A Nova Scotia square dancer has do-si-doed into the history books after being recognized as the oldest active square dancer in Continental North America.
A large crowd gathered at the community hall in Wilmot, N.S. this week in honour of 101-year-old Esther Chute.
“She is, as far as we are concerned, the only active square dancer at 101 years old,” says Paul Langille, president of the Square and Round Dance Federation of Nova Scotia.
Chute, a longtime member of the Berwick Belles n’ Beaus, has been square dancing for 53 years.
“I needed exercise and I thought, well square dancing is good exercise,” she says.
Chute has now been recognized by the United Square Dancers of America and Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil for her decades of dancing.
“We thank you for all you have done for us and the square dance community. You are truly an outstanding lady,” said the United Square Dancers of America in a letter to Chute.
While it is a moment of pride for the centenarian, she is taking all the attention and accolades in stride.
“It is a nice thing, really.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kelland Sundahl
