Wow! What a month! March was filled with energy, celebration, and growth across the HSRDC community—from major exhibitions to club celebrations and new dancer engagement. As we move into April, there are even more opportunities to learn, dance, and connect.
March Highlights
Square Dancing at the Houston Rodeo
HSRDC was proudly represented by 45 dancers at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 7. Dancers performed at The Junction Stage with Ken Burke calling and invited attendees to try square dancing, helping spread awareness and enthusiasm for the activity. Square Dance Exhibition at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Houston Square Dance
KPP St. Patrick’s Day and Pi Day Celebration
Members and guests enjoyed a fun evening at Katy Prairie Promenaders’ St. Patrick’s Day and Pi Day Celebration with Pat Kotal calling on March 13. KPP Hosts St. Patrick’s and Pi Day Celebration – Houston Square Dance
Camping Squares 51st Anniversary Dance
The Houston Area Camping Squares celebrated their 51st Anniversary on March 21 with a rodeo-themed dance at Coushatte Recreation Ranch. More than five squares participated in an evening full of fun and community spirit. Camping Squares Celebrate 51st Anniversary – Houston Square Dance
Club Visitation Challenge
The Club Visitation Challenge continues until April 25. To be in on the fun and prizes, all you have to do is dance 10 times at clubs where you are not a member/regular attendee or at exhibitions, then turn in your completed card at the HSRDC Second Quarter meeting on April 25! For more info and to print the Visitation Card if you don’t have one, click the link: HSRDC Visitation Challenge — Get Out and Dance! – Houston Square Dance
April is another busy month!
Introduction to Square Dancing Events: Who could you invite to try this activity that we all love?
The first of two Intro to Square Dancing events was held at Concordia on Saturday, March 28. Guests and angels formed three squares and shared 90 minutes of dancing, laughter, and fun. Many thanks to David Bearden for leading this intro. A second opportunity to invite potential new dancers is Saturday, April 4 at 3pm. This is free of charge for everyone! Angels (especially men!) are greatly needed! Let’s keep our square dance community growing! https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/03/31/intro-to-square-dancing-a-great-success/
Mainstream Lessons
Mainstream lessons with David Bearden will start on Saturday April 11. Our goal is two squares of new students. We would love to have angels from HSRDC clubs for these lessons. Angels and students currently enrolled in area lessons attend free of charge. Flyer and all the details can be found at www.houstonsquaredance.com under the Lessons tab and also on the Calendar. We are looking for one more Class Coordinator to join Stash Tosio and Mary Lou Kiser. Please let us know if you are interested in helping!
Mainstream Workshop/Dances
Thank you to everyone who has been coming to the Saturday Mainstream workshop and dance! These will continue on Saturdays from 4:30-6pm at Concordia with David Bearden to give new dancers the opportunity to practice their skills and get much-needed floor time in a relaxed setting. Starting April 11, the fee will be $7 per person.
Get a Headstart on the New Plus Calls
Tim Ploch will teach the calls that have been added to the Plus list at his First Tuesday Series at 7pm at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.
Round Dance Lessons
Have you thought about learning to Round Dance? Stash Tosio is starting Cha-Cha and Rumba lessons on Sunday afternoons at Concordia Lutheran Church. The first session will be on April 12. More information is available on the attached flyer and on the HSRDC calendar at https://houstonsquaredance.com/lessons/
Marilyn Waguespack will begin round dance lessons at the Brazos Bottom Belles and Beaus on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:00pm after their current Mainstream students graduate in May.
Upcoming Special Events & Other Dance Opportunities in April
Sat. April 11: La Bahia Bluebonnet Festival Square Dance, Burton, TX
Mike Bramlett, Caller and Marilyn Waguespack, Cuer; Dinner reservation deadline is April 4!
Sat. April 18: Saturday Night Square-Off 75th NSDC vs 77th NSDC
TWO ASSISTANT GENERAL CHAIRMAN CALLERS, ONE DANCE FLOOR! This is a fundraising dance for the 2026 and 2028 National Square Dance Conventions featuring Billy “Box the Gnat” Grimsley representing the 75th NSDC in Waco in 2026, and Dave “Dive Thru” Vieira representing the 77th NSDC in Daytona Beach in 2028. At the end of the night, vote for your favorite caller and they will be belted CHAMPION! 6PM Dinner; 7-9PM Dance
Thurs. April 23: Fairbees 69th Anniversary Dance: Love Boat Beach Party
Put on your cruise attire and join the Fairbees to help them celebrate their 69th anniversary with Tim Tyl calling. 6:30PM Dinner; 7PM Early Plus Tips; 7:30PM Mainstream and Announced Plus
Fri. April 24: Square Dance Exhibition
Share the joy of square dancing at the Active Seniors Luncheon at Duncan YMCA on Clay Road. Contact June Walston, 713-827-5640 if you are interested in participating.
Sat. April 25: “April Allemande” New Dancer Jamboree, Clothing Sale, and HSRDC 2nd Quarter Meeting
Don’t miss the annual New Dancer Jamboree on Saturday, April 25. This fun day recognizes all recent graduates and soon-to-be graduates of area clubs. 1PM Clothing Sale; 2PM Mainstream; 4:30PM HSRDC 2nd Quarter Meeting and Visitation Challenge Drawing; 7-9PM Mainstream with Announced Plus
Save the Date for these Upcoming Events:
May 2, Hanger Squares “Disco” Jubilee Dinner & Dance Fundraiser, Tim Tyl, Caller, Friendswood
June 4-7, 64th Annual Texas State Federation Square and Round Dance Festival, Longview, TX
June 23, Trails End Dance for the 75th National Square Dance Convention, Waco, TX
June 24-27, 75th National Square Dance Convention® – We’re Going To Texas Y’all Waco, TX
July 1, HSRDC Houston Hoedown “Dance Around the World” Kick-off with Australian caller Jaden Frigo, Concordia
Aug. 16, 3rd Quarter Meeting/Election of 2027 Officers and Scholarship Dance, Vernon Jones, Caller, Concordia
Oct. 23 & 24, Houston Hoedown, Dan Preedy, Caller, The Ski’s, Round Dance Leaders, Pasadena Convention Center
Nov. 15, 4th Quarter Meeting/Installation of 2027 Officers and Dance, Mike Seastrom, Caller, Concordia
See the HSRDC calendar for more information about upcoming dances, lessons, and exhibitions at https://houstonsquaredance.com/calendar/
Thank you to all who have requested to join the HSRDC email list! Due to the great response, we have changed to a new email platform Sender.net. If you know dancers who are not receiving the HSRDC emails, please share this link for them to sign up Newsletters – Houston Square Dance or email info@houstonsquaredance.com
Have a happy and blessed Easter! Fairbees, Hey Lollies, Katy Prairie Promenaders, and Hanger Squares will be DARK this week in observance of the holiday.
Keep on dancin’! We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!
Carol and Charles Thornburg