At one time it was the in thing. Everyone did it. Perhaps it was a carry over from the war years. There were dance studios in every city that dared to call itself one. Every town and hamlet had a centre where the folks and sometimes the kids would gather for the Saturday night dances. Why just thinking about it brings back the memories of the Trianon Ballroom in Regina, Buffalo Lookout Dance Pavilion near White City, the dance halls at Regina Beach, Fort Qu'appelle and Wasagaming.

Dance is making a return to popularity in a big way. Ballroom dancing is once again the in thing bringing back the fluidity of motion and harmony of moving in rhythm. Perhaps its mom's way of getting the potato off the couch and injecting some romance back into the relationship. Whatever it is, it isn't the gyrations of the Watussi or the agony of the Twist. No not even line or square dancing although they can really get you going. It's the return of the two-step, the Lindy Hop, the Foxtrot, and Rumba.

Perhaps you noticed the advertisements in the Community Recreation Flyers for Ballroom Dance classes being offered in the major centres on a continuous basis. They are oversold and one has a difficult time getting registered. Perhaps you have seen the ads on the radio and television for the Friday Night Dance Group in Summerland, or the Funtimers in Penticton, the Kelowna Dance Club at the Kelowna Ballroom, or the regularly scheduled dances at the Senior Centres throughout the Okanagan. If you haven't been aware - there is a renaissance of dance going on around you and just maybe you will want to get involved or be left behind.

For those that think of dance as a leisure activity - be aware. There is nothing leisure about engaging in dance using the proper steps and techniques, holding your partner just so, and sending the right signals at the right time for the flourish of the right movement and flashing the appropriate aire. The ladies will accept nothing less than a properly attuned and fit companion, who has the required knowledge and skill to guide her around the dance floor showing her off and the others how it should be done.

Dance as sport? If you haven't been there for a while take your water bottle and a towel. You will be required to work up more than a sweet-water glow over the course of the evening. While engaging and fun, a social activity second to none, dance is also another active sport for active seniors.

Jerry Flaman        This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

(See below for contact particulars for dance as fun and sport in the South Okanagan)

http://www.dancesportbc.com/
http://www.debandtomdance.com/
http://www.fiestafest.ca/
http://www.danceokanagan.com/
http://www.geocities.com/pentictonfuntimers/
http://www.dancedimensions.ca/   2005-02