Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. Their publication is a guide to living life life a local and getting the most out of our town. All opinions and passion for square dancing are my own.
Ten years ago, if I had envisioned my future I would never (ever) have guessed it would look like the life I’m living. When I was a newly wed, fresh out of college–it never crossed my mind that I’d be living in North Dakota…let alone loving it so much that I write about life here every week. Even if I had seen a move to North Dakota coming, I don’t think I ever would have envisioned sitting down to write a post all about Square Dancing in Minot, ND. Alas here we are.
Yes, today is the day I tell you all about a pass time that is near and dear to my heart: Square Dancing in Minot.
Years ago (when we lived here the first time) we were invited to try square dancing in Minot. I was a little hesitant…because, well it was square dancing. But–I’m nothing if not teachable and willing to try. My grandpa was a square dance caller in Iowa, so I remember hearing my grandparents (and my dad, too) talk fondly about square dancing.
Being willing to try, passionate about keeping old-fashioned social settings alive, and a sucker for any activity that comes with special clothes (I’m also into bowling, skiing, theme parties, etc), I said I was in.
Square dancing was a perfect fit for me when we first learned and started attending dances. I had recently had back surgery and an unforeseen lengthy and complicated recovery process. I wanted to be active, but could not participate in the high-impact activities that I loved. Walking was therapeutic…but Minot winters aren’t exactly conducive to walks outdoors.
While square dancing is technically a dance, it’s mostly walking in specific patterns. It was an activity that got me out of the house, active, engaged with others, and using my brain. For me, learning to square dance was part of my healing process. But I liked it as more than just an activity to do while I was injured. It’s something Derek and I love to do together, and something I consider a perfect winter activity.
Hopefully you are little sold on Square Dancing in Minot (or somewhere else–there are clubs alllll over the US). Here are all the details you need to know to get involved.
What is Square Dancing Really Like?
Actual square dancing is more than just linking arms, saying do-si-so and skipping in a circle. Square dancing is a collaborative activity between four couples (standing in a “square”) and a caller who calls out steps for everyone to follow. The steps weave dancers in circles and patterns–all while dancers attempt to follow along and run into each other.
There is no real “dance” skill involved. If you can walk, you can square dance. Since the steps are all called out for you (and learned in advance) you never need to freestyle or worry that you’ll look silly. And for that point, there are no “silly” moves. As I said, it’s all about being able to walk.
I used to wear a FitBit to dances and was amazed that I would walk several miles in the course of a night of dancing.
When I asked Derek how he would describe square dancing he said, “Awesome.” When I prodded for a more specific answer he said he likes it because it’s a “non-food-centered activity that is excellent physical, mental and social exercise.” Very well put.
Where Can I Learn to Square Dance in Minot?
Glad you asked. The Magic Squares (Minot’s square dancing group) host lessons once enough interest has been generated. And you are in luck! We were supposed to have lessons this past weekend, but nasty winter weather caused a postponement.
Watch their Facebook page for dance information. Right now they have been hosting ABC dances. This means they dance a beginner dance (for folks who’ve never danced or don’t know all the moves), then an advanced dance, and then a line dance for all. It’s a great way to start learning.
The next ABC dance is January 25, 2020, 1:30-4:30pm at the location TBD (watch their page for details.) Dances are usually held in the evening, but this is an exception. The full lessons (to finish learning what we didn’t at ABC dances) are going to be rescheduled in February (hoping for February 8.) If you have questions shoot a message to me or their page! We’d love to have you try it out!
Do I Need Fancy Clothes?
Nope. You can come in jeans and a t-shirt. After full lessons take place folks might start breaking out their square dancing skirts, but even then it’s just for fun. Right now everyone (especially new dancers) come casual.
When we took lessons years ago, there was a big dancing-attire swap that happened at the end. I came home completely outfitted. (As did Derek.) My mom dug up my grandma’s square dancing clothes and sent those out to me too. Now I’ve got more puffy skirts than I will ever need..and I’ll be sharing with new dancers.
Is It Hard?
Like learning anything, square dancing takes a little time and gets easier with practice. It’s definitely a mental workout–but it’s not physically exhausting. As for remembering all the steps, they flow well and are easier to pick up than I thought they’d be. But even experienced dancers get tangled up sometimes. It’s all part of the fun.
Is It Expensive?
Nope. The lessons (refresher course for people who have been coming to the ABC dances) is $18 which includes lunch. Dances have a $7 fee and are usually about two hours long.
Who Comes to Dances?
I’m adding this because it’s exactly what Derek and I wondered when we started. The answer is, all kinds of people. Some are empty-nesters. Some are our age (sigh…30’s). There is a surprising number of college students that join, as well.
Everyone is nice and normal (well…as normal as anyone really can be.) It’s not required, but a few people usually bring sweets to share that are off to the side.
Come Join Us!
Now you know all the details about square dancing in Minot. If you watch my Instagram stories (or on Facebook) you know how much I look forward to square dances. It was on my mind the day my cabinets fell off the wall. And it was the thing I was most looking forward to this past weekend. Research shows that we can feel more isolated during the dark, cold months. Square dancing is a great way to get out, get involved, enjoy Minot and make meaningful connections that combat the seasonal depression that can set in during these harsh months. I hope you’ll join us!
