The weather is heating up, and so are the dance floors. Here are a few events where you can join the party.
1. Cama Beach it.
Since the 1930s, Cama Beach on Camano Island has been home to live music and family square dances.
The tradition continues this summer with the free Cama Beach Family Music & Dance Series, where callers teach circle, step, square and contra dances.
French Canadian band Podorythmie (which means “foot rhythms” in Quebecois) kicks off the series June 8 at Cama Beach State Park, 1880 W. Camano Drive, Camano Island.
It’s part of Washington State Parks’ summer-long Folk and Traditional Arts Program. Two more music-and-dance events are July 13 and Aug. 17. All three dances will be held at 7 p.m.
More at www.parks.state.wa.us/folkarts.
2. Happy Hoppin’.
Or, if you’re solely interested in learning to square dancing, let the Happy Hoppers of Arlington help.
The dance club’s free Strawberry Dance is from 2 to 9 p.m. June 9 at Stillaguamish Senior Center, 18308 Smokey Point Blvd., Arlington.
Square dance to all kinds of music, from Lady Gaga to Frank Sinatra. Skill levels schedules are plus (2 to 4 p.m.), pre-plus (6 to 6:30 p.m.) and mainstream (6:30 to 9 p.m.). The caller will be Tom Roper.
More at www.happyhoppers.org.
3. Freewheelin’.
Then there’s a square dance in Lynnwood with a Hawaiian luau theme.
If you’re brave enough, break out your hula dancing moves, too. When at a luau!
Freewheelers Square Dance Club’s Hot Hawaiian Nights Dance is from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 2 at Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave. W., Lynnwood. The callers are Roger Spiese and Shawn Cavness.
More at www.squaredanceseattle.com.
— Evan Thompson, Herald writer
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