I’ve been square dancing since I was in grade school, as most people my age can remember. Modern square dancing is a newer event in my life, beginning when I lived in Dallas and took my Mainstream course.

Since then, it’s become almost a way of life.

Square dancing is a way to connect with people. We all “thank our squares” at the end of each tip, and we thank our callers at dances and club nights. We are, after all, social animals.

Square dancing is a way to get exercise. I’ve always been a hiker and outdoors enthusiast. Part of the way to amaze your friends who hike but don’t square dance is to set the pace up a mountainside, or carry more than others can as your portage a canoe. Dancing has helped keep me fit and healthier, and no doubt my cholesterol is better because of it.

Square dancing is much better activity than watching television. Aren’t there better things to do than watch reruns of “Desperate Housewives”? Are you sure you need to watch all the contestants throughout “Grease” or “The Great Race”?

Square dancing is a way to make great friends beyond the connections you can make. I’ve met wonderful people who’ll be friends for the rest of my life, even if we both no longer dance. Square dancing, indeed, is now a part of me.