This September, the Riptides and Thumpers square dance clubs will combine for back to back open house dances in Virginia Beach.
The Riptides Square and Round Dance Club will host an Open House Dance on Friday September 7, 2018 – 7:30 PM at the Bayside Presbyterian Church 1400 Ewell Road, Virginia Beach, VA (the corner of Ewell & Independence Blvd.)
The following night, the Thumpers Square and Round Dance Club Open House Dance will host a dance on Saturday, September 8, 2018 – 7:30 t0 9:30 PM at the Foundry United Methodist Church 2801 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA (next to Beach Ford)
Matt Worley will be calling and instructing both nights and will be joined by his father, Bob Worley on Saturday night. Matt and Bob both record square dance music with Virginia Beach based Crown Records. Matt was recently recognized by the Virginia State callers association with their 2018 Cardinal Award, for his contributions to the activity.
Contemporary square dances are in modern recreation halls and hotels, with modern sound equipment and all kinds of music. Everything from country to classics, blues to blue grass, favorite oldies to today’s modern music.
September is when most square dance clubs have open house dances where anyone can join in the fun – no prior square dance experience necessary. Usually new dancer groups start around this time, so people can learn the steps for square dancing.
Why Square Dance? Besides the fact that it’s fun, it’s also a great form of low impact aerobic exercise. Square Dancing exercises both the body and the mind. Several studies have rated Square Dancing as one of the top forms of aerobic exercise. Keeping the body and the mind active throughout life are keys to remaining mentally and physically active later in life. There are many dancers who have danced 20-30, or more, years, and are still dancing in their 80s and even past 90.
The Riptides are one of the oldest square dance clubs in Virginia and have been dancing in Virginia Beachfor 55 years. The Thumpers are almost as old, dancing for over 35 years. The Thumpers are also proud to have 3 National touring callers and cuers on their regular staff, Both Bob and Matt Worley travel worldwide calling square dances, as does their round dance cuer Jim Kline.
Another good reason is that Square Dancing is part of our National heritage. It is truly an American form of dance, with it’s roots in our Appalachian Mountains.
Former Governor Wilder recognized the importance of the dance form and signed a bill in 1991 proclaiming Square Dancing the official folk dance of Virginia. Many other states also claim the Square Dance as their state folk dance.
Square Dancing is a great way to meet people. The biggest reason to Square Dance, is that it’s Fun!
For more information on the Thumpers Open House, please call (757) 499-7457 or (757) 467-2557.