By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
WITH a do-si-do and a swing into a promenade, members of Geelong Club Dancers will have an extra pep in their steps this weekend.
The club will host a 44th state convention, with square dancers from across the nation descending on South Barwon Civic Centre.
Geelong club founder and caller Darren Taylor said securing the event required a bit of lobbying, with up to 400 dancers expected to be nursing sore feet by Sunday evening.
“Your feet really know it,” Darren laughed.
“We have several sessions a day and we have six callers coming.”
Hosting the event is a bit of coup, given Geelong is one of only two square dancing clubs outside the metropolitan area.
“It’s great for Geelong because normally it’s us doing the travelling. You’ll find Geelong club members off most weekends somewhere, either visiting another club or one of the state conventions or national convention.”
Geelong Club Dancers formed 17 years ago after a hiatus in local square dancing as a veteran caller retired and another moved interstate.
“Geelong at one time used to have four clubs but one by one they petered off,” Darren explained.
“Clubs are traditionally run by a caller because without a caller you don’t have a dance.”
Darren was swept up into the square dance scene after his brother and a few mates convinced to go along one evening.
“I’d heard of it, like all of us do, but never really gave it any serious thought. When I went I thought, ‘This is all right’, and I found out I really enjoyed it.
“Ever since I’ve had that philosophy: Never say no, at least give it a go.”
As the caller, Darren sets out the theme for the club’s Tuesday evening program, selecting the music and choreographing the appropriate movements.
Square dancing has an international list of 76 basic movements, with the caller deciding which moves are introduced and linking them all together.
“We use a lot of varied music these days, not just the traditional country and western. Technology allows us more flexibility, with varying tempos and rhythms,” Darren explained.
“We’re dragging it into the modern world. It doesn’t work to play 1920s music anymore.
“Club members appreciate the wider range of styles, because we can cover everyone’s taste.”
While Darren pouts in preparation for club dance nights, he often finds himself calling on the fly, drawing on his knowledge of the moves to put together a routine as he goes along.
“You’re responding to the audience the same as a performer would, so if something is not working, you change it up.”
Darren’s calling skills have taken him annually to the home of square dancing, USA, with invitations to teach up and coming American caller.
“Being a veteran caller at age 42 is unheard of, as is the way we run our clubs here, so the American clubs and associations wanted me to share my experiences,” he said.
“It’s been great. I’ve called in the Disneyland grand parade, which is an experienced I’ll never forget.”
Darren said more information about the club was available by phoning him on 0435 091 277 or visiting the club’s Facebook page.
