The High Mountain Squares dance the first, third, and fifth Fridays on the month at the Macon County Community Building in Franklin.
Square dancing was once a vital part of social gatherings in America. While it has certainly dipped in popularity over the years, there are still people working to keep the square dancing community alive and thriving. One such group is High Mountain Squares out of Macon County.
JoAnne Roesner, DVM, said she has been able to find her community through High Mountain Squares.
“Square dancing is friendship set to music,” Roesner said.
Modern square dancing continues an American tradition, where the dancers are taught the moves and the moves are then called out during the sets. Roesner said the group works to keep square dancing welcoming and family friendly, welcoming dancers of any background.
“Being part of a club means that you are part of a community where people care and are there for you,” Roesner said.
She also said square dancing promotes fitness and mental stimulation, which can help prevent conditions like dementia, and it can help with one’s own care for their body.
“It’s a gentle exercise for those who may not be able or want to go to the gym,” Roesner said. She said two hours of square dancing can be equivalent to walking about four miles.
Roesner said High Mountain Squares helps those completely new to the sport get comfortable with the moves. Moves may be intricate, but there are moves callers can use to direct any skill level of dancers. Learning the moves was initially difficult and took practice, but Roesner, who formerly had no experience with dancing, now feels confident hearing the moves called out.
“People are very understanding when you’re learning,” she said. “They want you to do well and they try to help you.”
High Mountain Squares dances the first, third and fifth Fridays of the month at the Macon County Community Building 1288 Georgia Road in Franklin. Dances start at 6:15 p.m. The next square dance lessons start August 5th and run until October 28 on Monday nights from 6:30 until 8:30. The first two lessons are free but the rest is $50 for the entire course. High Mountain Squares can be found at highmountainsquares.org or on Facebook.