Country Cuzzins square dancing a well-rounded activity for all

JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF

MARBLE FALLS — Does it count as exercise if the participants are smiling?

Bailey Sutherland says so.

And he should know. As president of the Country Cuzzins Square Dance Club, few members engage in more dances or enjoy them more than he does.

“Obviously, square dancing is an excellent form of exercise, and it’s typically a two-hour activity,” he said.

By the end of a session, dancers cover the equivalent of four miles, he said, but it’s not just the physical exercise that benefits the dancers.

Square dancing also keeps the mind sharp. Dancers must learn the first 60 steps, called primary dancing, and listen to what the caller — the person calling out the moves — says in order to know where to move and how to get there.

“That’s where the challenge comes,” he said. “You’re telling eight people in a square, have the caller call them out, execute it and not break down.”

The activity also strengthens relationships and even forms new ones.

Since square dancing involves couples, and most people typically don’t dance with someone they haven’t met, participants get to know each other. It’s not unusual to meet people vacationing here from other states during a square-dancing session, Sutherland said. In addition, square dancing is a good way for families to spend time together, he said, noting parents sometimes bring their children with them.

And to attract a new crowd, Country Cuzzins is updating a big facet of the activity.

“(The callers are) trying to work on newer songs,” Sutherland said. “We’re hoping to get more people interested in it. (Participation has) been falling off for a number of years.”

Even a Taylor Swift song?

“There’s no reason we can’t,” Sutherland said. “The caller has to learn the song because they sing parts of the song. At the same time, they’re telling you the moves, which you’re doing.”

Country Cuzzins Square Dance Club is giving lessons 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 15 with a repeat of the first lesson Jan. 22. Sessions are at First United Methodist Church, 1101 Bluebonnet Drive in Marble Falls. The cost is $60 per person for 22 lessons. No experience is necessary, and singles are welcome. Club officers will pair people up if they can.

Sutherland said square dancing has enhanced his life. He recalled having a stressful job that occupied his thoughts long after the workday ended. But when he square danced, he couldn’t think about work.

In fact, he credits the exercise for his agility at age 72.

“You have to be able to move,” he said. “You have a few aches and pains, you forget about them. You’re moving those joints. Otherwise, you’re sitting around reading a book.”

The Country Cuzzins dance at nursing homes and other community events as well as travel to cities in Texas and across the nation to compete or simply for a change in scenery.

“It keeps you active,” Sutherland said. “You feel better about your life. You can contribute to club activities that will help in the community.”

Call Sutherland at (830) 613-9054 for more information about the group or the lessons.

jfierro@thepicayune.com