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11:48:47 pm Square Dancing Revived at Wharf

Categories: Mattapoisett

Until recently, Saturday nights in the summer meant square dancing at the Mattapoisett Town Wharf. Dwindling attendance ended the 52-year old tradition a few years ago, but Paul Letourneau — who leads the Wareham Swingers at the Wareham Council of Aging — decided to bring it back as an annual event.

Harkening back to the good old days, last Saturday dancers again dressed to the nines for some square dancing fun. The wharf teemed with 72 enthused participants – eight dancers in nine squares – with even more folks on the sidelines waiting for their turn to Do-Si-Do.

“It was a good night. It was wonderful,” said Mr. Letourneau, noting that attendees came from all over southern Massachusetts and even Rhode Island. He said the event included eight callers who prompted or cued dancers through a sequence of steps.

At the age of 88, Ann Wallace is one dancer who attributes square dancing to many health benefits. “It keeps you mentally alert,” she said. Her daughter, Eileen Marum, agrees: “My mom has been doing this for many, many years. It keeps her youthful and active. You have to process the call that is being called out to the group, and then you have to transfer that information to the dance steps,” she said.

In addition, Ms. Wallace described the valued companionship she has gained through her dancing group. “There is such a great group of people. You go out there and afterwards you’ve forgotten your troubles,” she said.

It was fitting that Ms. Wallace wore a special patriotic outfit as an unexpected small fireworks display added charm to the night.

“During the festivities, there was a boat out there setting off fireworks. I’m telling you, it was perfect,” said Ms. Wallace. “Even the weather man helped out. It all turned out beautifully.”

Overall, Ms. Wallace and fellow dancers stepped to the music for nearly three hours. The night also brimmed with nostalgia for many dancers. “Everyone was so enthused about having it again. Everyone came and everyone had a good time,” Ms. Wallace said.

After such a successful night, Letourneau said he hopes to keep the tradition alive – even if whittled down to once per year. “I want [the tradition] to reach 100. At least if it goes once per year, it is still in the books,” he said.

By Laura Pedulli

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