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Leduc Hosts Square Dancing Convention

Pipestone Flyer

The 46th Annual Alberta Square and Round Dancing Convention was held in Leduc over the past weekend. Hosted by the Edmonton and District Square Dance Association, which the Leduc Happy Homesteaders Square Dance Club played a key role in bringing the Convention to Leduc in conjunction with the Alberta Square & Round Dance Federation. Activities began on Friday, August 29th and wrapped up on Monday, September the 1st. The event was held at the Leduc Comp and Junior High Schools.

Dancers came from as far away as Mesa, Arizona and Ontario as well as all the Prairie Provinces and British Columbia. In all over 250 dancers visited Leduc for the three days with many coming with their RV’s. A special “camping” area was established in the parking lots of both Leduc Composite High School and the Junior High School. The Convention used both schools to host the numerous workshops and dance lessons.

The Convention honored the history of Leduc when they held a dance on Saturday night called the Black & Gold Dance where all dancers were dressed in black & gold.

Dancers were provided with opportunities to exhibit their skills in Mainstream, Plus with Round, and Advanced dancing levels. Saturday morning began with a banner parade, which represented the various dance association in attendance, followed by an opening ceremony. The weekend actually started on Friday evening of the 29th when a Trail In Dance including tips for Mainstream with Rounds and Plus. The dance was held in the Comp Gym.

During the weekend the Federation held their annual general meeting, hosted square dance workshops, and a silent auction. The convention ended with a closing ceremony Sunday evening with an After-Party & Banquet and a Trail Out Dance Monday morning. Next year’s convention will be held in Lacombe.

Pictured: Learning new steps. Photo by Tom Dirsa