DICE HILL SQUARES

Modern Square Dancing Open House -12 January, 8pm.

Drop in to see how much fun you can have while getting some healthy exercise too! Wear comfortable shoes and plan to have a coffee or tea with some great neighbours.
Singles and couples welcome. Info: 757-3884 bobruoho@eastlink.ca

WALKING - IT'S AUTOMATIC

One of the first things we learn as children is how to walk. In next to no time you don't have think about it - you just do it - it's automatic. It is one of the most natural things we do. Since Modern Square Dancing is based upon walking in defined directions for defined distances, which is exactly what walking is, Modern Square Dancing becomes so easy to learn. We all know that exercise is good for you. But it all seems like hard work, isn't there a form of exercise that is also fun and doesn't seem like hard work? Yes there is, it's called Modern Square Dancing! Just ask any Modern Square Dancer how much fun they have. If you want to forget the day to day worries of the world; to enjoy many different types of music, including country and western, rock, jazz, or gospel; and exercise not only your body - but also the mind; then Modern Square Dancing is for you!

History of the 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@eastlink.ca