SQUARE DANCING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are there any provisions for people under 55 years of age?
Yes, Non-participants (meaning anyone not competing for a Square Dance Medal) may be younger than 55. This includes managers, coaches, mascots and/or staff. Volunteers may be of any age and of course spectators and supporters. Anyone can join in the casual dancing.
Where does one find rules or regulations pertaining to the BC Seniors Games?
There is a website set up – www.2010bcseniorsgames.ca, with a current rulebook that covers everything from eligibility and membership to specific rules and medals. Your Zone Coordinator may be able to provide one.
How many sports may one compete in?
One can only compete in one medal “sport” (of 27 offered this Year). In square dancing two events are offered, Mainstream and Plus, of which medallist contenders may only quality for one of those events.
Do we (dancers) need to practice prior to the games?
Practice is not mandatory. Do not take the competitive aspect too seriously. Likely those successful in “winning medals” will have prepared in varying degrees.
How many participants are there on a team?
The minimum number would be 8 people. It is recommended that 2 extra participants be registered as substitutes. The caller could either be a participant or non-participant. Callers do not qualify for medals unless they dance.
Will there be playoffs in each Zone?
For this year, at least, there will be unlimited participation allowed. No playoffs will be necessary, unless the Zone you are in requires it.
Will there be patter, singing calls or a combination for competition?
There will only be patter calls, at varying levels of skill at each of the 3 dances to be judged.
Who will judge the dancers?
Other dancers and callers who volunteer to judge will do this. If there is an excess of volunteers, experience will be taken into consideration, or a draw will be conducted.
What opportunities will there be to dance at the Games?
Room permitting, everyone and anyone capable of square dancing will be able to dance any time a caller is calling. At the time of competition we would ask only competing squares to be on the floor. They need our support and encouragement.
Why would I wish to be a volunteer?
Square dancing survives due to volunteers, and we need the same support at the Games. The volunteer jobs at square dancing at the Games are easy and short – using a stopwatch for timing in competition, greeting at the door and handing out advertising.
Will any dancing other than square dancing be offered?
We anticipate that round dancing will be offered whenever it is opportune. Some have expressed an interest in having NON-dancers “try” also.
How will square dancing at the BCSGS be advertised or promoted?
At the present time, posters and bulletins have been sent out to all Zone Coordinators who in turn should have distributed to all clubs in their Zone. The square dance website www.squaredance.bc.ca is being up-dated so advertising and information can be found there easily. Also look up www.2010bcseniorsgames.ca and click on square dancing. Please feel to prepare your own posters or advertisements in your Zone.
How can square dancers advertise for their own Clubs at BCSGS?
Of course it is most advantageous for Clubs in the Host Community. But all Zones should make a list of Club names and contact people to be handed out by greeters at the door.
There will be competitors/spectators in other sports from your Zone who might be interested.
Will there be regular meetings?
Each Zone has 3 or 4 meetings where your Zone Coordinator will be encouraged to attend. Get in touch with your Zone Coordinator for any information.
How do I get more information about the Games or Square Dancing?
- Get in touch with your Zone Coordinator. Look up “Zones and Coordinators” at www.squaredance.bc.ca, click BC Seniors Games.
- Get in contact with your Provincial Coordinator Karin Sorger at 250-898-8949 or k.g.sorger@shaw.ca.
- The Games website is: www.2010bcseniorsgames.ca