New Podcast: Justin Russell: Let’s have honest conversations about where we’re headed and what’s next. - and more!


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) Dances.

Justin is passionate about teaching new dancers about this wonderful activity! In 2006, Justin spent the summer in Denver, CO, calling for the Colorado Rocky Mountain Dancers, an exhibition group representing the Lloyd Shaw era of dancing. During this time, Justin learned the valued history and tradition of this activity. He still performs with the group when possible. In 2008, Tony Oxendine and Jerry Story asked him to record for Royal Records. In October 2008, Justin went to a Nashville studio to record “Free Ride”. Justin’s goal is to blend the tradition of square dancing with the twenty-first century.

Send Us Your Success Story!

Inspired by Justin's thoughts, Square Dance Revival wants to share the success stories of rebuilding club membership or starting new clubs around the country. Tell us about your club history, what you did to rebuild, and what the results were. Sharing what didn't work is also helpful for other clubs. Send your club's stories and photos to leslie@squaredancerevival.org, and we'll post them to inspire others!

National Social Media Campaign!

“Busting myths. Welcoming dancers. Reviving the joy of dancing together.”

Square Dance Revival is spending $300 per month in our National Social Media Campaign to introduce new people to modern square and round dancing.

Over the last four weeks, we've reached 57,000 people throughout the country. 36 people clicked through to learn more about clubs in their area. Please keep your club and lesson information up to date on the various "find a club" sites.

Repeated exposure to these ads will continue to build interest in finding out why we are having so much fun.

This funding allows us to reach thousands of potential dancers every month through targeted advertising:

  • $150 on Facebook and Instagram ads, reaching approximately 18,750 people
  • $150 on TikTok ads, reaching approximately 30,000 people, primarily younger audiences

Our campaign targets people interested in fitness, health, social dancing, family activities, and fun local activities. According to Meta’s audience data, this represents a potential audience of over 300 million people who may be open to discovering square and round dancing.

We’ve received our first $100 donation this month, which will go directly toward expanding the campaign’s reach and introducing more people to the joy of square and round dancing.

Your donation directly increases the reach of this campaign. Find out how much impact you can make here:

Every dollar allows us to introduce dancing to more people, faster—helping more clubs connect with new dancers and bringing new energy into the activity we love.

Together, we can show a new generation that square and round dancing are fun, social, healthy, and welcoming for everyone.

If you see one of our promotional interviews on your social media, please let us know!

Free Instructions to Help Grow Your Membership!

Basic Marketing Tips

How to Create and Use a Google Profile

How to Create a Facebook Page (not a FB Group and why)

How to Use a Facebook Page to Market Your Club

How to Boost a Facebook Post to Reach New Dancers

Why Color Matters To Attract New Dancers (not every color reads Fun, Energy & Friendship!)

How to Take a Great Photo that will Attract New Dancers

How to Take a Great Video From Your Phone

In the coming weeks, watch for:

  • Website Mistakes That Drive New Dancers Away
  • Social Media Mistakes That Hurt Club Growth
  • Writing That Gets People to Stop and Read
  • Create Eye-Catching Ads with Canva (Free Version)
  • Use ChatGPT to Write Clear, Powerful Club Promotions
  • Build a Simple Club Website for Almost No Cost
  • Design Flyers That Make People Want to Try Dancing
  • Create Facebook & Instagram Ads That Bring People Through the Door

April 26 Filming of Round Dance Interviews for National Campaign

The Colorado Round Dance Association has graciously consented to our filming of their April 26th Spring Round Dance Event in Colorado Springs. We plan to produce at least ten video interviews with round dancers speaking from the heart about what got them into Round Dancing and why they love it. Once produced, those interviews will be used in Square Dance Revival's National Social Media Campaign. You will also be able to use these interviews in your own social media campaign to advertise for lessons. For free!

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Square Dance Revival!

Through social media, podcasts, presentations, and creative outreach, we educate the public about what square dancing really is (hint: it’s not what you think!). We love busting old myths and showing how square and round dancing offer incredible benefits—from fitness and brain health to meaningful social connection and pure fun.

Read more from Square Dance Revival!

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...

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...

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...