Media Articles on Square Dancing

Type
Collection
Author
Barry Clasper (barry at clasper dot ca)
Last Update
2024-03-23 23:13:58
Description

The table below contains links to a number of media articles or TV clips about square dancing or people involved in square dancing. They frequently contain information useful in the promotion of square dancing. The articles are initially sorted in reverse date order by publication date (i.e. most recent first), however you may sort on any column by clicking on the small up/down arrows in the column header. Click on the Article Title to see the article text.

Publication Date Publication Name Location Article Title Comments
2024-03-22 Palo Alto OnlinePalo Alto, CAThe ‘reel’ deal: Meet the Peninsula’s longtime LGBTQ square dance club This article provides a profile and history of the El Camino Reelers, a LGBTQ square dance club in Palo Alto California.
2024-03-03 BNNChicago, USAReviving Square Dance: Chicago Project Draws Younger Crowd, Combats Aging Participant Base This article discusses the U Can Square Dance project in Chicago which aims to ignite a resurgence in square dancing, blending tradition with modern appeal to attract a new generation.
2024-01-20 Medical News TodayWebsiteWhy dancing may be better for weight loss than other forms of exercise This article discusses several recent studies that have examined the efficacy of dancing as a form of exercise to support weight loss. Some of them did specifically examine square dancing.
2024-01-19 CNNUSAThe Impact of Dance on Brain Health This 2-minute video from CNN talks about the general scientific consensus that dancing, regardless of its form, is beneficial for brain health and cognitive function.
2023-08-13 North Shore RecordWilmette, ILTo join the area’s latest dance craze, just swing your partner round and round Excellently written article about North Shore Squares that includes information about what square dancing is and the social bonds and fun involved.
2023-08-13 Wisconsin State JournalMadison, WISquare dancers let the good times roll in Middleton Article about the Wisconsin State Festival shows some dancing video clips and has interesting historical information with an emphasis on social connections.
2023-07-08 CTV Ottawa Morning LiveOttawa, OntarioInterview and demo about IAGSDC convention in Ottawa

Hundreds of square dancers in Ottawa
Two 5-minute items interviewing people from the 40th IAGSDC convention in Ottawa, Canada. The first has a brief demo getting the TV hosts into the dancing.
2023-07-08 CBC OttawaOttawa, OntarioOver 700 LGBTQ square dancers and allies gather in Ottawa Three minute TV news clip about the 40th IAGSDC convention in Ottawa, Canada.
2023-06-23 Fox 10 NewsMobile, ALOver 2,000 folks dance at National Square Dance Convention in Mobile Three minute TV news clip about the 72nd US National convention in Mobile.
2023-06-14 Fox 21 Morning NewsColorado Springs, COLocal Square Dancing Club bringing awareness to the sport; Accepting new members Positive TV news clip about the Waggin’ Wheelers Square Dancing Club and caller Jeff Palmer.
2023-05-19 Vision TimesNew JerseySquare Dancing: Traditional, Healthy, Wholesome, and a Hoot! Positive and informative article including some history and benefits of square dancing.
2023-05-11 Rancho Bernardo News JournalSan Diego, CAWranglers Square Dance Club celebrates 50 years in Rancho Bernardo The Wranglers celebrate their golden anniversary. Article has lots of positive information about square dancing and a nice profile of caller Buddy Weaver.
2023-04-29 Altoona MirrorAltoona, PAHakuna Matatas This story describes some recent events in the life of the Hakuna Matatas Handicapable Square Dance Club with caller Cory Geishauser. The Hakuna Matatas are known worldwide and have been an inspiration to new handicapable square dance clubs all over the globe.
2023-04-12 Leduc RepLeduc, AlbertaLeduc Square Dance hosts STARS fundraiser This story is about an annual fundraiser dance the Happy Homesteaders Square Dance holds to support a local air ambulance service. This year they raised $3000. This kind of activity keeps square dancing in the public eye.
