Despite social media being omnipresent in many people’s daily lives, connecting a community can sometimes be difficult. A series of local events is hoping to change that by getting people on their feet and socializing in a more traditional way.
After two successful seasons, Old Songs, Inc., with underwriting support from Homespun Occasions, is ready to kick off its third season of Old Songs Community Dances at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Dances will then be held on the first Saturday of every month through May. The first dance features caller Paul Rosenberg and music by Will Welling & Tamarack at the Old Songs Community Center, located at 37 South Main Ave., Voorheesville.
“There’s a long tradition of the old-time community square dance as a way to relax and socialize,” said Paul Rosenberg, of Homespun Community Dancing.
Community dances, while serving as a way to socialize and relax, can also serve as an enjoyable way to get some exercise.
“Back before labor-saving devices, people worked pretty hard just to make it through the day,” said Rosenberg. “An evening of socializing with friends often included dances that were simple and fun as a way to relax. Today, many of us want to move and have fun, but don’t have lots of time to commit to learning complicated figures.”
The desire for simple dances has spurred the growth of community dances, which aim to be accessible to people of any age or skill level. People seem to be falling in step, too, with the dances becoming popular locally, according to organizers.
“We have had a very enthusiastic reaction by the participants, and attendance has exceeded our expectations. The mix and ages is more diverse than any other dance in the region because the focus is as much on community as it is on dancing,” said Rosenberg.
Andy Spence, executive director of Old Songs, said participants have ranged from families with children to older couples. She believes the approachability of the dances ensures everyone has a good time.
“We call them community dances because they should be easy for the community to come and enjoy the evening and not struggle over long tedious directions,” said Spence. “There are not very many ways people can enjoy themselves in the evening other than going to a movie, a concert or sitting at home and watching TV.”
A new element this year is a change to the potluck meal because it’s shifting to a dessert and snack potluck that will be enjoyed during intermission.
“We did a meal for the last two years, and it went well, but we thought we would like to try something different,” said Spence. “It will be interesting because this sounds like more of a challenge, but also more tasty.”
Changing the bands performing live at the dance, along with the callers, helps keep each of the dances fresh for those regularly attending. Around 50 people typically attended each dance last season.
“The tunes are often very different, and the instrumentation is different. Every dance has its own sounds,” said Spence.
All forms for dances are taught during the event, so no prior knowledge is needed. The Community Dance goes from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and admission is $8 per person, but anyone 12 and younger can get in for free.
Information about the Community Dance can be found on Old Songs’ website, oldsongs.org, or by calling 765-2815.