Have you ever gone square dancing before? If not, is it something you would be interested in trying?

In La Mesa, the Sundown Squares dance club meets each Sunday at 5 p.m. at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center at 8450 La Mesa Blvd. A new class will be starting this coming Sunday (July 28) and another on Sunday, Aug. 4 for people looking to enjoy all square dancing has to offer.

Started in the mid-1970’s, the group has around 45 or so dancers, ranging in age from as young as 12 up into the 90’s. Sundown Squares recently celebrated their 49th year anniversary with a special dance and have been in La Mesa for those years

According to club member Kelly Dunivan, Sundown Squares is a great opportunity for individuals to learn the basic steps of square dance.

“We hope many people show up to try it out,” Dunivan, who has worked as a class coordinator, commented. “The first introduction class is free.”

Fellow member Cindy McLaren (the party hostess and cake baker for the group’s parties) noted, “Our objective is not to get people to join the group but to start the classes. We do welcome class members to join if they would like. You can’t just show up unless you’re already an experienced dancer because dance moves are learned progressively over several months.”

When asked about the benefits of being a member of the club, Dunivan noted, “Personally, the benefits that I have found through square dancing are a sense of community that is incredibly caring. Everyone is very encouraging when you’re learning. The exercise is great, the patterns that happen when we dance together are exciting. I always feel a sense of joy after I have been to a class or large square dance.”

While Sundown Squares provides square dancing opportunities to locals in La Mesa and from nearby surrounding areas, there are other such groups or clubs in San Diego County, and even throughout the U.S.

“I actually belong to two square dancing clubs and regularly dance twice a week, and that doesn’t include special dances,” Dunivan remarked. “Something that I have found makes square dancing fascinating is finding a square dance club in the town that I traveled to. I have even found a square dance club when traveling and joined them for a night of dancing. We have had out of town guests join us as well.”

As Dunivan sees it, “Square dancing has elevated my quality of life. It has provided me with a fun exercise experience and introduced me to some incredibly resilient people from all walks of life. It takes a few classes to learn the steps that build upon each other but once you get them all put together you start to understand how amazing square dancing can really be.”

McLaren, who was previously a vice president with the group, noted, “You get to engage your brain, along with physical activity and social interaction, the trifecta. It is also great for all ages at the same time. We see three generations dancing together frequently.” McLaren, who has been doing square dancing for 45 years, added, “It’s always been a positive part of my life and I would love to share it with as many people as possible.”

For more information on the group, visit: https://sundownsquareslamesa.weebly.com/.