After 45 Years, Town ‘N’ Country Square Dancing Club Hasn’t Lost A Step!
Town ‘N’ Country Square Dancing club has been in Moose Jaw for 45 years. Established in 1972, square dancers continue to put smiles on people’s faces across the province with their energetic dance numbers and calling. The club recently celebrated their 45th anniversary on October 16 which also honoured Ken and his wife Joyce Lee for their impact on Town ‘N’ Country Square Dancing which has made a mark in the community. President of Town ‘N’ Country Square Dancing, Bill Smith says Ken had a longstanding impact of the success of the club. Ken passed away in 2003 but his work at the Square Dancing Club in Moose Jaw is honoured by his club members. “When we started Square Dancing, Ken and Joyce Lee’s names were synonymous with Town ‘N’ Country Squares. This club was their baby. Ken started calling while in university in 1947. He was given the class credit for that activity. His first club was in Brownlee. Joyce joined the team in the 1970s. The also called regularly at Chaplin, Hodgeville, Valley View, MJ Airbase and also did wheelchair calling.”
An announcement was made in 1973 which invited everyone to Square Dance classes at Prince Arthur School under the support of the Continuing Education Branch of Sask. The executive at the time included Clare and Karen Pickerell, Loyd and Bev Sellers, Bob and Louis McDougal and Lawrence and Erie Champion. Ken and Joyce did guest calling across the Prairies as well as Montana. They also taught and cued round dance. Joyce use to call the occasional tip. “We danced with the Lees in a number of schools; William Grayson, St Margaret, Prince Arthur, Lindale, St Agnus, St Michael and Riverview. We’ve entertained in nursing homes (Pioneer Lodge Providence Place Extended Care). We’ve danced in barns belonging to Herman Gross, Geo Forsythe and Any Schmidt.” Town ‘N’ Country Square dancers also danced on a float in the Moose Jaw Fair Parade for many years, also Sidewalk Days and the Wild Animal Park. They have also danced at churches. “Ken Lee passed away in 2003. We were lucky to have Val and Lane Wright take over as callers. We’ve continued to use St Margaret School. We continue to entertain at schools, senior facilities, Sukanen Museum, Sidewalk Days and guest calling around the province. Jeanette Way cued round dance for us for a few years which we appreciate.” Joyce still continues to dance.
He says Town ‘N’ Country will carry on with its activities to entertain and put smiles on people’s faces. They recently danced in the Canada Day 150 celebrations twice: Crescent Park and Cosmos Seniors Center. Bill says anyone can become part of the club. “We are a large family at the club who supports each other during good times and bad.” He is encouraging younger people to join the fun activity which he says will keep them very active. Currently, there are 30 members in the club. They meet every Monday at 7pm at Ecole St Margaret. For more information on how you can get involved, Call Bill and May Smith at 306-6926177.