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About Wallowa County chieftain. (Enterprise, Wallowa County, Or.) 1943-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 7, 2018)
A8 Community wallowa.com February 7, 2018 Wallowa County Chieftain LEFT, Anand Arupo of Joseph and Rusty Hogg of Enterprise found themselves hand-in-hand Jan. 20 at the Old-Time Community Dance at Hurricane Creek Grange Hall. The monthly dances are sponsored by Wallowa Valley Music Alli- ance. CENTER, Ingrid and David Cook of Joseph build a bridge. RIGHT, Kristin Caine and Caleb Sheahan of Enterprise work their way through a dance. Dancers range in age from preschool children to senior citizens. DECADE OF DANCING Young and old kick up their heels monthly Story and photos by Paul Wahl Chieftain editor O ne Saturday night each month, the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance creates dance-central for those who enjoy old-time dancing. The community dance pro- gram kicked off its 10th year Jan. 20. “Every month we get new dancers coming to try it out,” said Laura Skovlin, who coordinates the sessions. “We keep the dances at more of an entry level to accommodate all ages and abilities.” Between 50 and 80 dancers show up for square and circle dances, reels, contras, waltzes and polkas with Skovlin pro- viding instruction. Contra dance is a folk dance made up of long lines of cou- ples and reels feature dancers performing traveling figures alternating with “setting” steps danced in one place. “For me, it’s all about the infectious, high-energy live music and seeing a room full of smiling faces,” Skovlin said. “It’s what keeps me doing it.” Music is provided by an open band, meaning anyone who is able to read chord charts and keep good time can join. Larry Richerson, left, and Brian Oliver of Joseph along with Carolyn Lochert of Lostine were part of the band keeping it lively at the Old-Time Community Dance Jan. 20. Fiddler Caleb Samples has been the band’s mainstay for years. Other musicians include John Raines of Wallowa on guitar, Rusty Woods of Enterprise on the upright bass and Mike Ragsdale, Marcia Malstrom, Larry Richerson and Brian Oliver, all of Joseph and all guitarists. Laura Skovlin has been the organizer and caller for the monthly Old- Time Com- munity Danc- es for the past 10 years. “Last month we only had a band of three, but they sounded tight and put out plenty of sound,” Skovlin said. Occasionally a mandolin, banjo or concertina player will throw in. Sometimes more than one fiddler walks through the door. “It’s a good way for a beginning musician to practice playing tunes over and over, as the dances can be up to 10 minutes long,” Skovlin noted. No special clothing is required. Participants should wear comfortable shoes. “Unlike modern western square dance with the matching outfits, this kind of dancing requires no partner or special get- ups,” Skovlin said. “It is a great opportunity to learn some- thing new, to meet new people in a safe environment and get some exercise.” There is usually a table of donated snacks, and water is provided. Admission is $5 per person, children under 12 are admitted free. The next dance is Feb. 17 at the Odd Fellows Hall in Enterprise. Dances are listed in the Chieftain commu- nity calendar. Volunteers are being recruited to help run the program. Call Skovlin at 541-398-0800. ALPINE HOUSE Assisted Living Make Your Home at Alpine House • Apartments with small kitchenettes • • 24 hour staffing • Medication assistance and health monitoring • • 3 Homemade meals • Beauty Salon • Church fellowship • • Exercise and Activity Programs • ONE BEDROOM AND STUDIO APARTMENTS AVAILABLE NOW • CALL OR COME BY FOR A TOUR 204 NORTH PARK STREET • JOSEPH, OR 97846 • 541-432-7402 • alpinejp@yahoo.com