"Jerseyans do-si-do around the world" 

Square dancing so popular it's official state folk dance 

Tuesday, January 30, 2007 

BY ELIZABETH MOORE Star-Ledger Staff 

Retired Essex Fells Police Chief Dan Tapper never thought he'd be do-si-doing in retirement. But nearly every week, he and wife Betsy join dozens of others in the cafeteria at Caldwell's Middle School for a night of square dancing. If you told me a year ago I'd be square dancing I would have told you you're crazy," said Tapper, adding that his wife Betsy talked him into going square dancing last year. "We're having such a lot of fun," said Betsy Tapper. "It's a great way to get out and not stay at home." The couple are among the regulars in the Cross Trail Square Dance Club, the only square dancing club in Essex County. 

Instead of cowboy hats and crinolines, these suburban square dancers keep it casual at their practices, wearing jeans and peasant skirts. Dancers range in age and occupation and everyone is welcome, especially beginners. Participants say square dancing keeps you mentally sharp, is easy to learn, non-competitive and doesn't involve drinking or picking up someone of the opposite sex. 

Ruth Edison of Verona started dancing 14 years ago after her husband died and said she never worries if she shows up at a dance without a partner. "The other ladies will tell me to dance with their husbands," she said. "They know it's just dancing." At the microphone is Ron Kapnick, a square dancer since age 16, who calls out the steps in an easy rhythm. "Step together, slide," he says. "Heel out." Then he jokes with the dancers, many of whom are there for the first time, "This is really tough stuff!" 

Tonight the Cross Trail Squares will host an open house at the Grover Cleveland Middle School cafeteria starting at 7:30 p.m. that is open to the public. Those who enjoy the session can sign up for a 12-week introductory course with the club for $30. Many of the members say they came on a lark and enjoyed it so much they stayed on to take lessons and advance to higher levels of dancing. 

"You meet new people, you get some exercise, it's so much fun," said Alice Delancey of Caldwell. "Everybody messes up, you just laugh and go on." Delancey said another appeal of the hobby is that once dancers learn the basic calls, they can visit other square dancing groups to meet new people and improve their skills. There are clubs in Elmwood Park, Paramus, Glen Rock, Springfield and Randolph, Rockland County and Brooklyn, N.Y. In fact, square dancing has got ten so popular that it is listed as New Jersey's official state folk dance. Delancey said she's also met other square dancers while on vacation or business trips to Australia, Las Vegas and Florida, "The calls are all the same. ... You make new friends if you don't know people." 

Doug and Isabelle McCabe of West Caldwell began square dancing in 1975 after their church bowling league folded and have danced with square dancers in San Francisco and Houston. McCabe, a retired systems analyst, said he found square dancing was a great way to relieve stress, "It forced me to forget my work." 

Historians believe American square dancing -- which traditionally involves four couples who make a square, has its roots in 17th century England and came to America though settlers who also incorporated other folk dancing steps. 

Nowadays, square dancers have their own lingo. The experienced dancers who help newcomers are called "angels." When a group of dancers get together to visit another club, it's called a "raid." If you wear a charm from another club or a dance competition it's called a "dangle." Jane Fisher of Wayne started square dancing last September, but said she is already hooked. "The basic moves are simple and easy to follow," Fisher said. "All you have to know is how to walk." 

Elizabeth Moore covers Caldwell. She may be reached at 973-392-1852 or emoore@starledger.com. 

© The Star Ledger 1/30/07