2023-02-11 myRGV.comAlamo, TXThey’re back: Winter Texans are returning to the Valley to dance This article talks about the annual flock of dancers that migrate to the Rio Grande Valley to spend their winter. It focuses on groups called by Joe Saltel and provides a number of glowing testimonials by dancers.
2023-01-28 Yahoo / Hits RadioUSJennifer Coolidge offers one piece of advice to couples planning their wedding (Yahoo article)
-----
Video of interview (5 minutes)
In this interview Jennifer Coolidge says the most fun she ever had at a wedding was square dancing at the wedding of Billie Eilish's parents.
2023-01-25 The West AustralianAustraliaAustralia Day Honours: Bridgetown square dance caller Steven Turner receives Order of Australia Medal Steve Turner, a well known and prominent Australian square dance caller, receives the very prestigious Order of Australia. The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens.
2023-01-11 The SentinelHarrisburg, PAPa. residents compete in Farm Show square dancing This article describes 2023 edition of the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show Square Dance Competition in which 42 squares competed.
2022-12-16KSNW TVHutchinson, KAHutch High’s unique Christmas holiday tradition This piece describes a tradition that has endured for over 50 years at Hutchinson High: starting the Christmas break with square dancing.
2022-12-12KFLD Newstalk RadioPasco, WAWhy did Washington State schools teach square dancing to kids? This report includes text and video explaining the rationale behind teaching square dancing to kids in Washington schools in the 1980's. While no longer part of the standard school curriculum, there are still some who are keeping the tradition alive by teaching classes at local community centers or even hosting special events dedicated solely to square dancing.
2022-11-02Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionAtlanta, GAAtlanta keeps moving with the intricate footwork of square dancing Some history of square dancing in the Atlanta area from the perspective of dancers in Peachtree Squares and Hotlanta Squares.
2022-09-25Sun JournalAuburn, ME‘Friendship set to music’ — The call of square dancing This piece talks about an exciter night for beginners and has some good information about the appeal and history of square dancing.
2022-09-21Tallahassee DemocratTallahassee, FLDance your way to better health: Learn square dancing with Capital Twirlers This piece advertises the start of Elmer Sheffield's Capital Twirlers beginners classes. It has a lot of good information about health benefits and other positive aspects of square dancing.
2022-08-18CBS 8San Diego, CASquare dancing convention kicks off in San Diego This 2-minute piece goes over the 2022 USA West Convention and provides a positive description of square dancing. It features interviews with dancers, organizers, and callers.
2022-06-01Sunshine Coast NewsBrisbane, AustraliaIf you can walk, you can learn this dance that leads to fun, fitness and friendship The Suncoasters Square Dance Club, which has operated for more than 50 years, provides square dancing options for learners and experienced dancers. The article features interviews with club members about how they got into dancing and what they enjoy about it.
2022-05-15Calgary HeraldCalgary, AlbertaDance adds verve to life at any age This article outlines the health and social benefits of square dancing and other forms of dance.
2022-03-24Rogers Community TVOttawa, OntarioSquare Dance Ottawa This clip contains a great promotional interview with Wendy VanderMeulen that does a good job of describing square dancing, what it is, and how it works. Also contains some footage of young people dancing.
2022-01-27Alpena NewsMichiganSwing your partner ‘round and ‘round! This square dance group in Michigan dances to a caller in California! This article describes how that works.
2021-12-30TEDxObserverEngland Dance and the Mind Dr. Peter Lovatt, also known as Dr. Dance, is a dance psychologist whose work shows how humans are transformed by movement. In this 2012 TEDx Talk, Dr. Lovatt describes an experiment involving patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. He explains how dance provides social, physical, and cognitive benefits. While not specific to square dancing, it's easy to extrapolate how square dancing would work to confer these benefits.
