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| OHCC LIVING | FEBRUARY 2023 | 15 Village Squares The Village Squares kicked off the new year by recruiting new students and signing up returning dancers at Do Dues Day. We followed this on Jan. 20 with an Open House, having invited all residents of Ocean Hills to come join us for the evening to see what square dance is all about. Current members hosted the event, greeting guests and offering plenty of refreshments. We then had a demonstration of square dancing by some of our established dancers. Next, our dancers went out into the audience and invited the guests to join in learning some basic steps by dancing with experienced dancers. We had fun introducing newcomers to the fun and joy of dancing together to the calls of our talented caller, Mike Haworth. New classes began on Jan. 25. We hope to show our students that square dancing is fun and a great exercise for the mind and body, besides being a wonderful way to get acquainted with other friendly people. It's been said that square dancing is friendship set to music! If you missed out on the open house, there is still time to join, as Mike will be repeating the calls he has taught, and new students are welcome. Just show up at 6 pm on Wed., Feb. 1 or Feb. 8 in Abravanel Hall, and see for yourself what a great time we are having! Ballroom Dance The benefits of ballroom dancing are well documented. According to the Health Fitness Revolution magazine in their article titled "Top 10 Health Benefits of Ballroom Dancing," there are plenty of keys to happiness and dancing is definitely one of them. The article also states that ballroom dancing is a wonderful way for people from all walks of life to get in shape while also releasing their creative juices. This goes past merely benefiting your body to benefiting your state of mind and social connections. Dancing is a great social activity, and it has been proven that socializing regularly can have vast health benefits on self-esteem, stress, and even help prevent the onset of dementia. Join us at our Valentine's dance that will be held on Fri., Feb. 10, in Abravanel Hall from 7 to 9:45 pm. We will dance to the music of Musicstation, one of our most popular groups. The cost will be $15/ member or $20/non-member. Checks will be due by Fri., Feb. 3. The club sponsors weekly ballroom dance lessons. They are held each week on Wednesdays. Beginner lessons are at 2 pm and Intermediate lessons are at 3 pm in Abravanel Hall. The cost is $10 for both members and non-members. Pay at the door (no reservations required, just come). Carrie Kloss, a champion dancer, and professional instructor will provide the dance instruction. The Lesson Review and Practice Parties are held in Abravanel Hall from 2:30 to 4:30 pm each week on Mondays. Marvin and Lynn Wheeler, who are very experienced dancers, review Wednesday's lessons and provide help upon request. After the review, you can practice your dancing to a variety of ballroom music. The party is FREE, just drop in. These parties are open to all residents of OHCC and guests of members. The annual membership dues are $10 pp. With this membership you will receive regular emails describing club activities as well as discounts for dances and lessons. To join, just drop your check off at the front desk. Indicate your email address(s) on the check.