The 2023-2024 Grape Stompers Mainstream Class held their graduation in Fallbrook on June 25. Valley News/Courtesy photo
FALLBROOK – Square dancing, the official folk dance of California and 31 other states, has been modernized. It is no longer about picking and strumming. In the 21st century, square dancing has taken on new sounds, new looks, and a role in the world of fitness. It’s no longer the same dance that Henry Ford promoted and turned into a dance rage during the era of the Model A Ford.Today the focus is fitness. Modern western square dancing, a low impact activity that requires constant movement and quick directional changes, helps keep the body in shape and raises heart rates. It also provides excellent mental stimulation as you follow the cues of the caller and dance to the beat of such songs as “Pretty Woman,” “On Broadway” or “All That Jazz.”Square dancing is no longer
