You’ve just learned that square dancing is hip, which makes you question everything you’ve thought to be true. Or at least everything you learned in elementary school. You now are wondering what else could be a lie. Do penguins not really mate for life? Is Cinnamon Toast Crunch not part of a balanced breakfast?
But before you tackle all of life’s unknowns, you want to talk about hoe downs: how, where, when, and, most importantly, will there be booze? Because, hell, you don’t dance to Drake without a little social lubricant coursing through your veins, and no offense to quadrilaterals, but the dosey doe will likely require the same treatment. Amy Alvey, somerville resident and musician, has taken all your apprehensions into consideration. “People have this really funny connotation of square dancing, that it’s an extreme hillbilly thing. Or they remember doing it in fourth grade P.E. class,” says Alvey, “You know, you’re holding your crush’s hands and you hate it.” See, she’s read your mind, which is why she and Patrick Coman have launched Dare to Be Square: A Camberville BAR-n Dance, a monthly square dance meet up held at local bars and breweries.
Despite there being established square and contra dance communities in Boston and Cambridge (for example: the second Sunday of every month at JP’s Spontaneous Celebrations, and a long tradition of the latter at Harvard) it hasn’t yet spread into your nightlife, though it has in many other cities, such as Seattle, Brooklyn, and D.C. But, the inaugural event was held last month at Aeronaut brewery and enticed 100 people out on a cold, wet, grey fall evening. And next up, before returning to the brewery for the December installment, Dare To Be Square is taking over your beloved rock venue T.T. The Bear’s tonight, with live music from local folk band Damn Tall Buildings and the high-energy garage country outfit Joe’s Truck Stop, and they’re expecting a sizeable crowd.
“I believe that this is something that’s really going to take off and become another staple in the community, just like Bluegrass night at the Cantab,” says Alvey. “It’s always packed, people are always there.” And for those who still need a little convincing, with a laugh, Alvey says, “Alcohol does wonders.”
DARE TO BE SQUARE: A CAMBERVILLE BAR-N DANCE. T.T. THE BEAR’S, 10 BROOKLINE AVE., CAMBRIDGE. WED 11.19. OPTIONAL BEGINNER LESSON BEGINS AT 7:30PM, DANCE BEGINS AT 8PM/21+/$7 SUGGESTED. DARETOBESQUAREMA.TUMBLR.COM
