From square dance club to community activity guide.
Get Up and Dance has its roots in the local square dance community of the Petawawa and Pembroke area. For years, this site served as a home for a square dance club that brought together dancers from across the Ottawa Valley for regular evenings of music, calling, and socializing. Square dancing has a long and proud history in the valley, and our club was part of that tradition.
As times changed and the community's interests broadened, it became clear that there was a need for a more general resource covering dance, fitness, and community activities in the area. Many of the people who enjoyed square dancing were also involved in other forms of movement and recreation, and newcomers to the area were looking for information about the full range of activities available locally.
Get Up and Dance evolved to meet that need. While we remain proud of our square dancing heritage, we now serve as a general guide to dance, fitness, and community activities in Petawawa, Pembroke, and the surrounding Ottawa Valley. Our goal is to help people find ways to stay active and connected in this community, whatever form that takes.
This site provides information about:
We aim to provide practical, evergreen information that remains useful over time. We do not maintain event calendars or time-sensitive listings, as these are better handled by the municipal recreation departments and local organizations that run the programs. Instead, we focus on helping people understand what types of activities are available in the area and where to find more information.
We are a community resource, not a commercial operation. We do not charge for listings or accept advertising. Our content is written by people who live in the area and participate in the activities we describe.
The Petawawa and Pembroke area is a unique community. The presence of CFB Petawawa means that there is a constant flow of new residents who are looking for ways to connect and get involved. At the same time, the long-established local population maintains traditions and organizations that give the area its character.
Dance, fitness, and community activities are one of the best ways for newcomers and long-time residents alike to meet people and build connections. Whether it is a weekly dance class, a fitness group, or a Saturday morning hike, shared activity brings people together in ways that few other things can.
If you have questions or suggestions about activities in the area, we would love to hear from you. Visit our contact page to get in touch.