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April 20, 2007
Adult Dutch dancers look to swell their ranks
by Janine Calsbeek
Sioux County Capital-Democrat
(reprinted with permission of Pluim Publishing, Inc.)
ORANGE CITY – Yes, it helps if you have a bit of rhythm... or at least be able
to count to four.
And you need an authentic costume and wooden shoes.
But mostly, be ready for some fun.
"We've had plenty of left-footed people, and had a great time," said Kris
McDonald, who teaches adult Dutch dancing with the help of Ken and Mary
Oldenkamp and her husband Todd McDonald. Even Kris says that she doesn't really
dance.
She and the other Dutch dancers do move around though. And a couple of the
dances are good cardio work-outs, especially Vleegerd, the dance in which the
women are "thrown."
The hearts pump in that one, especially the women's, hoping that the men
remember to catch.
Adult Dutch dancing classes begin Monday, April 2. You're invited.
New dancers will learn six dances, one or two at a time. Six dances sounds like
a lot, said Mary, but she was reassuring. "There's a lot of repetition!"
You begin with the easiest dances, learning the main steps during the first
couple of classes, said Mary. Then you review the first ones, and learn another.
Subsequent classes go more smoothly. Plus Kris is extremely patient, said Mary.
"She does an exceptional job."
Those who learned the dances last year usually join the classes, as a refresher,
and in May the old-timers come too. The experienced dancers hear the music and
their memory kicks in, said Mary. They're good at assisting newbies with little
pulls in the right direction.
Usually there are five circles of dancers, with four to six couples per circle –
that's a total of 25 or 30 couples.
And it really is fun, said Kris... and gets the most unlikely people in wooden
shoes.
One unnamed young man told Tyler Simmelink that he'd never wear a Dutch outfit.
Tyler responded: "I said that once."
Now Tyler dances with his wife Maria.
It's a fun way to plug into the Tulip Festival and get to know different people
in the community, said Kris. And the time commitment is minimal.
Henry and Marlys Van Aartsen, Ron and Bonnie De Jong, and Dick Miske have been
Dutch dance teachers in the past. The McDonalds have danced for 10 years, and
taught for five. The Oldenkamps have been involved even longer. "We've done this
probably forever," Mary said with a smile; they've danced for at least 22 years.
The adult Dutch dancers perform every afternoon at the Festival, for crowds in
paid seating areas – in front of Van Engelenhoven Agency and Northwestern State
Bank. They also perform on Friday evening near The Little White Store, and
possibly farther south. Their music follows them, Dan Landegent on the
accordion.
With so many dancers, no one dancer sticks out, said Kris. Besides, the audience
loves not only the costumes and the names of songs like Moeder Wijs (Mother is
Wise)... they also love the mistakes. When something goes wrong – a shoe cracks,
an apron falls off, a hat blows into the crowd, or someone slips and falls –
it's entertaining.
To the crowd, said Mary, "that's the cat's pajamas!"
Those interested in dancing this year may call Kris or Todd McDonald (707-9241)
or Mary or Ken Oldenkamp (756-4233). Or show up at the first rehearsal, April 2
from 6-7 p.m. at the Orange City town hall. Bring a partner if possible... but
don't stay away if you have none.
Rehearsals will be held from 6-7 p.m. every Monday between now and Tulip
Festival.
If you need a costume, check the octulipfestival.com website, under costume
exchange.
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