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Gay Square Dance Club Sashays Into Town

ST. LOUIS–Get ready to swing your partner and do-si-do: St. Louis is set to join the ranks of many other major U.S. cities with the debut of the Gateway Squares, the area's first gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender GLBT square dancing group.

Chi-Town Squares 2003 Sweetheart Couple, Dutes Miller and Stan Shellabarger

The club will officially start lessons at the beginners level at Heman Park Community Center, 975 Pennsylvania in University City at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 13.

"We want to welcome everyone and anyone who would like to learn to square dance in the comfort of a queer friendly environment," said Trevor Slom, the founder of the club. "Singles, couples, threesomes, or groups, everyone is welcome," said Slom. "As the lessons get going, each dancer gets to dance with everybody else from the group. "

When Slom lived in Chicago, he joined Chi-Town Squares, the Windy City's local chapter of the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs (www.iagsdc.org). Despite the fact that the greater St. Louis area has several 'straight' square dancing groups, Slom said he was disappointed to find no local GLBT club when he returned to St. Louis two years ago. "So I decided to start a square dance club myself," he said. "We have a square dance caller. We have a venue. Now all we need are dancers."

The first three lessons will be an open enrollment period where people can come and see if it's something they enjoy and can commit to. Dancers are not expected to have any experience at the first lesson. After that, seven lessons of Basic square dancing will follow. The course will continue with Mainstream and Plus lessons so that by the end of the seasons dancers will be able to dance at any square dance, anywhere. At each lesson, there will be a small charge to cover the costs of the professional caller, dance hall and refreshments.

There is no need to pre-register, but potential dancers with questions can call Slom at 314-862-0668 or e-mail him at tslom2000@yahoo.com.

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