DICE HILL SQUARES
In January 2004, the second attempt to organize a square dance group in Ardoise proved to be successful. Caller Bruce Savage was coaxed to drive out to the Ardoise Community Recreation Centre on Thursday nights to teach an eager group of new dancers how to enjoy themselves doing modern square dancing. Fourteen people had a great time learning the basic movements that starts everyone on the journey through a life of square dancing! The couples and paired-up singles were soon well on the way to completing the first program and graduation in the Fall.
Under Bruce's guidance, the new dancers learned not only the square dance movements, but also some of the customs and traditions of the activity. It was soon obvious that the new dancers should create a name for the group. About 12 suggestions were voted down to one choice - "Dice Hill Squares". The title Dice Hill, refers to the traditional name for the 3km long hill, where the Community Hall is located, beside Highway 1 leading to Windsor from Bedford/Sackville. Legend has it that when British soldiers were posted at the foot of the hill to guard the only road from Windsor to Halifax in early colonial times, they occupied their time by playing dice. There are many square dancers living in the Annapolis Valley who recall driving through mountainous snowdrifts on Dice Hill as they made their way to Halifax many years ago.
With a name selected, the next step was to decide on a logo. The choices were drafted by one of the new dancers and by majority vote the selection was made. Finally, it was decided that there should be a special dance held at the end of the dance year; to invite dancers from other clubs; and to create a special theme for the event. Since Mulberry trees are usually in full bloom throughout the area at the end of May, the group decided to hold the first Dice Hill Squares Mulberry Dance! This special event was held on Thursday, 27 May, 2004. Dancers were invited to come and meet the members of the newest square dance club in the province and share their love of dancing. The Dice Hill Squares founders and Co-ordinators, Bob and Inge Ruohoniemi, provided maps and information to all provincial dancers.
The club invites residents in the area to come and try out the activity every September to continue the fun and fellowship on Thursday nights from September to May.
Contact Info:
(902) 757-3884
bobruoho@ns.sympatico.ca