Saanvi Vootla, Contributing Writer
Richmonders put on their best costumes and dancing shoes for RVA Square Dance’s Halloween celebration on Oct. 25. Attendees kicked up their heels and embraced the rhythm to celebrate the spooky season through movement and community.
Monthly hoedowns held by RVA Square Dance travel throughout the bustling streets of Downtown Richmond.
Having experience in dance is not something to worry about at RVA Square Dance. As long as you have the spirit and guts to indulge in the art of dance and have fun. Training sessions are held before the dance for newcomers.
Some attendees wore a green, laminated button to indicate they are seasoned dancers, gracefully guiding newcomers across the floor to feel the rhythm of the night.
The clicking of boots on the wood floors harmonized with folk music and laughter. Strings attached, hands linked and feet wove across the floor, matching the strums of the live bluegrass band, Garden Variety String Band.
“I like that our band was allowed to perform at an event like this,” Wyatt Peake, the band’s fiddle player said. “We usually perform old-time bluegrass music, so it is a little different because these songs are longer, but I kind of just get in a trance and play.”
Longtime dancer Adrienne Robertson is among the organizers who helped bring this event to life.
“I have been dancing for 30 years, taking classes since I was a kid,” Robertson said. “I wasn’t super into being a ballerina, but I was always looking for opportunities to just get out there and move.”
RVA Square Dance events are designed to be as inclusive as possible, with guidance available for anyone ready to join.
The spooky square dance blends Richmond’s creative spirit with the tradition of communal movement.
“My favorite style of dance at the moment is square,” Robertson said. “Watching my kid grow up enjoying the music, dancing freely and being openly invited into that community makes it special.”
Becoming an experienced dancer takes time, and those who wore the green button at the event took that time like Becca Hoover.
“I’ve probably been square dancing for about a year now and at first I was really shy so I struggled with connecting with others,” Hoover said. “Attending these events regularly allowed me to open up, meet new people and have fun with strangers.”
Dance has its origins in various cultures and can bring people across those borders.
“I’m French, so it’s [square dancing] not something I grew up doing, but it’s really fun and I love that you can keep changing partners so it gets less awkward and I was able to make new friends,” participant Julie Grosche said.
The evening concluded with dancers of all backgrounds sharing the floor, their movements reflecting the unity and energy that have made square dancing a growing tradition.
Whether you are just looking for a fun time or to be captured in the world of dance, check out RVASquareDance on Instagram for information on future events.