For acclaimed square dancer Donald Hanhurst, 88, and his wife, Loretta, 85, dancing is not just a shared passion but a lifestyle. And they’re not giving up their favorite hobby anytime soon.
Donald, who’s affectionately known as Don, began square dancing in 1949 and credits the good health and clear memory that he still enjoys to a lifetime of dance.
“Nothing compares to the benefits of square dancing,” he told the Epoch Times. “During this time, we work our bodies physically, our minds intellectually, and our spirits socially. What could be better?”
With its roots in both American and European traditional cultures, square dance involves four couples dancing to a series of steps, or “calls,” that are announced by a caller. These steps determine the coordinated moves dancers perform on the dance floor.
Don, who began calling in 1959, describes the role of a caller as one who creates a “choreographic puzzle” off the top of his head. And indeed, over the years, Don’s creativity and artistry have orchestrated engaging performances wherever he went.
The couple’s square dance journey has taken them across the United States and also to places far from home. Don and Loretta have called everywhere from Canada to Holland. They have also called and cued twice at the German American Festival in Oberammergau, Germany, and at the Winter Festival in Auckland, New Zealand.
“The thousands of wonderful people who we met, danced with, and taught along the way—many of whose names we can’t recall, but still remember them—are the memories we both share,” he said.
A Lifetime of Dance
Square dancing seems to run in the Hanhurst family. Don was introduced to square dance when, at just 14 years old, his mother pushed him to attend a session in his reluctant father’s place. Don was unaware of the impact square dancing would end up having on his life.And his reluctant father?
“He eventually went and got ‘hooked’ and spent the rest of his life dancing with my mom for 57 years,” Don said.
Recalling the couple’s first meeting, Don said he saw Loretta for the first time in 1954, in Loretta’s hometown of Denver. He was in the city for Air Force training. They were at a square dance lesson, and Loretta was hosting. The couple soon began dating and going to square dance events. In 1956, they got married.
“Square dancing has been a big part of our lives ever since then,” Don said.
The couple went on to own a small engraving business and raised six children, all the while staying active in the world of square dance. The challenges were many, but nevertheless, they stuck with their shared passion.
In the 1960s, three of their children enjoyed dancing in teenage clubs. Their late son Mark even followed in the footsteps of his father and became a caller.
Don believes the joy of square dancing comes from the people he works with. He and his wife have formed many friendships with fellow dancers over the years, both off and on the dance floor.
‘You Are Never Too Old to Learn’
Don says that though he and his wife are not as active as they used to be, they continue to dance “as often as possible.”“If you give up, it’s all over!” he said. “Love of the recreation [and] the people that we have met along the way are a big part of the motivation to keep us going.”
Don certainly hasn’t given up. Today, he calls for the Village Squares club near his home in Altoona.
“Teaching new folks who enter the recreation, who are then awed by its benefits, has kept me calling and teaching for 65 years,” he said.
Often, he develops long-lasting friendships with these budding dancers.
Offering a word of encouragement to other elderly people who want to get active, he said: “You are never too old to learn. Moving and thinking and having fun while doing so is the formula for a happy old age.”
Through his story, Don wants to convey a message of hope and life to people of all ages.
“Regardless of where in life you are, get involved in something that gives you joy without external stimulants. Get high on life, your friends, and the things you do,” he said.
