PODCAST: Allan Hurst: Adapt or Be Left Behind:

What Clubs Must Do to Grow

click on an image above to go to the Podcast

This week, we’re talking with Allan Hurst, a caller, dancer, and square dance leader based in Sacramento, California. Allan has been dancing since 1995 and calling since 1997, and he’s deeply involved in the square dance community. He has revived several dying clubs and shares his experience with what works and doesn't work. In this conversation, Allan shares practical insights on what attracts new dancers, why welcoming culture matters, and what clubs must change if square dancing is going to grow again. Don't have time to listen? Here is a PDF summary:

New Training Material!

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

National Social Media Campaign!

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

The Square Dance Revival! National Campaign works to introduce a new generation to the joy of modern square and round dancing.

Through myth-busting storytelling, national social media outreach, and practical education for clubs, we show the public what square and round dancing really are today—fun, welcoming, social, and great for both body and mind.

We also help clubs strengthen their culture by focusing on friendship, inclusion, and fun so new dancers feel comfortable, excited, and eager to return. Our goal is simple: more dancers, stronger clubs, and vibrant dance communities for the future. Here are examples of what we'll use:

April 26 Filming of Round Dance Interviews for National Campaign

The Colorado Round Dance Association has graciously consented to allow us to film 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 in to 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!