Square dancing making 'major comeback' on West Coast

Square dance 'caller' and banjo player Paul Silveria says square dancing is makinga "major comeback" on the West Coast.

As a 'caller,' Silveriaannounces which moves dancers should perform next, from the simple 'sashay' to the slightly more advanced 'grand chain.'He said these square dancing events regularly attract 100 to 150 people, with some festivals drawing crowds of up to 500.

He says the dances aren't all about"fancy shirts andpoofyskirts" anymore, and the age of the dancers has changed too.

"They're just as many people in their 20's coming out to my dances as people in their 50's, so it kind of hits every age group and everyone is dancing together."

Square and Round Dance Awareness Week

The Provincial governmenthas declared this week the first ever "Square and Round Dance Awareness Week."

The VancouverFringe Festival is holding its annual square dance night onGranvilleIsland Monday.

Silveriasaidnewcomers shouldn't feelintimated while some enthusiasts do dress up for a barn dance, most dress as they would for any other night out on the town. Headded anyone worried about their performance should remember square dancing is a team effort.

"Everyone's working as a group but also everyone's so focused on getting through the dance themselves that no one's going to be really focused on you."

Paul Silveria will be 'calling' the Fringe Festival'sannual square dance tonight with a live band at the Big Rock Brewery Fringe Baron Granville Island.

With files from The Early Edition

To hear the interview click on the link labeled Live square dancing 'making a big comeback' on the west coast