SOUTH SHORE SQUARES

The closure of both Sunrise Squares and LaHave River Ramblers left no square dancing west of Halifax.

Through an initiative of Paul and Cathy Langille, space was rented at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre (LCLC) to coincide with an indoor Christmas Market in 2017. Enough people from the former clubs, and market and library attendees, encouraged us that square dancing could sustain itself.

South Shore Squares (SSS) became the name of the group, with Alan Parker as Caller and teacher making the trek from Dartmouth to Bridgewater weekly until end of March 2018. Laurie Illsley took over Calling/teaching in April 2018 with his wife Wilma “filling in” squares and assisting dancers through the maneuvers. In May, Laurie graduated 7 couples at the Basic level.

South Shore Squares had outgrown the LCLC meeting room, but in September 2018 a new home was found at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 78 Alexandra Ave., Bridgewater.

On March 13, 2020, South Shore Squares was abruptly interrupted by Covid-19 mandates, restarting again in September, 2022, and only with the support of returning and newly interested dancers.

As the club has evolved, the signature event for South Shore Squares is the annual “Buccaneers’Bash”, held on the last week of April. Since 2019, with the exception of the covid years (2020, 2021, 2022) the “Bash” as it has become known, resumed in 2023 with guest Callers from the Maritimes.

South Shore Squares is represented at Seniors Expos, dances for Veterans at Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg, and senior residences/care facilities. South Shore Squares has partnered with senior groups in the Bridgewater area for 4-6 week intro to square dance sessions.

South Shore Squares dances Friday nights from September to May 7-9 p.m. at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 78 Alexandra Ave., Bridgewater. Contact administrators: Paul/Cathy Langille (902) 685-2366.

South Shore Squares is a member-run club with an administrator couple in consultation with the Caller.

Club members extend a warm welcome to all to participate in the joy of square dancing, meeting new friends and benefitting from body and brain workouts.