Let’s Dance!—Readers Digest—March/April 2024 |
We came across a wonderful article in the March/April issue of
Reader’s Digest, “Let’s Dance” by Claire Sibonney. Scientifically, it
reinforces the benefits all our dancers know, but newcomers might not
be aware of…
Dancing is not only fun but very good for our health. Also, “for many
people, dance has become vital to their quality of life,” according to
David Leventhal, program director at the Mark Morris Dance for PD
programs.
To us in the dancing community, this is nothing new. Many of us see
this each time we walk out on the dance floor, dancing in squares or
rounds to our favorite callers, cuers, and music.
The article mentions that there is “growing evidence shows that dancing can boost
brain health and help manage symptoms of neurocognitive and movement
disorders.”
Helena Bluman, cognitive scientist at Albert Einstein College of
Medicine in New York City was quoted: “Dancing requires more brain
power than simpler repetitive exercises. It’s socially demanding,
cognitively demanding, and physically demanding.”
According to David Leventhal, program director at the Mark Morris
Dance for PD programs: “In dance we have to learn patterns, think
symmetrically and asymmetrically, we have to remember sequences.”
It is known that both white and grey matter decline as we get older
making communication in the brain lag and certain cognitive tasks such
as multi-tasking and problem-solving tougher.
A 2018 study by researchers at Otto van Guericke University in
Magdeburg, Germany, analyzed MRI scans of older adults who had
participated in one of two programs over a six-month period. One of
the groups practiced dance, the other group did a traditional exercise
program with cycling and strength training.
Findings:
Both groups improved their level of physical fitness, but the dancers
grew more white and gray matter in part of the brain responsible for
cognitive processes such as working memory, attention, and high-level
thinking.
Conclusion:
Dancers’ memory centers aren’t shrinking as quickly, improving their
overall quality of life and potentially reducing the risk of dementia.
MRI doesn’t measure social benefits, but we dancers already know that
regular gatherings with dancing friends makes a big difference in
well-being and outlook on life.
Dance-O-Rama #64—May 4, 2024 |
The Federation’s 64th Dance-O-Rama (DOR) was held on Saturday,
May 4, 2024, at the Perinton Recreation Center. It was very
successful, with 130 + in attendance. We all enjoyed dancing to
callers Mike Callahan, Jonathon Weiner, and cuer Alice Bubel. We
were happy to recognize 20 of our 2024 graduates who attended
DOR. This year our clubs’ classes have added 26 new dancers to
our dancing community. The Daphne-Norma Leadership Award,—the
highest honor awarded in our square dance community—was presented to
Linda and Glynn English, long-time members of the Cayuga Cut-Ups.
This year during the DOR 2024 program, the Federation recognized many
of our “behind the scenes” volunteers. This includes work behind the
scenes on the Promenader, the WNYF website, our insurance coverage,
our contracts, and the DOR committee. Each volunteer was given a “WNYF
Thanks You” dangle. Again, we thank each of our volunteers, whether
you have been volunteering for many years or this is your first
year. Without the dedication and support of our volunteers, we would
not have the wonderful dancing opportunities we enjoy in western New
York. This year, the DOR basket raffle and 50/50 were very
successful. We appreciate all the beautiful baskets the member clubs
donated to DOR 2024. Special thank you to everyone who participated in
DOR as volunteers, dancers, callers, cuers, etc. Without
everyone’s efforts, DOR would not happen.
Silver Squares was in need of a caller! |
Thank you, Denny Frey, from Batavia Silver Stars, for coming to our rescue. Denny was a hit with his vinyl records and vintage songs. We had five squares of extremely happy dancers. We hope he will join us again!!
Silver Squares—Presidents Day Dance—5/6/2024 |
We celebrated President’s Day with all our friends at Silver Squares. Four squares of happy dancers enjoyed dancing to our caller, Jim Gotta. Jo-Ann Baxter was dressed in her patriotic best. Thanks, Jo-Ann!
Silver Squares Soup, Sandwich & Salad Dance |
Soup was the word of the afternoon. Seven crockpots of delicious soups were shared at our Soup, Sandwich and Salad feast. In addition, we had a variety of other dishes plus desserts. Yes, we did dance too!!!! Thank you to our wonderful cooks and bakers.
Silver Squares St Pat’s Day Dance—3/11/24 |
What a day! We had an amazing St. Patrick’s Day dance with many dancers dressed in “their green.” Copy Cats came to steal their banner back and we also had PIE DAY. Ninety eight slices of absolutely delicious pies!!! Where else could you go to have so much fun??
Silver Squares Valentine’s Dance—2/12/2024 |
Valentine’s Day is always a special dance at Silver Squares. Lots of fun, pictures, dancing, and good food with friends!
