They may be dedicated to squares but the Northern Twisters have seen plenty of round numbers and the latest one makes them officially diamond.
The Northern Twisters Square Dance Club is about to celebrate their 60th anniversary. It makes them one of the oldest cultural groups in the city and, despite ebbs and wanes in social habits over the decades, they still promenade into new seasons of lessons and performances.
Now they are taking a few days to celebrate, rejuvenate and look back at their success. Looking Back is the official theme of their 60th anniversary jamboree coming up June 2-4.
"Because of that number we're at, we would really like to get at least 60 people out to our 60th anniversary event," said Don Hollis, a member of the Northern Twisters since 1993 and one of the group's guest callers/cuers. "We have special theme dances throughout the year, but this is the biggest one in a long time. It's something we've been building towards. It will bring us some special guests, get us socializing, keep things fresh and liven the club up."
The special guests are familiar to local square dancers from past special occasions. Murray Few and Jerry Jestin are two of the world's best dance callers, each of them with more than 50 years of experience. They are the VIPs who will take turns leading the dance action at the anniversary jamboree.
"If you can walk, you can square dance. You don't have to worry about having 'two left feet' as they say," said Gys Koops, the local club's longtime chief caller. He joined the Northern Twisters in 1982 almost reluctantly and definitely just as a dancer. He laughs now about how foreign the idea was in his head, back then, about taking the microphone and being the voice calling out the moves as they flow along on the dance floor.
Once Koops got used to the moves (it didn't take long), he became a fan of the genre and that led him to help out with some demonstrations on the side, showing a few moves to community associations, and stepping in to help when needed.
It eased him almost without noticing into the position of caller. By 1996 he was winning the city's Recreation Award of Merit for outstanding service to the community through the arts.
Koops is not alone in his longtime involvement. In fact, he's still one of the young ones. Irene Rigler, Myrtle Nesbit, Muriel Robinson, Lavinia Ouellet, Ray Lougheed, Maurice Mingay and Hollis are all listed as group members over the age of 80.
"It's a genial group. You get lots of support," said Hollis, encouraging others to join, no experience necessary. "Everyone is helpful, and those who do come out always find out they've enjoyed themselves. It's a great way to get to know people, keep moving but not overworking anyone, and using your brain. You have to listen for the calls, so you're never just going through the motions. And we love to teach people how all that works."
Anyone who'd like to get a good look at square dancing is encouraged to check out the Northern Twisters 60th anniversary jamboree. It's happening at the Hart Pioneer Centre. Anyone can participate in the dance action for $60 for the whole weekend. You can also purchase the jamboree dinner tickets for $20 each, and there is also a Sunday breakfast option for $8 and dry camping or billeting possibilities for those coming in from out of town.
The club also hold weekly drop-in dancing at Knox United Church each Monday at 7 p.m.
For more information look up the group's website or Facebook page.
