Life’s a Dance - Katy Prairie Promenaders Square Dance the Night Away with Fellowship and Fun

“It’s not how well you do, it’s how much fun you have,” square dance council man, Jerry Tucker says in a soft southern drawl, wearing a shirt that mirrors the Texas flag and a belt buckle from the 45th National Square Dance Convention. He holds onto his cowboy hat and makes skids marks with his leather boots while swinging his partner around. She laughs in a big bell dress filled with red patterns, white doilies, and blue ribbons as they both try to follow the caller’s commands. This is one of Katy Prairie Promenader’s dances. After attending this event, it’s obvious that any professional dancer or extreme sport athlete will never come close to the passion, dedication and pure fun as this local organization demonstrates every week.

Do a Little Square Dance and Get Down Friday Night
“We’ve been around for 30 years and we’re going to be here for 30 more years,” Belinda Edge says with confidence. For 34 years, the organization has been an escape for anyone who wants to dance regularly in the Katy area. With gatherings every Friday night, the organization “dose does” and “California twirls” their way through fiddler music until the end of the night. In the formation of a square, everyone manages to get a spin, or a chance to dance through the lines, while those who wait on the sides clap and yelp their encouragement. A beginner should not be frightened with the terminology or footwork because the organization offers lessons to anyone who is willing to learn. “You can learn how to dance in just a couple of months,” claims Edge, who invites all Katyites to join. “If you’re lost, just put your hands up in the air, and I promise you that someone will put you where you need to be.”

Get up Offa That Thing, and Sweat ‘til You Feel Better
“This is not your typical junior high square dance- it will keep your mind sharp and alert,” says Belinda Edge, president. Member Joe Vodvarka agrees. “It’s an aerobic and mental activity.” What these sage members are referring to is the attentiveness that a Promenader has to give to a caller. “It’s like Simon Says for grown-ups,” Gayla Cox says before the dance. As all the dancers stand in a square, they either prepare for two kinds of dancing: one, where the caller calls out commands and they have to follow, or two, where the caller sings and they can dance more freely.

Square dancing can be quite a rigorous workout with some members coming off the dance floor sweating, panting, and smiling the entire time. Some members even work out to keep up with the pace of the dancing. “I walk around Katy Mills Mall to stay in shape,” laughs Donna Thompson. “I have to keep in shape just to be able to dance!”

Everyday People
“It’s a good time for fellowship. A lot of people get to know each other through dancing. I’ve made some wonderful friends here,” Edge comments about her dancing partners. It seems that the Katy Prairie Promenaders are more like a family than any square dancing organization. With only warm regards for each other, these members come back not only for the dancing, but also for the friends that they have made.

“These people are so down to earth; they are just good people,” Edge adds with an affectionate tone. The members are so devoted to each other and the square dancing; injuries won’t even hold them back. Ben Bryant, still came to the dance with a cast on his arm, and even holds a dual membership with the Memorial organization because he is so passionate about square dancing. “I might be sweating and itching under this cast, but I’m still dancing every Friday night!”

Many members have been square dancing since 1987 and longer; the 40 members range in age from mid 30s to early 90s. But Edge would like to invite Generation Xers to come out and square dance with these energetic Baby Boomers. “Most of the young people haven’t found us yet, but we hope they do, so that they can come join the fun.”

They Hope You Dance
Now that their new home is at Westland Baptist Church (1407 West Grand Parkway), Edge and all the members hope that their new location will invite more people to join. Edge says with a smile, “It’s very refreshing to be able to go to a dance, meet people and have a good time.” For information, call 281-392-0713.

What: Katy Promenaders
Who: Open to all Katyites
When: Friday Nights at Westland Baptist Church, 1407 W. Grand Parkway, Katy
For more info: Call 281-392-0713

Kim Thai graduated from Mayde Creek High School with Honors in 2004. She is now studying Print Journalism at The University of Houston.

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