“Hakuna Matata (Ha-coon-ah  Ma-ta-ta) what a wonderful phrase! Hakuna Matata, ain’t no passing craze! It means ‘no worries’ for the rest of our days. It’s our problem free, philosophy, Hakuna Matata!” Those are lyrics from the Elton John and Tim Rice song from Disney’s 1993 hit THE LION KING. The handi-capable dancers love that song and thought was the best theme song for them.

 

The Hakuna Matatas square dance club, from Altoona Pennsylvania, performed their very first demonstration dance in front of a large crowd at the Pennsylvania Square and Round Dance Convention in State College ( Happy Valley ) PA on Saturday August 18^th. Club callers Corben Geis and Tom Miller were joined by Michelle McCarty from New Jersey for a seminar in the afternoon, followed by a fun practice hour, a good dinner and the demo. The convention was also nice enough to invite the Hakuna Matatas to participate in the ‘parade of banners’. They were absolutely delighted.

 

 

Thoughtful angel dancer, Duane Koelle, made the banner for the Hakuna Matatas, and we are grateful. Thanks to Susie Q Creations from Orlando and her wonderful staff for pressing the very colorful name badges designed by Corben. A special ‘hooray’ to all of our angels and the parents and guardians who have donated both their time and money to cover certain expenses (and our local caller’s association). Much obliged to Maria Brandt and the smiling staff at The ARC of Blair County and The Becky Sheetz Recreation Center for allowing us to use their dance hall and lending their helping hands whenever needed. A very special thanks to Angel Dancers Kitty Sullivan and Jen Weaver for going through all of the square dance attire and cleaning, pressing and matching the clothes with certain dancers and partners. The western wear has been graciously donated by Michelle and Brittany McCarty and Campbell’s Sporting Goods as well as lots of dancers throughout our area, and we highly appreciate your kindness. Thanks to Tom Miller and his daughter Candace too for calling and dancing each week. And, finally, thank you very much Erin Cooley for editing and posting all of our photos and videos.

 

If you’d like to see the kids practicing for the convention and trying on their square wear, go to this link on the internet. http://storytrax.com/node/897

For more info, check out  www.thearcblair.org  and www.ushandicapable.org