Between the two of us, Kristy and I called over 100 dances in each of the past two years. Calling the dances is great fun, but the long drives, fast food, lodging, packing/unpacking can take its toll. Not to mention that we both still work full-time! For that reason, we are scaling back our calling schedule in 2025 and 2026. That’s not the only reason, but it’s certainly the one that inspired us to look for a better way to promote square dancing. We will still call regularly at our local clubs in Jeffersonville, Louisville and Shelbyville. We will also call at the nearby state conventions of IN, KY, TN, OH on a regular basis, as well as a few others as opportunities arise. We also plan to attend and call at national conventions in Shreveport (2025), Waco (2026), and Loveland (2027). In addition we will still host our fun-filled Swing Thru Spring weekend every March at Lake Cumberland State Resort in Jamestown, KY.
As the Publicity Chair for the 2025 Indiana Square and Round Dance Convention in French Lick, IN, we will look for new ways to promote square dancing in our home state. We were a part of the Sound Team for the 2024 convention which was this past weekend, and truly enjoyed working with the Board. We are a dedicated group, and we are looking to grow our attendance to 500+ for 2025.
Kristy and I also took the lead on reshaping square dancing in Kentucky by promoting and directing a merger between the two dance associations, KSDA and KFSD. The all-new Kentuckiana Dance Alliance is taking shape and will become THE active organization in the state come January 1, 2025. We also lead the path to growth by offering beginner and plus lessons regularly at our three clubs. And, we are mentoring callers. We need young, skilled callers to attract youth to square dancing, so we are offering to help in any way we can to train new callers.
While you might not see us as much at club dances in Ohio, Tennessee, and Northern Indiana, we look forward to seeing you at conventions and weekends throughout the year. We wish you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, a very Merry Christmas, and a Joyous New Year.