By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

If you’re good, you can “do-si-do” and “swing your partner.”

But if you’re really good you can “box the gnat,” “slip the clutch,” or even “pass the ocean.”

Dozens of Ann's Choice residents are getting on the dance floor to try their hands at the country art of square dancing.

“It’s really a social thing,” says Ginny Reaske, a resident at Ann’s Choice.

Reaske, an avid dancer and professional “caller,” recently began teaching a class on square dancing to other interested residents.

“You can’t do it without other people,” she says. “And you can’t do it without getting to meet wonderful new friends. Everyone is so friendly; I think that is really a big part of the draw.”

A history of boot-scootin’
Reaske has been square dancing since 1964. She enjoyed the hobby so much that she decided to learn more and take calling classes so she could learn all the moves and lead the dances herself.

Soon she was pulled into her hobby even deeper. Before moving to Ann’s Choice she called two or three dances per week.

“It’s something that I’ve been involved with for years,” she says. “And it’s good on so many levels—in addition to the social side, you have to listen to the calls, react accordingly, and it helps to keep you going to burn those  calories,” she says with a smile.

And despite only recently moving to Ann’s Choice, she has already called and participated in a number of dances around Warminster. Now she’s sharing her passion with more than 30 residents each week who want to give it a try.

Benefits beyond friendship
“It’s fun!” class member Connie Olinsky says. She has been square dancing for years as well. “I love to do it. It keeps you sharp both physically and mentally. But you don’t have to be a great athlete or a great dancer, either. If you can walk and listen, you can square dance.”