The Bakersfield Voice

Just mention the phrase "square dance" and an image of what you did in grade school and junior high school pops into your head.  The Joaquin Squares, a local square dance club, would like to dispel the image that this activity is just for the “old” folks and that it definitely is different from what you did in the school gym.  We want to introduce to you the fun of Modern Square Dancing. 

So what is different about today's square dancing? It's an activity for couples whose kids have gone off to college, married or joined the work force and who would like an activity to enjoy together.  It is an activity for families—the kids really learn fast. It's a wholesome activity for single couples wanting to just have fun together. It is an activity that is accomplished to the beat of today's top tunes and as well as those of yesterday and, of course, a few country and western tunes thrown in for variety.

Square dancing can be as good as any other regular exercise activity—and it's probably more fun. Square dancing provides the health benefits of walking, the mental stimulation of a chess game and the fun of moving to music, all rolled into one fun-filled evening.  Health experts are touting 30 minutes of walking every day to get and stay in shape.  During an evening of square dancing you can cover a couple of miles.

The caller for the Joaquin Squares is Michael Kellogg, from Northridge California. During the day Michael works as a systems analyst for a major manufacturing company in Los Angles and he drives to Bakersfield each Thursday evening to call for the club. Michael has called for square dance weekends throughout the United States as well as square dance events in Europe and Japan. His voice is outstanding and he will thrill you with his expertise.

Along with the exercise of dancing, comes the social interaction with others. Everyone is laughing and the tensions of the day slip away as you listen to the music and concentrate on what the caller is telling you to do.Is experience necessary?  Absolutely not.  A comfortable pair of shoes and casual attire qualifies you. As a means of introducing this activity to the public, the Joaquin Squares are offering 3 free classes. The free classes will begin on September 25 and continue on October 2 and October 9.