It's been a long couple of years since seniors got to enjoy an evening out of dance, food and fellowship, but the Minus One Dance Club of Edmonton is ready to get back on its feet--literally. The social dance club, founded in 1965 and aimed at age 55-plus singles or couples, is gearing up for a new season of old-time music evenings. And it wants more members to fill the dance floor.
"Numbers were already getting smaller before the pandemic, but we used to have up to 80 members," said Minus One president Irene Sather, who has been part of the club for over a decade. Like others, she says a love of dance and getting out to meet new people is the main draw. "We know people love to dance and keep active; to socialize. The live music is special too, with three bands that have been with us for years, and will continue on. Minus One has become a real community."
Sather says the twice monthly dance evenings are always special--a light cold meat lunch (plus coffee, tea, water) is served and the music can't be beat--a regular outing members (and drop-in guests) can dress up for. "We keep seeing the same people come back time and again--one lady is over 90," she said.
Indeed, the sound of accordion and violins, music ranging from polka to two-step to old-time waltz and jive are all in the lineup, with bands of four players alternating through the season, every second Saturday starting this June. "Dancing to music that's live--guitar, accordion, violin--it's like dances of long ago; somehow more special," added Sather.
That live music comes courtesy of long-time Minus One Club bands including The Chwill Brothers Band, (30 years), The Diamonds (20 years), and The Sparkling Tones Band (14 years).
Dances run every second Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Bellevue Community Hall, 7308-112 Ave., starting this June, with a $15 admission ($13 for members). For membership information or to find out about dance events, see minusonedanceedmonton.com
