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Visalia's Sequoia Squares welcomes younger crowd

By Aldrich Tan/Staff writer

September 6, 2005

Tim Tolbert of Exeter eagerly swings his wife, Linda, around the dance floor. Her fluffy yellow prairie skirt twirls in the air.

The dance floor is packed with other couples, too. Laughter and smiles abound as dancers try out just-learned steps.

It's Tuesday, so it must be dance night for Visalia's Sequoia Squares.

"It's great exercise," Linda Tolbert says. "And the costumes are so much fun to wear."

While the dancers might feel youthful, there's a shortage of actual young people at the dances, president Ron Vigario said. With an average member age of 45, the club is offering free one-time dance lessons to draw in new couples.

Started in 1973, Visalia's Sequoia Squares attracts square-dancers from throughout the Valley, including Bakersfield and Fresno. But the group keeps up with the times, said Rick Hampton, a professional square-dance caller.

You won't hear the traditional "Turkey in the Straw" at the Sequoia Squares, he says.

"I've called to Vengaboys and Right Said Fred," he said. "The older fiddle music is hokey. I'm trying to be more welcoming to a younger crowd."

The caller choreographs the dance and calls out various dance moves that the dancers have learned and practiced over time, Hampton said.

"It's a language of its own," he said.

The calls can range from simple to silly. On this night, caller Rob Cunningham makes up a move called "The Bear," which involves dance partners standing back to back and rubbing each other. Laughter is guaranteed.

The dancers traditionally wear Western clothing, said Connie Whitfield, 81. Her pink necklace and flowing pink prairie skirt match the pink butterfly hairpin in her upswept hair.

"It takes me back to high school dances in the 1950s," she said.

Dancers also display badges of honor called "dangles" on their name badges.

Tonight, couples that dance to three different callers will receive a purple-heart dangle.

Florence Ramos, 56, and his wife, Judy, 50, have more than 50 dangles - but they don't wear all of them.

"Dancing with a long chain of dangles can be dangerous," said Judy Ramos, a cafeteria worker at Redwood High School.

Dangles are just a bonus for Ray Swanson, 45. The correctional officer from Coalinga said he comes to the dances to relieve stress.

"The day's stress quickly goes away when I'm dancing," he said.

Square dancing also offers a way to make new friends and potential life partners, participants say.

Mike Boni, 55, and his wife, Peggy, 48, met at the Southern California bachelor and bachelorette square dance in Torrance in 1979.

Now that their daughter Gina, 15, is old enough to take care of herself, the Bonis are excited to be back on the dance floor.

"It keeps me young," Mike Boni said.

The reporter can be reached at atan@visalia.gannett.com.

How to attend

What: Visalia's Sequoia Squares dance group

When: 7-10 p.m. Tuesdays; lessons available from 7-8:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 13

Where: PPAV Hall, 820 E. Main St.

Tickets: $5. First lesson is free.

Information: (559) 732-4996; registration available Sept. 13, 20 and 27
Section: Living
Page: 2D