Square dancing may be one of Lubbock’s best-kept secrets

LUBBOCK, Texas (KJTV) - It may be one of Lubbock’s best-kept secrets. I only came across square dancing by accident and tried it out on a whim. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. and now, you have a chance to join in on the fun.

Square dancing goes back at least as far as 16th century England. When it caught on in the United States, it gained popularity among families on the frontier as a type of folk dancing. Instead of choreography, which is made up of planned and rehearsed moves, the dancers enter a square with their ears open, ready to take instructions, or calls - which will determine the move each person makes.

Here in Lubbock, it’s more than do-si-do and promenade your partner. A slogan posted in the dance hall says: “Dancing at LASRDF. It’s not just squares, rounds, or country. It’s friendship set to music.”

LASRDF is the Lubbock-area Square and Round Dance Federation. It’s been a West Texas institution for decades.

President Charles Spoon has been a part of the organization since 1968. He said it was his girlfriend, Ellen, who got him interested. Ellen, long since his wife, is also a caller.

Charles explains that a caller has 8 people in each square that they’re directing. They’re normally made up of 4 men and 4 women. The caller has to get them to do moves around the square but they want to get them back to their partner and everybody be in the right sequence as they call. So it’s like mathematics - where you have to put it together - move the people around in different locations then bring them back till you get them back home.

Jess and Vicki Ritcherson, both executive vice presidents, have been members for 42 of their 52 year marriage.

They say square dancing is their favorite form of recreation.

Maria, and her husband Andrea are brand new to the experience and now, they’re hooked.

So what about those who know they can’t dance? I say - if you can walk and follow directions, you’re as good as gold.

Outreach coordinator Robbie McDaniel says if everyone knew how much fun it was, the building wouldn’t hold everyone.

Everyone wears normal street clothes to class. but once you learn a bit and the program holds an official dance, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to put on a bolo or a petticoat.

Classes for beginners start Monday, September 20th. If Friday nights work better for you - no problem. There’s another session that starts on the 24th. And your first lesson is free.

LASRDF:

Lessons for beginners

7 pm

Monday, Sept 20 / Friday, Sept 24

2305 120th St.

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