Square dancing can become an addiction, so it seems.

At least, that’s what happened to Keith and Betty Stretch, square dancers since 1982.

At first, they were a bit reluctant to join a square with three other couples.

“Some friends asked us to come and take lessons. We turned them down about three times, and then we started. We’ve been square dancers since then,” Betty said.

On Sunday the Stretches, and other volunteers from the Kuntry Kuzzins square dance club, taught the basic steps of the national dance to a group of young people from the United Methodist Children’s Home and the Methodist Boys Ranch at Cookson. Several adults also joined in the fun.

After another Sunday afternoon of free lessons, a 16-week session, costing $25, will begin.

Keith Stretch began calling dances around the area in 1986, and now he travels to call dances whenever he’s invited to do so in this region. The Stretches and other Kuntry Kuzzins have attended conventions drawing a national and international audience.

But unlike the Olympics, there were no international superstars out Sunday. The group gathered to learn the art, meet people and have a good time. They didn’t sport fancy cancans or western gear, although some young men were clad in their best jeans and boots.

Square dancing requires no memorization of a long, difficult routine. Once dancers have the steps down pat, it’s up to them to listen to the caller and follow his directions.

“If you came to square dance, I’m going to ask you to get up and find a partner,” Stretch said after picking up a microphone. “Find a partner – a guy and a gal. It doesn’t mean you have to get married.”

The younger dancers paired off, some eagerly, others somewhat shyly. A tall young man with the appearance of a good hand in the hay field found himself paired with a petite blonde, who encouraged his efforts, despite their difference in height.

“If you’ve got a boy by the hand, bring him on down,” Stretch said. “We want four couples in each group. We want a square.”

Ultimately, five squares formed, filling the dance floor. A couple of reluctant males remained as wallflowers, despite the urging of some of the women.

The first directions from the caller were simple.

“Join hands. Circle to the left, go round, go round. Now go right, go right, turn the other way around. Grab your girl by the hand and move on.”