Just give it a whirl

This story first appeared in Prestige - May 2024, a biannual special section distributed in The Gazette dedicated to Iowans 55+.

It’s become more of a challenge, but a dedicated group of local residents keeps a centuries-old social tradition alive, while helping their own fitness.

“We’re just tickled to death if somebody just acts like they’re interested,” said Sharon Scherbaum. “It’s such a friendly group, and it’s good for your health and very social.”

Scherbaum, of northeast Cedar Rapids, is president of the Rapid Eights Square and Round Dance Club, formed decades ago to promote “happiness, friendship and fitness for all ages through the wonderful world of modern square dance and round dance." The club’s monthly meetings — essentially a square-dance session with refreshments and often a theme — have seen fewer members, but those who remain are dedicated to their art, even if it means more travel than it once did.

“We’ve got another club that comes down from the Cedar Falls-Waterloo area, and we go up there to support their group,” said Scherbaum, 79. “Ten years ago, we had six clubs in the Cedar Rapids-Marion area. You could go dance every night of the week. We’re down to the one and only club.”

“It’s an actual dance,” said Sylvia Jerome, the group’s treasurer. “Other clubs come. We have theme dances. We have round dancing too, and we’re going to try to get in some line dancing.”

Line dancing would be something of a return to square dancing’s roots. The style evolved from the contra dance, featuring long lines of couples. Square dancing contains elements of contra dancing — notably the caller who directs dancers’ actions — with four couples arranged in a square.

Members of the Rapid Eights Square and Round Dance Club pose for a photo during a themed dance. Submitted photo.

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Members of the Rapid Eights Square and Round Dance Club gamble during a Vegas-themed dance. Submitted photo.

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Many Americans first encountered the form in high school, where square dancing was a common wintertime lesson in physical education classes. It’s the official dance of 31 states (Iowa not included).

While usually accompanied by country or bluegrass, square dancing can incorporate more contemporary music, with dancers following the caller’s instructions. It's spontaneous, as dancers don't know what the next call will be — there are about a dozen basic calls.

“They like to take about eight weeks of once-a-week lessons to learn the different calls,” Scherbaum said. “But square dancers are so friendly. If they’re not with it, they help you in a friendly way.”

“If the caller says ‘We’re going to have a round for new people,’ he’ll have simpler calls,” Jerome said. “So you’re not overwhelmed right away.”

Club members have found their younger grandchildren can be enthusiastic square dancers.

“Their memory is so good, they catch on right now,” Jerome said. “They just do.”

An evening of square dancing combines a casual but spirited physical activity with a chance to socialize, a winning combination for seniors.

“It’s better than going on a treadmill,” said Jerome, 66. “And the muscle memory takes over.”

“It makes you think, too, because you dance with different callers and they come up with different things to make you think before you do the next move,” said Scherbaum, who’s danced for 40 years. “The good thing about square dancing is, it’s a social thing. Nobody tries to judge you or anything like that. While the music’s playing, it just kind of clicks after a while.”

Scherbaum recalls a club member who continued dancing despite heart problems that required him to wear a battery-powered defibrillator.

“They didn’t think he was going to live, and he loved square dancing,” she said. “The doctor down at the University (of Iowa) Hospital said, ‘What have you been doing?’ He said, ‘Square dancing.’ They said, ‘Keep it up.’ We have people that have had hip replacements and knee replacements. They had a reason to go through that therapy and that pain.”

While dedicated square dancers can often be spotted for their western-style wardrobes with string ties and elaborate skirts, “it’s not a requirement,” Jerome said. “You can wear street clothes, but people like to wear their skirts, and men have the matching shirts and ties.”

“They have square dancing shoes, but you can wear anything,” Scherbaum said. “Wood floors are always the best to dance on. We’ve tried dancing on carpeting, but it’s not good for your joints.”

In addition to its monthly meetings, the Rapid Eights host two or three public sessions a year with interactive demonstrations for newcomers. The next demonstration is set for 4 p.m. June 21 at English Pavilion in Marion’s Thomas Park. There’s a $7 donation to dance, to cover caller Tom Manning’s travel from the Burlington area, but it’s free to watch.

The group’s regular monthly meetings are held the third Friday of the month at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1260 29th St. in Marion. In July, those meetings will move to the American Legion post at 3275 Otter Rd., Toddville. For more information, call Scherbaum at 319-329-4467.

“Just give it a whirl,” Jerome said. “No pun intended.”