Anthracite Rose Western Dance Club meets for weekly Tuesday night dances at Dupont Hose Co.

DUPONT — It was Tuesday evening, the music was playing and, for Joanie Straub of Scranton, her weekly night out with the Anthracite Rose Western Dance Club was like being a teenager again. Only better.

“Remember how in high school we went to dances and some people would have to stand there like a wallflower? You don’t have to do that here,” she said with a satisfied smile.

Indeed, with line dancers shuffling and pivoting in the center of the Dupont Hose Co. floor and couples forming a circle around them, it seemed the only people who weren’t in motion were those who wanted to take a break for pizza and a chat.

“It’s a lot of nice people, a great bunch of people, and if you don’t have a partner, it’s OK,” Jean Prestas, of Ashley, said, expressing a sentiment many dancers echoed.

The Anthracite Western Dance Club got its start 33 years ago, Jeff Fritzen, of Shavertown, said. “We hit it when Western dancing was the thing.”

Naturally, there’s been some attrition over the years, and the organizers want to spread the word that new dancers are welcome to join.

“You’ll have to learn your right from your left,” Sharon Hardik, of Forty Fort, teased a visitor before assuring her it wasn’t difficult to learn the dances — not with instructor Barbara Monroe on hand.

“Your weight is on the right foot,” Monroe said, explaining as she demonstrated. “Shuffle, left. Left, right, cross. Left, turn, right … anybody who wants a challenge can put a turn in here.”

“Come and take a lesson,” the instructor invited two people who had just walked in.

It’s OK if you just want to come and listen to the music, Fritzen said. “It’s country, and cross-over hits, none of that twangy stuff,” he said.

If you want to dance, he recommends shoes with smooth leather soles for easy gliding.

The weekly dances are a good chance for exercise, Phyllis Bonomo, of Yatesville, said.

And they’re an opportunity for fellowship, Michael Filipkowski, of Moosic, added. “I love being with people.”

For Jeannie Sickler, of Luzerne, the dances have been a great way to meet people. “We moved here from New Jersey when my kids were in high school and I didn’t know anyone,” she said. “It was about our ninth move and I had learned you can’t stay in your house and wait for people to come to you.”

“It’s a fun night out, seeing your friends,” Straub said. “And it’s so great that you don’t have to have a partner.”

Diane and Roy Ramsey enjoy the Western style dancing at the Dupont Fire Hall on a Tuesday evening.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_western1_faa.jpgDiane and Roy Ramsey enjoy the Western style dancing at the Dupont Fire Hall on a Tuesday evening. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Wayne Schweighofer twirls his partner, Kim Morello, during a weekly Tuesday night dance sponsored by the Anthracite Rose Western Dance Club at the Dupont Fire Hall.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_western2_faa.jpgWayne Schweighofer twirls his partner, Kim Morello, during a weekly Tuesday night dance sponsored by the Anthracite Rose Western Dance Club at the Dupont Fire Hall. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Jeff Lott and his wife Ellen dance at the Dupont Fire Hall on a recent Tuesday evening. It was their second time, they said, and they were pleased at how much they were able to learn in a short time.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_western3_faa.jpgJeff Lott and his wife Ellen dance at the Dupont Fire Hall on a recent Tuesday evening. It was their second time, they said, and they were pleased at how much they were able to learn in a short time. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Sharon Hardik has been going to the dances for years and assures newcomers it’s not hard to learn.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_western4_faa.jpgSharon Hardik has been going to the dances for years and assures newcomers it’s not hard to learn. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Joanie Straub and her friends Jeannie Sickler, Jean Prestas and Jean Williams take a break from dancing to chat and share pizza during the weekly dance sponsored by the Anthracite Rose Western Dance Club.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_western5_faa.jpgJoanie Straub and her friends Jeannie Sickler, Jean Prestas and Jean Williams take a break from dancing to chat and share pizza during the weekly dance sponsored by the Anthracite Rose Western Dance Club. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Eager dancers follow DJ and dance instructor Barbara Monroe as she teaches the steps of a line dance.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_western6_faa.jpgEager dancers follow DJ and dance instructor Barbara Monroe as she teaches the steps of a line dance. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

You don’t have to wear Western boots to the Anthracite Rose dances, but it does add a nice touch.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_western7_faa.jpgYou don’t have to wear Western boots to the Anthracite Rose dances, but it does add a nice touch. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Rose and Jeff Fritzen, of Shavertown, circle the floor at the Dupont Fire Hall on Main Street, Dupont, where the Anthracite Rose Western Dance Club holds weekly dances.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_western8_faa.jpgRose and Jeff Fritzen, of Shavertown, circle the floor at the Dupont Fire Hall on Main Street, Dupont, where the Anthracite Rose Western Dance Club holds weekly dances. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch