They came for the West Coast Swing. Or, maybe it was the sunshine, the music, or just a good excuse to dance with strangers on a Tuesday night.
Either way, Centennial Square was moving again this week as the Victoria Ballroom Dance Society (VBDS) hosted its third Dancing in the Square event of the summer – a joyful mix of rhythm, connection, and community under the open sky.
“I always wanted to dance but was too scared to actually get up and do it,” said Leigh Robinson, now a regular at the square. “But it's nice when you have people there who are willing to break it down, let you make mistakes – and you make mistakes together, and it’s okay.”
The Victoria Ballroom Dance Society continued its summer Dancing in the Square program with a West Coast Swing session. Centennial Square will host one final free event on Tuesday, August 5, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., featuring Cha Cha. Story to come. pic.twitter.com/XGPPIuxhp5
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VBDS has been around for more than 30 years, but its Tuesday night summer dances have taken on a life of their own.
Each year, the nonprofit transforms the square into an open-air ballroom with weekly lessons, general dancing, and an open invitation to anyone curious enough to step onto the floor.
“We want it to be welcoming,” said VBDS president Diane Duruisseau, who’s been dancing for nearly two decades. “Ballroom can have this image of being fancy or hard to get into – we try to strip that away. This is for everyone.”
Tuesday marked the third event of the season, with styles rotating each week from Foxtrot to Jive to this week’s West Coast Swing.
The series wraps up next Tuesday (Aug. 5) with Cha Cha, featuring a free beginner lesson at 6:30 p.m. followed by open dancing until 9 p.m.
The concept is simple: show up, give it a try, and see where your feet take you.
Volunteers run the show – from setting up sound gear to greeting newcomers – while local instructors guide the crowd through each style.
The energy is low-pressure but high-spirited, with plenty of laughs, spins, and even the occasional misstep.
And for those still on the fence?
“Come on out,” said Robinson, who started last summer and quickly became hooked. “You're in a great community arts space, out in the sunshine, and surrounded by people just happy to be here. It really does feel like pre-COVID times – before social media, even – where you’re actually connecting with new people.”
VBDS has about 200 members today, offering affordable classes, weekly practices, and monthly social dances throughout the year. As a nonprofit, its focus is building community – not competition.
“We’ve been rebuilding since COVID, and it’s growing every year,” said Duruisseau. “Whether you have a partner or you’re flying solo, we’ve got something for you. You’ll be dancing to music with a partner in one hour – I promise.”
That promise will be put to the test one last time next week, as instructor Victor Golubkov takes the floor to lead the Cha Cha. No experience is needed, just a willingness to try. As the regulars will tell you, the rest tends to fall into place.
