It’s not about the petticoats or the fiddle music—though they’re wonderful. It’s about the moment you step into the square, hand in hand with a stranger, and by the end of the tip, you’ve found a friend.

The Forest Junction Community Hall on a lively Friday night. (Photo: Forest Junction Gazette)

You hear it before you see it: the cheerful patter of a caller, the rhythmic scrape of shoes on polished wood, and bursts of laughter that spill out the doors of the old Community Hall. In an age where connection is often mediated by screens, a growing crowd in Forest Junction is finding something real, something tactile, in the age-old tradition of square dance.

"I came for the dancing, but I stayed for the people. After my first ‘Allemande Left,’ I wasn't just learning a step—I was being welcomed into a fold."

More Than Just Steps

Modern square dance, especially the clubs blossoming in towns like ours, has shed its strictly-historical skin. Here at the Forest Junction Swing-Your-Partners, you’ll find teachers, engineers, retirees, and students, all moving to a blend of traditional reels and surprising modern tunes. The caller might guide you through a classic "Promenade" to a folk song, then seamlessly switch to a "Spin Chain the Gears" set to an upbeat pop track. It’s this playful fusion that breaks the ice.

But the magic isn't just in the music. It’s in the necessary cooperation. You have to hold hands. You must make eye contact. You are literally and metaphorically moving in sync with seven other people. In a square, your success depends on everyone else’s, creating an instant, low-pressure camaraderie. There’s no room for pretense when you’re all trying to remember if you’re the "corner" or the "partner."

Your Square Dance Family Awaits

What makes the Forest Junction group special is its intentional focus on community. There’s no "clique" here. Newcomers, or "Angels" as they’re affectionately called, are paired with seasoned dancers. There’s a potluck dinner every month where the only requirement is to bring a story. They’ve organized yard clean-ups for elderly members, celebrated graduations and new jobs, and yes, even mourned losses together.

It’s a chosen family, built on a foundation of do-si-dos and swing-throughs.

Ready to Find Your Corner?

The Forest Junction Swing-Your-Partners club meets every Friday at 7 PM in the Community Hall. Absolute beginners are celebrated! The first two visits are free, and loaner skirts and kerchiefs are available. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a smile.

No partner needed. In square dance, your partner is the whole room.

Get the Next Dance Schedule

The Call of Connection

In a world that can feel fragmented, the simple, structured joy of square dance offers a powerful antidote. It’s a place where you are seen, you are needed, and you are literally touched by your community. It’s exercise for the body, a puzzle for the mind, and a balm for the soul.

So, if you’ve been feeling a little untethered, maybe it’s time to heed the call. Walk down to the hall on a Friday night. Take a deep breath, step inside, and offer your hand. You might just find your square, and in it, your family.

See you on the dance floor.


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