What would you say if there was a great way to socialize with great like minded people and get a great cardiovascular work out at the same time. Would that make you sit up and take notice?

There are clubs where you can spend less than $10.00 per person, to socialize and get up to 3 hours of exercise at least once a week. They encourage you to come with a partner, but singles are not dissuaded. As a matter of fact there are clubs that encourage singles.

Uniforms are not required a good pair of shoes is helpful though. Most of the clubs offer refreshments approximately half way through the evening. There is always time to socialize and make new friends. Oh and did I mention the great exercise?

This marvelous activity has been around since your grandparents were youngsters. They discovered that even though they had less leisure time than we do today, they needed an activity that could combine the above mentioned benefits. It is called "Modern Square and Round Dancing". Yes that group of old fogies (your grandparents) was young and vital once. How did they stay that way? They went to dances once a week. Met friends, had a great time and came home for a good night's sleep, because they got a great workout while having fun.

Things have changed since your grandparents were young. They danced to some pretty funky tunes in those days. Now a days Square and Round dance callers and cuers belong to "BMI" and "ASCAP"* and have access to some pretty up to date music. Not even your dad's oldies but goodies. It's not all Western Style music any more.

There is even a challenge involved. In order to become proficient at square and round dancing, you need to attend some beginner lessons. The lessons are light and easy and designed for enjoyment rather than difficult work. There are many square and round dance clubs that offer beginner lessons. Most start at the beginning of the season (September) some start in January. Some classes start at different times of the year. These clubs offer free fun nights to get you started. The lessons teach you the fundamentals and you get to practice them at actual dances while you are learning.

So what's the problem? Are you just so wiped out that you can't get up the energy? When you finish a night of dancing, you are energized and feel great. Your endorphins are flowing which make you happy. You will go home and get that elusive "good nights sleep".

One more benefit that you can derive from Square and Round Dancing, every year you can choose to take a weekend vacation. The New England Square and Round Dance Convention is held in April each year. Talk about socializing, usually there are over 1000 dancers at these events. They come from all over New England and some even travel from other states and Canada.

In addition a lot of clubs have "weekends" thru the season. These are usually smaller groups that just want a weekend away. Held at various places in our area, they are a great get away. Oh yea, did I mention that you get great exercise for 2 ½ days. The point is if you are looking for a way to get exercise, socialize with a great bunch of people all for short money, square and round dancing may be the answer.

For more information you can go to www.dosado.com for a list of clubs and organizations in your neighborhood. In addition you can go to www.sdne.freeservers.com/edsarda the home for the organization that represents dancers in this great activity.