The Heffley Creek Hall is holding open houses on Sunday, Sept. 30, to test local interest in free called dancing.
Deb McDougal, the secretary-treasurer, said free called dancing may become a more regular event at the hall if enough interest is shown.
“The whole family can come. It’s free and it’s also great exercise,” she said.
So what is free called dancing?
According to McDougal, it’s like square dancing minus the square, “you dance in other shapes like circles and lines and that sort of thing.”
The dance moves are similar and can be easily picked up. Someone who’s never danced a day in their life can come out and learn to do free called dancing.
McDougal called it “great family fun.”
Jean Wood is coming up from Salmon Arm to call the moves for the dance. She has been a caller for three years.
Wood said it was her grandchildren who made her want to bring free called dancing to Heffley Creek. She said the kids love it.
“They can dance with their dad or their mom and don’t have to worry about knowing steps because it’s explained.”
She said you don’t need any special clothing or shoes, you don’t even need to worry about bringing a date because someone’s always looking for a dance partner.
“Those that try it really like it,” she said.
Wood said square dancing originally began as a family event and she’s trying to bring the family aspect back.
“I believe in keeping the family together.”
Wood and her husband tried free called dancing in 2012 after they moved to Salmon Arm.
“We’ve been hooked ever since.”
The open houses will be at 2 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30. The whole family is welcome to come. McDougal simply asked that children under 12 be accompanied by adults.