Square dance class: Free, fun, healthy

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Photo courtesy Carla Roberts Health benefits abound from square dancing. Free square dance classes begin Wednesday afternoons starting Jan. 20 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., continuing through March 9 at the PLPOA Clubhouse. Pictured are local caller Carla Roberts with, left to right, Bill Wert, Bruce Swain and Karen Swain. Photo courtesy Carla Roberts
Health benefits abound from square dancing. Free square dance classes begin Wednesday afternoons starting Jan. 20 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., continuing through March 9 at the PLPOA Clubhouse. Pictured are local caller Carla Roberts with, left to right, Bill Wert, Bruce Swain and Karen Swain.

By Carla Roberts

Special to The PREVIEW

Free square dance classes begin Wednesday afternoons starting Jan. 20 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., continuing through March 9 at the PLPOA Clubhouse, 230 Port Ave., in Pagosa Springs. This introductory class will last eight weeks.

In this introduction to square dance, Carla Roberts will teach at the basic level, so new dancers can quickly master enough calls (or dance steps) to experience the exhilaration of dancing in a group setting. The class focus is for everyone to have an enjoyable dance session while learning the building blocks of square dance.

This is a fun, easygoing and free class open to families, couples and singles. Suggested age for children is at least 8 years old.

Square dancing is as traditionally American as apple pie — it’s clean, fun and safe, and people of all ages are involved. An evening of this entertainment is inexpensive. You’ll find yourself interacting with everyone from teenagers to the elderly … and you’ll find you all have something in common.

Health benefits abound, especially for fall and winter when we are all more sedentary. You can dance three to four miles per evening without even noticing, while you burn 300 to 800 calories, improve cardio condition, strengthen bones and lower blood pressure. Square dancing helps maintain your balance, coordination and range of motion.

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