Singing River Squares: Radell and Laura Key square danced their way to marriage

By Chelsea Retherford | Living 50 Plus

When Radell Key saw an ad in 2018 seeking dancers for the Singing River Squares at The Club senior center in Florence, he had no partner and no past dancing experience.

Having just moved to the Shoals from Savannah, Tennessee, a year prior, he wasn’t even sure he’d know anyone among the regular crowd. Still, he decided to give it a shot.

“I’m more than glad I did it,” Radell said. “It really opened up another world to me.”

Not only had he found a new hobby in his new home, but he also found a longtime dance partner, Laura, who would eventually become his wife.

“He came and he didn’t know a soul,” Laura said. “I just thought that was so impressive, so I kept my eye on him.”

She was also fairly new to square dancing, and new to the area, when she met Radell.

Laura had moved from Chicago, Illinois, to Florence, after having gone through a divorce. Her sister, Kathy McCarthy, who had recently become a widow, lived here.

When the two sisters saw an ad for the dancing program at The Club, they decided to see what it was all about.

“We both had so much fun. We laughed so hard the first time we came,” Laura said, though she admits, she would’ve turned tail if she’d walked in and seen everyone wearing gingham and frills.

“I don’t wear all that,” Laura said with a laugh. “I think (the costumes) are a misconception people have about square dancing. Maybe they remember it from when they were in kindergarten or second grade or something like that, and it’s not like that anymore.”

The Keys said they’re both grateful they can show up to the dance every Monday in whatever they’re comfortable in. While many square-dancing conventions around the nation don’t discourage the traditional Western attire, more modern dancers typically show up in their “Sunday best,” being sure to coordinate outfits with their partner.

Radell, who shares his wife’s enthusiasm for square dancing, believes their marriage is a testament to the good things that come from being open to new opportunities and trying new things.

“I’ve never been a dancer. That was totally out of character for me,” Radell said of his first venture out onto the dance floor. “She’s one of the reasons I stay in it, I guess. That’s the reason I’m still here (in Florence). I met her, and we got married. It all worked out. It’s all part of God’s plan. It had to be.”

After joining the Singing River Squares, the Keys also tried their hand at ballroom dancing and took some lessons in the Shoals until the COVID pandemic interfered. After lockdown, the Keys picked square dancing back up and added pickleball to their calendar.

“The calendar is all full,” Laura said with a laugh. “One time after we’d left pickleball, Radell was standing outside his truck, and he said, ‘I’m more socially busy now than I ever have been.’”

A typical week for the Keys includes square dancing every Monday night and pickleball on Wednesday mornings, Thursday nights and Friday nights.

Radell said he and his wife will even pick up games at some of the outdoor courts around the Shoals on weekends if anyone they know is playing.

“We would do more if there were more opportunities to play. Although, this time of year is awfully hot,” Laura said.

Even during the summer’s hottest months, the Keys said they are happy to have shared interests that keep them physically and mentally fit.

“That’s the thing about all this, you just have a good time, you meet people, and you keep going,” Radell said. “I’m a firm believer that if you don’t keep moving, you’re going to sit down. When you sit down, then you’re going to get where you can’t get up. It works. I’m 76 and still doing it.”

Laura agreed and added that although square dancing and pickleball keep them active, the pastimes are more fun for the couple than working out.

“I wouldn’t make myself go to exercise, but this is something I want to do, and it’s something I look forward to,” she said.

The Keys said they hope to encourage others to come dance at The Club.

“Don’t feel like you have to have a partner,” Laura said. “We especially need men. They seem more hesitant to come. There are way too many women, but even the women who come singly, if it’s not their time to dance, it’s still fun to socialize and visit with each other.”