At the age of 88, the renowned square dancer Donald Hanhurst and his 85-year-old wife Loretta consider dancing not only a shared hobby but also a way of life. They are not willing to give up on their favorite pastime.
Donald, affectionately known as Don, started square dancing in 1949, attributing his good health and sharp memory to a lifetime of dancing.
“There’s nothing like the benefits of square dancing,” he told The Epoch Times. “When we dance, we exercise both the body and the mind, and we also engage in social interactions. What could be better than that?”
Square dancing is rooted in the traditional cultures of the United States and Europe, involving four couples dancing a series of steps (called “calls”) in response to the caller’s instructions. These steps determine the coordinated movements performed by the dancers on the dance floor.
In 1959, Don started working as a caller, describing the role of a caller as someone who creates a “choreographic puzzle” in their mind. Over the years, Don’s creativity and artistry have meticulously planned captivating performances in many places.
The square dancing journey of this couple has taken them across the United States and to places far from home. Don and Loretta have served as callers in many locations such as Canada, the Netherlands, the German American Festival in Oberammergau, and the Winter Music Festival in Auckland, New Zealand.
“We have met and taught thousands of talented individuals as we danced together on our journey. While we may not remember many of their names, we still remember them. It’s our shared memories,” he said.
Don shared that decades of calling and square dancing have kept him and his wife healthy and happy, with their marriage filled with joy and harmony.
Square dancing seems to run in the Hanhurst family. Don started learning square dancing at the age of 14 when his mother urged him to take a class in place of his reluctant father. Little did Don know that square dancing would eventually have a significant impact on his life.
About his initially reluctant father?
“He eventually came along and got ‘hooked,’ dancing with my mom for 57 years of his life,” Don said.
Reflecting on their first meeting, Don recalled meeting Loretta in 1954 in her hometown of Denver while he was in town for Air Force training. They both attended square dance classes, with Loretta serving as the host. The couple quickly started dating and participating in square dance events. They got married in 1956.
“Since then, square dancing has been an integral part of our lives,” Don said.
The couple ran a small carving business and raised six children while remaining active in the square dancing world. Despite the challenges, they have persevered in their shared passion.
In the 1960s, their three children enjoyed dancing at the youth club. Their late son Mark even followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a caller.
Don believes that the joy of square dancing comes from the people he dances with. Over the years, he and his wife have built many friendships with other dancers both on and off the dance floor.
While they may not be as active as before, Don said they continue to dance “as much as possible.”
“If you quit, it’s all over!” he said. “Our love for entertainment and the people we’ve met along the way are the key driving forces that keep us going.”
Don certainly hasn’t given up. Today, he advocates for the establishment of a Village Squares club near his home in Altuna.
“Teaching newcomers who come to the club and seeing them attracted to the benefits of dancing motivates me to continue serving as a caller and dance coach for 65 years,” he said.
Typically, he forms lasting friendships with these new dancers.
He encourages other elderly individuals who want to get active, saying, “You are never too old to learn. The formula for a happy retirement is exercise, mental stimulation, and enjoying fun.”
Through his story, Don hopes to convey hope and messages of life to people of all ages.
“No matter what stage of life you’re in, engage in something that brings you joy without external stimuli. Be excited about life, your friends, and what you do,” he said.