Round and round they go, and it’s a fun evening for square dancers in Bartlett. Pistols & Petticoats, the group that meets regularly at Bartlett United Methodist Church, periodically offers lessons on Wednesday nights to get newcomers interested in the pastime.
Glenda Torvik of Collierville, a member, said dancers also come from throughout the region in Tennessee and north Mississippi to enjoy her group’s regular Saturday night dances at the church.
She has been square dancing since the fall of 2011 and estimates she has danced her way through 15 states. She has danced with people from all over the world at nationals, including guests from Japan, China, Sweden and more.
Local dancers have ranged from as young as eight up to one regular dancer who’s a spry 93, she said, because it’s something that people of all ages can enjoy.
“It’s the people and the socializing,” Torvik said. “And you get exercise but at the same time you’re just having fun.”
She says there are times when she gets home from work and is reluctant to get out of the house again, but it’s so much fun and a stress reliever to go dancing at the end of the day that she makes the effort.
A new class hosted by the Bachelors and Bachelorettes dancers is starting up at 7 p.m. this Friday at Colonial Park United Methodist Church, 5330 Park Ave., Memphis. Attendees don’t have to be single despite the group’s name, Torvik said.
For information on other square dancing groups, lessons and regular dances, visit the website of the Greater Memphis Square and Round Dance Association at memphissrd.com. Or contact Torvik at (901) 853-1317 or her group’s square dance caller, Justin Russell, at (901) 604-5751.
CAROLYN BAHM is the editor of The Bartlett Express. Contact her at (901) 433-9138 or via email to carolyn.bahm@journalinc.com.
