said. “We love the exercise we get dancing, and mentally, well, it’s like learning a new language. It’s good for you. And new people keep us energized.”
The Happy Hoppers are part of the 14-club Mount Baker Council of square dance club, which stretches from Lynden to Kirkland. The number of square dancers in the state has dwindled from a high of about 35,000 in the 1970s to less than 4,000 today, but every Saturday night during fall, winter and spring, one can find a square dance gathering in the region.
“Our club is one of the best in the state, and we try to bring in national square dance callers for our dances,” Rod said. “It’s good, wholesome fun. It’s a safe way to meet people in a relaxed atmosphere. We don’t serve alcohol, but we do serve snacks.
“Come give us whirl.”
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @galefiege.
If you go
Happy Hoppers Square Dance Club, dance for experienced square dancers 7:30 p.m. Sept 19 at Stillaguamish Senior Center, 18306 Smokey Point Blvd. Cost is $6 for three hours of dancing and refreshments. Happy Hopper Square Dance classes free first sessions are 7 to 9 p.m. Sept 21 and 28 at Totem Middle School cafeteria, 1605 Seventh St. NE, Marysville. Cost is $6 a night after the first lesson. No experience is necessary. Experienced dancers will be there to serve as partners. Learn the mainstream moves that will allow you to attend most square dances anywhere. For more information, contact Eric or Cindy at 425-334-4374, or squaredancelessons@gmail.com.
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