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Preparing for the 10th square dance showdown

Elizabeth Anavilok is organizing the 10th annual square dance showdown in Gjoa Haven, Nov. 22-25.

"I'm trying to aim for something big," said Anavilok who has been involved with the Amauligak Dancers for the past decade.

The prize amounts haven't been announced yet. Community bingos are part of the fundraising effort, she said.

There will be plenty of local entries – with eight or 12 dancers each – and teams from other communities have been inquiring about participating in the event, she said. Categories will be open to adults and youth, she added.

Weekly practices are held on Tuesdays in Gjoa Haven with a live band at the community hall. Anavilok said she was surprised to see some children as young as three to five years old learning to square dance on Oct. 16.

"They're so tiny. It was really touching yesterday when I saw small, little ones that will be in the showdown," she said. "They're into the music. They were not shy."