To Marv Labahn and his devotees, there’s nothing more rewarding than an old-time hoedown. But the 91-year-old dance instructor and square-dance caller for the Oak Lawn Park District is calling it quits after 27 years on the job because of dwindling interest in the once-popular activity.
“The only reason I’m retiring is there just aren’t enough people taking part in the activity anymore,” said Labahn of Chicago Ridge. “The seniors are doing other things, like bingo, bridge and computers.”
Labahn taught square dancing for the Chicago Park District for about 23 years before moving to the Oak Lawn district, where his classes have gone from about 20 beginning dancers and 80 regulars every Thursday to 16 regulars. A longtime member of the International Association of Square Dance Callers, Labahn said yearly conventions have gone from about 35,000 to 7,900 people.
For Labahn the socializing of square dancing was always key. In previous jobs he found he had an affinity for dealing with people. He worked his way up from secretary to foreman for General Motors in McCook, retiring in 1972 after 35 years.
“Dancing is a recreation where you create a fellowship with the other participants. It’s an activity where people have to like people,” Labahn said. “I think probably what’s happened is people are just not interested in other people today.”
