Square dancing keeps WR club members stimulated

WARNER ROBINS — Square dancing is “music set to motion,” Tom Kimsey says.

Kimsey and his wife, Linda, are the co-presidents of the Robins Ramblers, a square dancing club in Warner Robins.

Every Wednesday, the club of about 45 members meets in the Warner Robins recreation center at 7 p.m. for two-hour sessions. The classes consist of square dancing, round dancing and line dancing.

Gladys Kersey has been a member of the Robins Ramblers since it started in 1980. She started square dancing overseas in Guam in 1965, where there were different clubs for military members and their spouses.

Kersey’s husband was in the Air Force and also square danced.

“I love it, and it’s great exercise,” Kersey said.

The oldest member of the club is 93 years old and dances about four nights a week, Kersey said.

Macon, Milledgeville and Dublin are other Middle Georgia cities with square dancing clubs.

“It’s kind of declining now. We’re trying to get it vibrant,” Linda Kimsey said.

She said the group, although not for children, is trying to recruit new members and some younger members to ensure it continues. The group is holding special dances and going out in the community to dance in local events. In the past they have danced at nursing homes, the Galleria Mall and the Cherry Blossom Festival, and in Christmas parades.

Members also participate in events that promote square dancing, and some will be attending competitions.

From June 23-26, members can attend the 59th National Square Dancing Convention held in Louisville, Ky.

Club members can also participate in the 39th Georgia State Square and Round Dance Convention from Sept. 16-18 in Macon. Linda Kimsey said thousands of people attend the competition.

“Nationals are all around the whole world. They have 4,000 people already registered. They come from other countries,” said Theresa Donaldson, former Robins Ramblers president.

Members and competition participants go dressed to the events in custom-made outfits or get them at the state convention. The costume worn at the club meeting consisted of western attire, petticoats and full skirts.

Robins Ramblers offers some costume sales. The group’s next one is planned for April.