96
| SUNRAYS MAY 2015
ONLINE:
SCTEXAS.ORG
T
he Sundancers Club consists
of square dancers and round
dancers. Experienced volunteers,
called “angels,” assist new members as
they learn the ropes and step in when
a square is short a dancer. Hopefully,
someday we’ll all find ourselves paired
with an angel, but that’s a tale for that
Big Dance Hall in the sky.
Square dancing was first documented
by English author John Playford in his
book “The English Dancing Master,”
published in 1651. Today, square
dancing is the official dance of 19 states,
including Texas, and is a dance form
enjoyed worldwide. In some countries,
it is considered “folk dancing.”
Square dancing is a smoke free and
alcohol free activity that emphasizes
sociability, cooperation and following
directions. Perhaps if our politicians
were to learn a few basic steps, our
government would get something done.
Each square consists of eight people.
Dancers follow the directions of a
caller. In the case of the Sun City Texas
Sundancers, that caller is likely to be
Brad Caldwell. A dynamic, funny and
observant man, Brad has served as caller
since the club’s inception 18 years ago.
If you don’t feel like dancing, it’s worth
coming to a Sundancers gathering just
to listen. Brad is entertaining all on his
own, and who knows? You may just find
your feet guiding you out onto the floor.
Good reasons to consider taking up
square dancing include:
• It’s amental exercise! Learning steps,
following the caller and remembering
right from left all keep your brain
engaged.
• You’ll get physical exercise moving
around the floor.
• It’s a social experience! Get out,
meet new people and, just maybe,
find yourself reacquainted with your
spouse. (When is the last time you got
all that from watching “Hoarders.”)
From September through late March
and early April, the Sundancers offer
square dancing lessons each Monday
from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Those who
complete the lessons are celebrated
with a graduation party in the spring.
Lessons cost $50 a person, and though
it is not required, most folks who take
the lessons join the club.
Members dance on Mondays from
7-9 p.m. Club dues are $12 annually,
and there is an additional $3 fee for
all regular dances. In September, the
club holds a fun night open to everyone,
inviting all Sun City Texas residents
to observe what the club is up to.
Nonmembers are also welcome to drop
in on up to three dances before joining,
if they’d like to test the waters.
To contact the club, you can call James
or Jeanne Blackwell at 512-863-7381 or
email them at blackwellj@suddenlink.
net. If the hospitality of the folks I spoke
to is any measure of how comfortable
you’ll feel, it’s definitely worth taking
this group for a spin!
Paired with Angels:
The Sundancers
By Mike Gullickson
PHOTO BY SHERRY MCRAE
The Sundancers Club, made up of square dancers and round dancers, hold regular dances in the Social Center’s ballroom
and the Activities Center’s atrium of Sun City Texas. Members and nonmembers are invited to attend the dances.
