In the news ... Larry Johansen, caller in NW MN

Square dancing might sound old-fashioned, but to me, it’s anything but. It’s fun, challenging and a great way to connect with other people.

I’ve been square dancing for about two years now, and I feel pretty confident. I can dance both the girl’s part and the boy’s part. I originally learned both so I could dance with my female friends, but it’s also helped me better understand how the whole square works.

Square dancing is an American folk dance made up of groups — or “squares” — of four couples moving in patterns to a caller’s instructions. It might sound simple, but it actually takes a lot of practice and teamwork to do it well.

At the club I attend, County Line Squares, we have two amazing callers who make the experience even better. Abe Maier has been calling for more than 50 years and does a great job keeping everything organized while still making it fun. The other caller, Andy Schoenleben, also calls at County Line Squares and hosts his own barn dances.

I recently interviewed Andy about square dancing. He told me his favorite part is meeting new people and spending time with friends — something I can definitely relate to. He also said the best part of calling is seeing the joy on people’s faces, and you can really tell he means it when you’re out on the dance floor.

For anyone interested in trying square dancing, Andy’s advice is simple: don’t give up. It takes time to learn, but it gets easier with practice. He also recommends attending dances with different callers to improve more quickly.

Square dancing has become an important part of my life, and I hope more people will give it a try. It’s a great way to have fun, get some exercise and be part of a community.