Dancers square off for fun

Square dancing enthusiasts enjoy the tradition and fun of one of America's favorite dances.

Nevada, Mo. -- Nevada is the home of the Mo/Kan Squares. For more than two decades the group have proven that dancing can be healthy and fun.

"Some have estimated an hour or more of square dancing is the equivalent of a four to seven mile walk," said Joan Johnson, long-time member of the group. "Dancing is a lot more fun though," she added with a chuckle.

The group formed in 1981 and was originally for singles only. At that time it was called the Mo/Kan Singles.

"We changed the name in 1985 to the Mo/Kan Squares so married couples could also join," Johnson explained.

Jay Wright, a regionally recognized professional square dance caller, has been the club's primary caller for the last 27 years. He also teaches the lessons each September. Everyone must take the lessons to join the club.

Mo/Kan Squares is affiliated with the National Federation of Square Dancers, and is a part of the Missouri Federation's Southwestern Missouri District.

Johnson said, "Ours is the biggest club in the district with 60 members. There are 26 clubs in the district. Squares travel from club to club for special events. If you are traveling and in a town with a club you can go to their dances."

The club meets twice a month on the first and third Fridays from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in the home economics building at the fairgrounds in Nevada.

The function of the group is to offer friendship, dance and fun. Lessons are offered each September.

The club performs at nursing homes and other places. They will be dancing at the McGennis Youth Center in June.

"It's all good, clean fun for the whole family," Johnson said. "There's no alcohol allowed."

She grinned, "But there is usually lots of good food." She added, "It's something every age group can participate in together; grandparents to grandchildren can all dance."

Dick Staihr joined the club in 1985 and had been square dancing for years. "It's good for my health and I enjoy it. At my age, 86, I gotta do something! It keeps me young. I was president of the club for a while. I travel some with the club. We have good members and people are helpful."

Johnetta Rushlow joined last September while taking lessons and said, "I joined because I wanted to have fun then I realized it's good exercise too. I attend dances as often as I can. It's a family orientated group -- there is a closeness and friendship with no judgment -- it's awesome!"

Billy Evans joined because a friend invited him to take the lessons. "I enjoyed it from the get-go and will stay with it. I think as a teenager I'm the youngest member."

Mike and Sharon Harrison from Pittsburg have been dancers for more than 20 years. They first took lessons from Jay Wright in Girard, Kan.

Mike said, "It's good exercise with friendly people. Going to a gym is no fun. This is lots of exercise and stress relief." Sharon added, "We've danced all over -- square dancing is an international activity. It's the same where ever you go. We've danced in Florida, Vermont and Hawaii. Everywhere you go people still square dance. The calls are international; they are all the same from country to country. We've danced to callers from Germany and England."

Mike laughed and said, "Same language, same words; but different accents are hard to get used to sometimes."

Mike feels there are less people participating now than in the 1950s to the 1980s when square dancing was really popular. He said, "In recent years it's dropped off. People are busy now with more activities, and it takes a while to learn all the calls and pick up the skills."

He explained that, as in all sports, there are several levels of advancement in square dancing. "You can work your way up the better you get," he said. "Most groups have mainstream, beginners and plus levels. You can learn new move combinations as you progress; it's always new."

Sharon continued, "There are calls and patter that the caller uses to keep the dances interesting. It's good exercise, live music, good food, and only a minimal door fee."

Sharon explained, "The caller will thrown out calls to see what the dancers can do. He'll then do a singing call to incorporate what you can do. Different callers call different combinations of calls and it's more fun."

Mike added, "Nevada has the best food around! As an evening out with dinner and entertainment, for the price you can't beat it."

For more information, call Tom Harold, club president, at (417) 465 2241.