Square dancing lights up an afternoon

Saturday afternoon was a lively time at Mission at Castle Rock, filled with shuffling feet, twirling skirts, and smiles all around.

The Sashay Pardners square dance group put on a performance for the residents there. Their spectators were delighted with smiles on their faces and some even clapped along to the songs.

It was the first performance the group had there in a few years, though they have actively danced since the 1970s. While there are a few younger dancers in the crowd, the majority of the dancers are seniors themselves and some have been dancing for decades. Lila Seyersdahl is 83 years old now and has been square dancing for 30 years.

The group's previous dance caller moved away a few years ago. The group waited for a new caller to pick up the microphone until Jace Jackman, son of one of the dancers, started calling the dances. Now the group, performed once again.

"It's hard to do them to a record. It's more fun to do it when there is a live person," square dancer Sandy Johnson said.

And the Mission at Castle Rock and Villa residents were happy to have them back.

For some of them, it was their first time seeing them. It was the highlight of their afternoon. Each resident watching the square dancers received root beer floats to enjoy during the performance as well.

"We like being here," Johnson said.

Aside from the mere pleasure the dancers received in the residents' smiling faces, they also like the setting in the multi-purpose room designated for gatherings. Johnson said the wood floor allows for good feet movement, and is really good for dancing.

"It's good for our club to give back to the community," Johnson said.

"And it's also good for the residents to see that even though some of us dancers aren't as young as we used to be, we're still keeping on, keeping on."