Square dancers from across the region converged on Northdale Middle School last weekend for the 44th annual "Mid Winter Magic" put on by Swingmasters, the square dance callers association in Minnesota.
"Each caller has their own style so if you get to a lot of dances that have a caller you are really familiar with and you really like, it's a really fun time," said Julie Bittner, co-president of Hotfoot Stompers.
Les Marier is a member of Hotfoot Stompers, a local square dance club that uses Northdale Middle School as its home base. "This event is tailored towards newer dancers so people who have just gone through the first half of lessons are here."
Anna Soland, co-president of Hotfoot Stompers, really enjoys the social aspect of square dancing. Her husband now hits the dance floor, too.
"He was like well since square dancing is obviously a big part of your life and probably will continue to be, I should probably learn and so now he's out there having a blast too," Soland said.
Organizers say square dancing isn't just for the older generation. Kids as young as five take part and those involved hope more youth will join the fun.
"They have a great time, we have a lot of home school students that are getting involved and they get the word around to each other," Marier said. "They all come together and they do a lot of high energy dancing around and they really enjoy it."
If you'd like to get involved, many square dance clubs including Hotfoot Stompers offer free lessons in the fall. For more information, go to www.trydancingnow.com.