Dance! Manchester holds square dance

The band kept the music lively and then slowed down for a couple of waltzes in between sets.

On Saturday night, Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization hosted “Dance! Manchester,” a collaboration between Riverfolk and the 5 Healthy Towns. These events get the word out about the mission of both organizations–promoting music and the arts, and encouraging healthy habits, moving more, and connecting with others in healthier ways.

Saturday’s event, held in the Emanuel UCC gymnasium, definitely got people doing some healthy moving and interacting while providing the sounds of the Detroit-based Corn Potato String band. The band features several members from the Detroit Square Dance Society. Healthy snacks were served and professional caller, Lindsay McCaw (also known to be a CPS band member), helped a couple dozen not-so-professional dancers (and a few more experienced ones!) to enjoy excellent old fashioned Americana music along with some equally good old fashioned dancing.

In square dancing, it doesn’t matter if you have a partner–you’ll end up dancing with everyone, anyway! The music is catchy, too, so even if you’re a “wallflower,” you’ll find your toes tapping and your head nodding. The dancing is just another extension of the music.

The next Dance! Manchester event will be held on February 8, 2020 at 7:30 pm and will featured the locally renowned Creole Du Nord, playing Cajun music. Instruction is always provided. This dance will also be held at Emanuel Church gym. The events are free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully received.

By evening’s end, people were starting to figure out the formations and the calls.

Lots of fun and laughter ensued as dancers tried to remember their next steps.

Lindsay McCaw, the square dance caller, helped even those who weren’t familiar with the basics enjoy several good dances!

Promenade your partner!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.