Nevada legislators treated to some do-si-doing, all for a bill

CARSON CITY — Poofy skirts swirled and gentlemen bowed Wednesday as square dancers entertained the Assembly Government Affairs Committee to urge support for a bill making the square dance Nevada’s official state dance.

Assemblywoman Robin Titus, R-Wellington, the prime sponsor of Assembly Bill 123, said the benefits of square dancing can last a lifetime and work wonders “for mind, body and soul.”

“A night of dancing can make a person forget they’ve had a bad day,” said Titus, a physician.

Ewan Gregory can attest to that. She began square dancing in 1962. Though she gave it up for quite a few years, she went back to twirling and do-si-doing after her husband died. Now just a few months shy of her 95th birthday, she still loves it.

“It keeps me busy,” she said, smiling and dressed in a striking pink outfit that she made herself.

Square dancing has been a tradition in the United States since colonial days, and President Ronald Reagan designated it as the nation’s official dance in the early 1980s.

Since then 31 states have recognized the dance, Titus said. She hopes Nevada will do the same in time for the 68th annual Silver State Square and Round Dance Festival held in Reno over Mother’s Day weekend.

Supporters of the bill, some dressed in square dance finery, described square dancing as a lifelong passion.

“It’s extremely good for stress. You can’t leave a dance in a bad mood,” said Linda Hartweg of Fallon. She later added, “If you dance in a square, you’ll make a circle of friends.”

No one spoke in opposition to the bill.

Committee Chairman John Ellison, R-Elko, said a vote on the bill could come by week’s end.

Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901. Find her on Twitter: @SandraChereb.