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Colwood church gets countrified

Pull out your cowboy hats and coveralls — Colwood’s hippest church is hosting its first barn dance.
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Rev. Ken Gray is hosting a traditional “barn dance” at his church

Pull out your cowboy hats and coveralls — Colwood’s hippest church is hosting its first barn dance.

Church of the Advent is better known for hosting the Jazz Vespers, where evening  sermons are set to live improv jazz, but this Saturday it will be country music ringing through the church hall.

“This is just meant as a fun way to be together as a congregation,” said Rev. Ken Gray. “We’re inviting the community to attend. Everyone is welcome.”

Carol Mason, a professional country dance instructor, will teach the dances. No previous experience is necessary. “I teach each dance from the ground up, and they’re easy to learn,” she said.

Mason will be teaching a traditional barn dance and some more modern country dancing styles, such as the Texas two step and possibly some line dancing. Everything will be set to modern music.

“I’m really just going to have judge the group when I get there, and see what they want to learn,” she said. “I have a wide variety of country dances available that I can teach.”

Mason regularly teaches country dance at community centres around Greater Victoria. Her line dancing class at Juan de Fuca rec is full to capacity.

“There’s a lot of interest in country dance but nowhere to do it. Victoria doesn’t have any country clubs,” Mason lamented.

But Gray said if this barn dance is successful, there might be more to come. “I hope a lot of people come out and have a good time,” he said.

The barn dance is set for Jan. 21, 7 p.m., at 510 Mount View Ave. There is no cost to attend, though dancers are asked to bring snacks for a finger-food potluck and donations towards to cost of the event will be accepted. For information call 250-474-3031.