Cariboo Squares
Location: 100 Mile House, BC Canada
Website: facebook groupː https://www.facebook.com/groups/468301285834084
Started: 2024
Admitted to IAGSDC:
Status: Active
History:
Classes:
Club Caller[s]: Patrick Aubert
Levels: SSD-MS
Dance Location[s]:
Fly-Ins Hosted:
Conventions Hosted:
Ephemera: Local newspaper article about the founding of the clubː https://www.100milefreepress.net/community/square-dancing-poised-to-make-comeback-in-south-cariboo-7477933
Square dancing poised to make comeback in South Cariboo
The newly formed Cariboo Squares are offering two free introductory classes
100 Mile Free Press
Patrick Davies
Aug 14, 2024
So long as you can smile and move your feet, you can square dance.That's the message that Patrick Aubert has been spreading around the South Cariboo since becoming a trained square dancing caller. Along with his wife Lee, Aubert founded the Cariboo Squares last month, a new square dancing group for couples and singles.
"It's a lot of fun, people don't judge you and you can square dance even if your musical ability is mediocre. You don't have to carry a tune," Aubert said. "As long as you can walk and you can smile, you can square dance."
To help get the club off the ground and attract new dancers, Aubert is offering two free introductory lessons on Sunday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Lone Butte Community Hall from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Aubert said participants don't need to pre-register for these classes and can just show up on one of the days to learn.
He noted the Cariboo Squares is affiliated with both the BC Square and Round Dance Federation, the Canadian Square and Round Dance Society and the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs.
Aubert said for most of his life square dancing has been a favourite pastime of his. Growing up in Montreal Aubert watched his parents square dancing regularly but didn't get into it himself until he moved to Toronto and was looking for an activity to do. Aubert soon developed a love for square dancing and even met his wife Lee while dancing.
"I was just looking for something to do and my parents square danced so I grew up it around me. A lot of people I've talked to were exposed to square dancing in high school or primary school but I never did (that)," Aubert said. "I enjoy the social aspect of square dancing."
Like many things, however, square dancing was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Aubert said in the past there used to be square dancing groups in 100 Mile House and Lac La Hache but both have since folded. Since moving to the South Cariboo he and Lee have largely danced on their own, outside of attending the annual International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs annual convention.
This year he decided to change that and attended caller school this July to learn the basics of calling. He and Lee then formed the Cariboo Squares at the beginning of this month and started spreading the word.
"There is square dancing in Kamloops but (the barrier) is primarily the drive and the climate. Driving at night in the winter is not something a lot of people want to do. It certainly wasn't something we really wanted to do," Aubert remarked. "We want to be able to bring the activity to 100 Mile and allow the people in this community to have access to it."
Aubert and Lee have already talked to several people about the Cariboo Squares and have received positive feedback so far. Most people seem at least interested in trying it out which he finds encouraging.
Traditionally Aubert said most clubs require square dancers to come with a partner be it a spouse, partner or friend. He is modelling his club off of a gay/lesbian club he joined as a young man where no partner was required and singles were welcomed.
"That allowed anyone to get involved and that's what we're trying to focus on in the Cariboo. We are trying to be as inclusive as possible," Aubert said. "There's an ability to socialize and dance with different people. You can switch partners after every tip and get to know people in a different way. Dancing with different partners also strengthens your dancing ability because everyone dances at different levels."
After the two free introductory classes in Lone Butte, Aubert said he plans to host 12 classes in 100 Mile House at Revelry Art and Dance from September to December. Final prices for these classes are still being decided with Aubert inviting people to come try it first and then talk to him about signing up for the classes. He can be reached for more information at info@cariboosquares.ca.
"If you want to have fun, meet new people and stay active, come and give square dancing a try. It will fulfil all three of those goals."
Photos
Club Caller Patrick Aubert
