No Caller. No Dance. It's That Simple. Every Great Dance Begins with a Caller. Without Callers, the Music Stops. Our Future Depends on the Next Caller. Who Will Be Holding the Microphone Tomorrow? Nobody needs to tell a square or round dancer how important a great caller or cuer is—but too often we don't think about developing the next one until we're facing a retirement, illness, or a club without anyone to call. As International Caller Patty Greene joked, clubs usually start talking about...
24 days ago • 6 min read
A Different Approach to Lessons—and a Club That’s Thriving What if beginner lessons weren't simply a path to graduation, but a fun and valuable part of square dancing in their own right? Washington State's Happy Hoppers Club offers an interesting example of how rethinking the traditional lesson model can create an active, welcoming dance community. One of the larger clubs in the state, Happy Hoppers credits much of its success to the model established by longtime caller Jim Hattrick and...
about 1 month ago • 6 min read
Success Isn't Keeping Everyone—It's Gaining Someone One of the most discouraging moments for club leaders comes after beginner lessons. "We started with 18 students, but only five are dancing a year later." It's easy to focus on the 13 who didn't stay. But what if we looked at it differently? You didn't lose 13 dancers—you gained five. While there are no national statistics tracking square dance retention, many experienced callers and clubs report that only about 30–50% of those who begin...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
The Bad News: Younger Dancers are less likely to take lessons if they have to commit for 12 to 20 weeks. The GOOD NEWS: Modern clubs offer options that attract more people & deliver the same results One of the biggest challenges facing square dance clubs is not attracting interest—it's offering lesson formats that fit modern lifestyles. Many younger adults are looking for fun, social activities, and meaningful connections, but they are often reluctant to commit to six months or a year of...
2 months ago • 4 min read
The Bad News: Younger Dancers are less likely to take lessons if they have to commit for 12 to 20 weeks. The GOOD NEWS: Modern clubs offer options that attract more people & deliver the same results One of the biggest challenges facing square dance clubs is not attracting interest—it's offering lesson formats that fit modern lifestyles. Many younger adults are looking for fun, social activities, and meaningful connections, but they are often reluctant to commit to six months or a year of...
2 months ago • 4 min read
SDR Launches Leadership Development Initiative Strong leadership has always been essential to the success of square and round dancing. As clubs and organizations face new challenges—from attracting new dancers to developing future volunteers and leaders—Square Dance Revival (SDR) is beginning work on a comprehensive Leadership Development Program designed specifically for the square and round dance community. Drawing on proven leadership models used by successful nonprofits, associations, and...
3 months ago • 4 min read
Meet Paul and Linda — longtime round dance leaders, choreographers, teachers, and passionate ambassadors for the activity they love. From teaching teens in local schools to serving in national leadership roles, they’ve dedicated decades to helping round dancing grow while creating unforgettable friendships and memories along the way. Hear their inspiring story, their love of dancing, and why they believe everyone should give round dancing a try. Go to Square Dance Revival Podcasts Mike “Dr....
3 months ago • 3 min read
The Rocky Mountain Rainbeaus remain Colorado's most popular club year after year. While another club has slightly more members, this club has the highest attendance because many non-members attend their monthly "party dances." The Rainbeaus are wildly fun, and the dancing is top-notch. CBS News declared them the largest club in Colorado due to attendance. They are an official LGBTQ club, but have membership and attendance from most of the "straight" clubs in Colorado. Why are they so...
4 months ago • 3 min read
Justin took lessons with his grandmother, mom, dad, and brother in 2003. Friends from church got him to come to that first beginner dance, but no one knew it would become his passion. In June 2003, Justin attended his first Caller School in Tyler, TX, with Jon & Deborah Carroll-Jones, Vernon Jones, and Jerry Story. Justin currently calls for Top Spinners in Eads and Pacer Promenaders in Martin, TN. He travels during the summer, calling both Modern Square Dances and Beginner (Party Night)...
5 months ago • 3 min read