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Grand Squares offer first three free

Dance sessions every Monday at Abbotsford Social Activity Association hall
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The Abbotsford Grand Squares welcome new members. They get together Mondays at the Abbotsford Social Activity Association hall. (Abbotsford News file photo)

The Abbotsford Grand Squares, which celebrated their 36th anniversary in November, offer their first three evenings free.

The non-profit group – which consists of “modern” square dancers – began its new 10-week session of dancing on Jan. 15 at the Abbotsford Social Activity Association hall, 33889 Essendene Ave.

The West Coast modern square dance program meets Monday evenings. New dancers are from 7 to 8:30 p.m., followed by the more experienced dancers at the mainstream level, ending at 10 p.m.

Yearly membership is $6 at the door when the three free sessions are used up.

At the end of the 10 weeks, dancers can choose to do it all again to refresh their moves or move on to the next level.

The Grand Squares began in 1981 at the OAP Hall and were then known as the Fraser Valley Square and Round Dance Association. They started with four squares, but now have almost 100 members.

Their current caller – as of 2010 – is Heather Reynolds, who has a “degree” in square dance calling and many trophies to back up her experience.

The previous caller couple, Ken and Sally Crisp, were with the group for 17 years. Ken took Reynolds (then Wallace) under his wing, and she was able to smoothly take over when Ken and Sally retired.

The Grand Squares are run by a club executive – all volunteer – and they hold an annual benefit dance, with all proceeds going to children with disabilities.

The group says that square dancing has evolved, and new members are welcome to come out and experience the more modern approach to this pastime.

Those who do not have a partner will be paired up with a man or a woman with a red sash who are known as the “square dance angels.”

For more information, call David McVige at 604-864-7435.