THE ladies will be colourful in their full-circle skirts with layers of petticoats; the men will be dapper in their long-sleeved shirts with bolo ties at the neck.
And the floor will vibrate as couples step out for the Queensland State Square Dance Convention, to be held on the Gold Coast for the first time later this month.
In the midst of the dancing throng will be 86-year-old Eric Bradshaw and his wife Marjorie, 84, who have been square dancing together for the past 45 years and have danced in every Australian capital except the Northern Territory, as well as overseas.
The couple started when their children were teenagers as it was an alcohol-free activity the whole family could enjoy.
Their enthusiasm has carried through the years and they now dance at the most senior level.
“We enjoy dancing. It keeps us fit, our brains get a workout and it’s always something to look forward to,” said Eric, who explained that square dancers were renowned for their friendliness.
Modern square dancing has been in Australia for more than 60 years and is described by participants as “fun and friendship set to music”.
Organised by the Queensland Callers Association and the Burleigh Square Dance Club, the 36th Queensland Convention will be held at the Albert Waterways Community Centre, corner of Hooker and Sunshine Blvds, Mermaid Waters, from July 28-30. More than 150 dancers are expected.
There is free admission for members of the public wanting to view the action.