Valley Twirlers Square Dance Club starts classes for new dancers Sept. 17

Tired of sitting home with nothing to do? Try square dancing.

Groups of eight people form “squares” while doing a series of moves “called” by a square dance caller to a variety of toe-tapping music. The dancers never know what move will be called next, adding to the mental challenge. Easy to learn, once you’ve got the basics, you can dance at any square dance club in San Diego–or around the world.

Why square dance?

1. Social Aspects – Square Dancing is a great way to meet people in a non-threatening, relaxed social atmosphere. It is suitable for ages eight to adult.

2. Healthy Environment – Square Dance clubs are smoke and alcohol free.

3. Cardiovascular Fitness – Dancing is a safe way to exercise. The level of exertion is up to each participant. You can rev it up for a high intensity workout or take it easy for a relaxing, yet beneficial workout. Dancing regularly can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and an improved cholesterol profile.

4. Body & Brain Boost – Square dancers react to “calls” as they are given, forcing the body and brain to be tightly coordinated. A number of the steps in a call are memorized, which keeps the brain sharp.

5. Get Your Steps In – The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recommends 10,000 steps per day to maintain physical fitness. It is estimated that a typical square dancer can expect to clock 9,000 to 10,000 steps per dance.

6. Sturdy Bones – The side-to-side movements of dancing strengthen weight-bearing bones and help prevent the slow loss of bone mass. Dancing keeps joints moving, improves balance, and is nice alternative to jogging or other high-intensity activities.

7. Mental Health – Square dancing’s social aspect is an antidote for loneliness and depression; it allows dancers to interact with others–you can’t square dance without taking somone’s hand! Studies have shown that activities involving both physical and mental activity help slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

8. It’s Fun! – With moves like Slip the Clutch, Ferris Wheel, and Load the Boat, dancers can’t help but have fun!

There are currently more than a dozen square dance clubs in San Diego County.

The Valley Twirlers Square Dance Club at valleytwirlers.com in El Cajon starts classes for new dancers on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the air-conditioned Bostonia Rec Center, 1049 Bostonia St. TheCaller/Instructor, Steve Moore, has been teaching square dancing for almost 50 years (he started when he was 14).

No experience, partner, or fancy attire needed, $5 per class, with the first class free.

For other square dance clubs offering classes, visit backcountrysda.com or call (619) 499-5379 (landline).