OTLEY residents will be able to have a go at American Square Dancing this September.

White Rose Squares Callers Cliff Anderton and Gene Turner will be leading the musical fun at Otley Methodist Church’s Wesley Hall, on Walkergate, on Saturday, September 21.

The event, sponsored by the Yorkshire Federation of the British Association of American Square Dance Clubs in association with White Rose Squares, takes place from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

The American Square Dance Hoedown, with demonstrations, is also an Otley Folk Festival associated event and has been organised to link up with this year’s festival.

No experience or partner is needed to take part. Admission costs £6 on the door which includes light refreshments,. and there is no charge for children accompanied by an adult.

Admission is also free to anyone who has an Otley Folk Festival Pass and there will be a raffle for Macmillan Cancer Support.

A White Rose Squares spokesman said: “A Hoedown is aimed at those who have never square danced before, is suitable for all ages and introduces you to some initial moves - and you will find that our callers get you back to where you started, as if by magic!

“During the evening there will be short demonstrations by experienced square dancers so that you can see some more of the moves we learn. It’s fun and friendship set to music: come and give it a go!”

American Square Dancing has its roots in the folk dances that were taken to America by English and European settlers in the 1600s.