Square dancing fun for all ages

 Square dancing is far from being a pastime only for older people, according to the organizers of Fiddleworks.

The non-profit traditional Scottish and Irish music organization, based in Chelmsford, is hosting a square dance with top international talent Jan. 8 at Club 50, 25 Main St. W., Chelmsford, at 7 p.m.

Fiddler Julie Schryer of Sault Ste. Marie, along with some family members, dance caller Dan Gorno of Michigan, and the Lemelin family of Sudbury will be featured.

Tickets are selling fast, fiddler and organizer Paul Lemelin said.

“This is the first time we have done this. We wanted the younger generation to see how much fun it can be,” said Lemelin, who is only 27 himself. “Square dancing is a blast.”

He said a square dance he attended on St. Joseph's Island (near Sault Ste. Marie) recently attracted a fair number of younger people.

“Quite a few couples had no idea how to square dance. Dan (Gorno) explained every dance before he called them. By the end of the evening they were dancing really well. They followed the calls,” Lemelin said.

Fiddleworks secretary Chantal Dalcourt was also at the event.

“A lot of younger people were there,” Dalcourt said. She said square dancing is a good way to have a physical workout, but noted that it was really all about having a good time. She is only 33 years old herself.

“They were there to have fun. It was a family event. Everyone can take part.”

Top talent has been recruited for the Friday event in Chelmsford..

“Dan Gorno is one of the best square dance callers in the northeast,” said Lemelin.

“Julie Schryer is well known in the fiddle community. She has toured in Ireland, the East Coast and much of Ontario.”

Lemelin has been playing the fiddle since he was four years old. He encourages more young people to come out and enjoy traditional music and entertainment such as fiddling, step dancing and square dancing.

If young people don't take an interest, these forms of entertainment may be lost, he said.

Admission to the event is $10, $5 students, children under 12 free. Tickets are only available in advance. Phone 562-7997.