Message from the President August 2023

This is a welcome message to all new and returning square dancers as we approach the beginning of a new dance season.We have a full dance program planned, including several special and themed dances. See the schedule on our website at merisquares.ca for details.

Social Square Dancing

Social Square Dancing (SSD) is our introductory program on Tuesday evenings for new dancers and those who haven't danced for some time. We will be teaching SSD at the J.A. Dulude Arena, 941 Clyde Avenue, from 7:00 to 8:30pm beginning on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Wendy VanderMeulen will be teaching this program and we will definitely be looking for angels (experienced dancers) to help introduce new dancers to square dancing. SSD is specifically designed to be easy and fun to learn and to dance.

Dancers will learn the entire program in 14 weeks and will have opportunities to dance the full program after they graduate. SSD is a stand-alone level that will be available at regional dances and at special dances that Meri Squares will hold. Dancers who travel south for the winter can continue to dance the SSD program while away.

Full SSD Dancing

Directly following the teach session, there will be a full SSD dance session from 8:30 till 9:30pm for those who have previously learned the SSD dance steps. SSD dancers are encouraged to come before 8:30pm in order to help the SSD students learn their steps, (and get extra exercise), or they can come just for the one hour full SSD dance if they prefer. The fee is the same either way.

Two Free Kick-off Dances

On Tuesday, August 29, and again on Tuesday September 5, we are hosting FREE Kick-off Dances for anyone interested in checking out square dancing! This is a great opportunity for returning members to refresh their skills. Join us at the J.A. Dulude Arena, 941 Clyde Avenue at 7:00 pm to meet new and returning dancers!

Recruitment

All Club members are encouraged to download and print the attractive and colorful posters that have been created to recruit new dancers. The pdf versions have already been sent directly to members. If you cannot print them, contact Past President Lamar Mason (lamarmason4@gmail.com) and she will arrange to drop some off to you.

Plus

Pluslevel dancing will be on Thursday nights at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 470 Roosevelt Ave.,called by John Charman from 7:15 pm to 9:15 pm. Dancing will begin on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 7:15pm. There will be no Plus teach at this time. Members can look forward to a challenging dance session. Plus members are also encouraged to attend the SSD sessions on Tuesday nights to act as angels assisting the learners. There will be no charge for Plus dancers who have paid their Plus session fee to attend the SSD dances.

Fees and Dance Schedule

Please see the August Newsletter under Club Information for details on dance fees and the 2023-2024 registration forms for SSD and Plus members. You are encouraged to download and complete the appropriate form and bring it, along with your fees, to your first dance night. The registration forms are also attached to this email for your convenience.

The full dance schedule can be found under Schedule on the menu bar on the website (merisquares.ca).

See you on the dance floor!

David Shackleton
President