THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 15, 1994 TAG: 9411150307
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARIE JOYCE, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
Sure, these dancers enjoy kicking up their heels and twirling around the floor.
This time, their fun is for a cause.
The Tidewater Square & Round Dance Council will sponsor its 24th annual ``Dance for Joy'' on Dec. 4 at Bayside Middle School to raise money for the Joy Fund.
``We're people who are in pretty good health and can dance. We like to give money to charity,'' said Barbara Tennyson, coordinator of the event.
The Square & Round Dance Council is made up of more than a dozen dance clubs in the area, representing about 900 dancers. Last year, about 400 participated in the Dance for Joy.
The event kicks off at 2 p.m. with a session for people who are still learning the complicated steps. Before people can participate in the clubs' dances, they must take lessons, Tennyson said.
``Someone can't just come in off the street and square dance, because they would not be familiar with the calls,'' she said.
At 6:30 p.m., veteran members of the dance clubs will hold their session.
Square dancing is usually done to country music. Round dancing is more like ballroom dancing - with the appropriate steps and music - except a caller cues the dancers.
Participants wear the traditional square-dancing attire. The women usually have ruffled petticoats, and the men's shirts or ties coordinate with their partners' costumes.
There's no drinking or smoking at the dances, Tennyson said. ``It's good, clean fun.''
The Joy Fund, founded during the Great Depression, raised about $375,000 last year to buy toys or clothing for 30,000 children. This year's goal is to help more than 30,000 kids.
All money donated is passed on to the needy. The cost of running the Joy Fund is paid by The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star.
Admission to the dance is $3 per person. For more information, call 485-3605. by CNB