Daphne-Norma Leadership Award 2024—DOR May 4, 2024 |
The Daphne-Norma Leadership Award was established 46 years ago. It is
the highest honor awarded in the Western New York Federation. Since
1977, this award has been given to a person or couple who have made
significant contributions toward fostering square dancing activities
in Western New York. The recipient each year is chosen on the basis of
accumulated nominations and letters of support from dancers. This is
primarily a “dancers” award.
At DOR 2024, with recent past recipients lined up beside them, Anne
Granger and Don Naulin, as recipients of the 2023 award, were honored
to present this year’s award to Linda and Glynn English, from
the Cayuga Cut-Ups.
Linda and Glynn English are a very special couple. They are always
willing and ready to do whatever is necessary to keep their dance club
alive and active. They work as a team and have both been members of
their dance club for many years. When you go to their club, you are
welcomed with a smile and friendliness that makes you want to come
back.
They worked tirelessly at keeping their club alive during the COVID 19
pandemic. During the club’s hiatus from dancing, they set up a
Zoom meeting so dancers could keep connected. When the club’s
dancing location became unavailable during the pandemic, he arranged
with his church to allow the club to dance. They helped their club to
always be well-sanitized and masked. Because of their efforts, their
club got back to and stayed dancing after only a few months.
Linda and Glynn reinstituted banner stealing in our area to increase
friendly competition between clubs. She always encourages other clubs
to join them at an annual event in August. She sends out weekly emails
and also e-cards for special occasions. They have both supported other
clubs by attending special Federation dances and they helped design
lawn signs promoting square dancing in general. For three summers,
they have made arrangements at an outdoor pavilion at a local
restaurant to increase public view of square dancing. They have
invited church members to join them at special square dance dinners
which has resulted in new members. They are quick to be angels and
help in any way.
They have worked as officers of their club, including president and
are currently serving as secretary. She has been serving as secretary
of the Western New York Federation for three years and the
Dance-O-Rama committee for three years. They are also active in their
community.
Some notable quotes from the nominations:
“Their enthusiasm and promotion of square dancing is admirable.”
“She has been a valuable asset to the Federation as Secretary for
our meetings and both have been a vital part in keeping their club
active and growing.”
“They have worked tirelessly to keep their club going and to recruit
new dancers&rdquo
“They are eminently deserving of the award and would be humbly
honored to receive it.”
We thank all those who submitted nominations, and we thank the
Daphne-Norma Selection Committee.
Twenty-six Graduates Join Rochester’s Square Dancing Community at DOR 2024 |
One of the many Dance-O-Rama highlights is the annual parade of
graduates. These are our new dancing friends who have completed the
past season of Mainstream Square Dance classes at clubs in our
Federation.
Many established dancers already know our new graduates—from serving
as class angels or from the season’s many “class/club”
dances.
Twenty of this year’s 26 graduates marched in the parade at DOR
2024, their official welcome into the Rochester-area dancing
community.
The June Promenader issue is our opportunity to congratulate this
year’s graduates by name.
2024 Square Dance Graduates:
Cloverleaf Squares
Clayton Wing—Wednesday, May 22, 2024 |
Clayton passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, after a short battle with Lymphoma.
Services were held Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 1pm at the West Bloomfield Congregational Church, 9035 State Route 5 and 20, Rev. Corey Keyes officiating. Burial—West Bloomfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in memory of Clayton.
Comments from square dancers
Clayton was an active square dancer and square dance caller. For many years he was a reliable participant in the periodic Amateur Caller nights hosted alternately by the Village Squares and the Cloverleaf Squares. Clayton always had a smile on his face and a friendly word to say.
Clayton and I called together at Relaxed Squares, and he preceded me
as Dalton Gang’s caller before he went to Florida.
I will always remember the twinkle in his eye when his playful side
came out on the dance floor.
Since Grand Squares was a small club, we always appreciated guests.
Clayton was a frequent guest and came not only with a willingness to
dance with anyone who lacked a partner (mostly women, but on one
occasion to be George's partner, when we were short on women). He was
always early, so would lend a hand with set up, if needed. And along
with his smile, he usually came bearing a box of donut holes.
“Referring to one of his Amateur Caller Night appearances, the
Village Squares’ Club News in the May, 1999, Promenader
reported that Clayton called a rollicking version of Proud
Mary.”
“As reported in the June 2013 Promenader, Clayton was one of
the winners in the Federation’s ‘Gone Dancing’
promotion. This was a contest to encourage dancers to reach outside
their ‘home club’ and dance at other clubs during the
winter months—December through March. Other winners racking up
the most ‘away dance signatures’ were Clayton’s
partner Donna Smart, Dave Jacobs, and class dancers Rick and Donna
LaDonna, Karen Olmsted and Teresa Coast.”