WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
They call themselves Friendship Squares.
Despite constant movement, the square dancing is low impact on the body.
The Friendship Squares invited Dawndy Mercer-Plank to "do-si-do," "promenade" and "swing" with them, which offered a few laughs.
Ron Rutz is the caller. A job he felt called to quite a while back.
"That's embarrassing," said Rutz. "32 years I've been at this. I started square dancing back in 1964."
Over the years, in square dancing the outfits have remained colorful and fun. Something former WIS TV manager proudly touted. Former WIS Chief Engineer John Augustine was wearing hot pink.
"Everybody accuses me of that, but I keep saying it's red," he said.
John and his wife, Lalone, find the social aspect as beneficial as the physical.
The quick directional changes keep the body in shape. And the mind.
"Square dancing is like just walking along but at the same time you're exercising," said Rutz. "And also at the same time we exercise the gray matter."
Every evening of dancing is dedicated in prayer. And the Pledge of Allegiance is proudly said with special recognition for the military.
As the movements increase the heart rates, the hand clapping and toe tapping contributes to the euphoria. Which helps negotiate a power struggle.
"There are times when the woman is the leader, takes over," said Lalone Augustine. "Because that's the way the way the move is."
The get-togethers attract all athletic abilities and all ages.
"We have some young girls here about nine or ten years old," said Rutz. "And our oldest person that we're aware of is eighty-three."
Family. Friendships. Faith. Fellowship. And fitness that is fun.
Copyright 2012 WIS. All rights reserved.
Dawndy Mercer-Plank square dancing for fitness
