Fairbees 69th Anniversary Love Boat Dance Set Sail on April 23
The Fairbees celebrated their 69th Anniversary with a fun-filled Love Boat themed evening on April 23. Tim Tyl kept the crowd moving and smiling with his creative choreography. It was a great evening honoring 69 years of dancing and fellowship! Check out the link for the story and photos: https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/04/27/fairbees-the-love-boat-69th-anniversary-dance/
“April Allemande“ New Dancer Jamboree was a Great Success!
HSRDC’S annual New Dancer Jamboree “April Allemande” brought many dancers and high energy to Concordia Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 25. More than six squares gathered for the afternoon “Funshop” with Mike Bramlett. The evening festivities began with special recognition of new dancers, followed by a Grand March. More than nine squares enjoyed Mainstream and Plus dancing. It was a great welcome to all the new dancers who are entering the wonderful world of Square Dancing! To see photos, go to https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/04/27/april-allemande-new-dancer-jamboree-was-a-great-success/
Club Visitation Challenge Winners!
The Club Visitation Challenge ended on Saturday April 25 and a drawing was held for those who turned in their completed visitation cards. Congratulations to John Osborne and Sam Behrens who each won $25!
Steal the Banner Competition
A new twist on an old game was announced at the HSRDC Second Quarter meeting. Thank John Osborne of the Hey Lollies for this fun idea. Clubs will compete for the most Banners (Certificates) that they can acquire between April 26 and August 15. All you have to do is bring a square to another club dance and have them sign a Certificate. Attending the Saturday afternoon Mainstream Dances at Concordia Lutheran also counts as a visitation. Collect your certificates and bring them to the August 16 HSRDC 3rd Quarter meeting to win prizes. This will be a great way for dancers to get floor time and meet other dancers in the Houston area. To print the certificate go to https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/04/27/steal-the-banner-competition/
75th National Square Dance Convention Registration Fee Increases May 1
HSRDC is the Sponsoring Organization for the 75thNSDC and we hope many of our Houston area dancers will attend this awesome convention in Waco, June 24-27. If you haven’t already registered, be sure to do that this week, as the registration fee increases from $80 to $95 on May 1. The easiest way to register is online at https://75nsdctx.com/long-form-registration/
Fun Special Dances This Week
On Friday, May 1, Katy Prairie Promenaders are hosting a May the 4th Be With You Dance with Pat Kotal, Caller. Come dressed in the theme and be sure to check out the Star Wars Cantina! On Saturday, May 2, Hanger Squares are hosting their “Disco” Jubilee Dinner & Dance Fundraiser, with Tim Tyl, Caller. Rock your 70’s attire and join them for a fun evening! Bring a square and get a “Steal the Banner” Certificate at these dances! See the calendar for more info: https://houstonsquaredance.com/calendar/
Guest Caller Dan Preedy at Hey Lollies and Texas Renegades This Week
Dan Preedy, who will be the caller for the 2026 Houston Hoedown in October, will be the guest caller at the Hey Lollies and the Texas Renegades this week. Dan began square dancing in 1968 learning from his father Dale Preedy. He began calling in 1975 and reached his 50 years of calling in 2025! He calls Mainstream-A2 and travels coast to coast each year calling club specials, weekends and festivals. Dan is a recording artist for Lou Mac, Rawhide and Hi Hat recordings. Plan to attend one or both dances to get a taste of Dan’s great calling.
Mainstream Dances on Saturdays at 4:30pm
Check out this Mainstream dance with David Bearden on Saturdays from 4:30-6PM at Concordia Lutheran Church. This is a great opportunity for new dancers to get floor time for only $7 per person. Bring a square and get a “Steal the Banner” Certificate! Class coordinators, please encourage your class members to attend!
HSRDC Received 501c3 Non-Profit Designation
After a year-long process, HSRDC received its 501c3 non-profit designation under the United Square Dancers of America (USDA) Group Exemption Program. This designation will extend to the clubs with a few requirements. Club Presidents or Treasurers are encouraged to contact Charles Thornburg for additional information.
Donations Requested for Texas State Festival Auction Basket
HSRDC is putting together a “Chocolate and Coffee Lovers” auction basket for the Texas State Festival in Longview on June 6. Members and Clubs are asked to provide cash donations or items such as a Keurig, coffee pods, mugs, all varieties of chocolate. We also need six items for the brown bag auction. If you would like to donate some $ or an item, please contact Joyce and Mike Peters or give to your club’s District Director. Donations are due by May 15.
Nominations for 2027 Officers
Nominations for 2027 Officers are now open. If you are interested in a leadership role with HSRDC, contact Carol or Charles Thornburg for more information. Election will be held at the 3rd Quarter meeting on August 16.
Cha-Cha and Rumba Lessons
Stash Tosio’s Cha-Cha and Rumba lessons are on Sunday afternoons at Concordia Lutheran Church. There won’t be a lesson on Mother’s Day, May 10. More information is available on the HSRDC calendar at https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/04/09/cha-cha-and-rumba-lessons-start-april-12/
Save the Date for these Upcoming Special Events!
Check out the flyers at https://houstonsquaredance.com/flyers/
June 4-7, 64th Annual Texas State Federation Square and Round Dance Festival, Longview, TX
June 15, Bluebonnet Squares 47th Anniversary Dance, Gary Belchik, Tricia Morley & Tim Ploch, Spring
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, “Dance Around the World” HSRDC Houston Hoedown Kick-off with Australian caller Jaden Frigo, Concordia Lutheran
Aug. 16, HSRDC 3rd Quarter Meeting/Election of 2027 Officers and Scholarship Dance, Vernon Jones, Caller, Concordia Lutheran
Oct. 23 & 24, “Dance Around the World” HSRDC Houston Hoedown, Dan Preedy, Caller, The Ski’s, Round Dance Leaders, Pasadena Convention Center
Nov. 15, HSRDC 4th Quarter Meeting/Installation of 2027 Officers and Dance, Mike Seastrom, Caller, Concordia Lutheran
See the HSRDC calendar for more information about upcoming dances, lessons, and exhibitions at https://houstonsquaredance.com/calendar/
Keep on dancin’!
Carol and Charles Thornburg