2021-12-21The Hutchinson NewsHutchinson, KS Hutchinson students get in the swing of the season with a traditional square dance Celebrating a tradition in its 53rd year, Hutchinson High School students on Friday laughed, bounced and danced in place anticipating the start of the next song. More than 200 students per hour enjoy the tradition of square dancing put on by Hutchinson High School's physical education department and the Senior Leaders group during the week before Christmas break.
2021-09-30Fox8tv.comPennsylvania Hakuna Matatas Handicapable Square Dance Club This 6-minute TV piece profiles the Hakuna Matatas, a handicapable square dance club founded by Cory Geishauser in 2005.
2021-09-16Fox34.com (KJTV) Lubbock, TXSquare dancing may be one of Lubbock’s best-kept secrets This news item on the Lubbock Fox TV outlet highlights beginner classes sponsored by the Lubbock-area Square and Round Dance Federation (LASRDF). The 5-minute video and accompanying transcription constitute a good advertisement for square dancing.
2021-08-09Dickson Post Dixon, TNDickson senior square dancers exercise their minds How members of the Dixon Senior Center benefit from their weekly square dance regimen.
2021-07-27Toronto Star Toronto, ONStudy says dancing helps slow progression of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease This article discusses a recent study showing that dancing can significantly slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease. While it does not specifically focus on square dancing the insights it provides obviously apply to square dancing.
2021-07-01Western Nebraska Observer Kimball, NBHip To Be Square This article talks about the restart of the Oregon Trail Dance Club after the pandemic. It contains a lot of good quotes and descriptions of the square dance activity.
2021-06-27WAPT Chan 16, WLBT Chan 3 Jackson, MS WAPT Clip 1
WAPT Clip 2
WLBT Clip
The links point to 3 short TV news clips about the 70th Annual National Square Dance Convention held in Jackson in June, 2021 (the first after the pandemic)
2021-06-22San Diego Union-Tribune San Diego, CAFrom the Archives: Square dancers take over San Diego carrier 65 years ago This is a reprint article from 1956 describing a trail-in event to the fifth National Square Dance Convention. The aircraft carrier Kearsarge welcomed an invasion of 6,300 square dancers to its flight deck for an evening of square dancing.
2021-06-07Tallahassee Democrat Tallahassee, FLBe there or be square: Twirl your way to better health This article announces classes for Tallahassee Capital Twirlers, starting June 7, 2021. It provides a good description of the activity, and the fun and health benefits that are derived from it.
2021-05-10The Times-PicayuneNew Orleans, LASquare dancing provides health, good fun and sometimes, even a wife This article reports on the 28th anniversary dance of Ozone Squares held on May 1, 2021, in the later days of the pandemic.
2021-04-22FOX10 News ItemMobile,ALLearn to Square Dance in Mobile Caller Ted Kennedy is interviewed by Studio10 host Chelsea on the startup of square dance lessons in Mobile in April 2021.
2021-04-13KQED PBS ItemSan Francisco, CAIn the Bay Area’s LGBTQ+ Square Dancing Scene, You’re ‘Instantly Welcome’ Lengthy piece describing square dancing in general and the history of LGBTQ+ dancing in the Bay area in particular. It also talks about Zoom dancing during the pandemic. Many existing clubs are mentioned, and several leaders and callers are interviewed and quoted.
1980-12-31Phil Donahue ShowChicago, ILLee Kopman on Phil Donahue Show (video) Lee Kopman has created more calls used in contemporary square dance than any other individual, some 350 or more. In 1980, he appeared on the Phil Donahue Show and presented this program of square dancing, joined by dancers from New York, Chicago, Ohio and Wisconsin. Assisted at the mic by caller Dave Taylor, who calls for a group of young dancers, Kopman provides lucid responses to the host's questions, and he provides clear demonstrations of the differences between traditional and modern square dancing.
1989-01-22phili.comPhiladelphia, PAOnly The Dancing Is SquareReporter's story on how square dancing wasn't what he expected
2002-09-15New York TimesNew York, NYSwing Your Partner and Try to Remember All Those StepsGeneral article on square dancing
2007-12-10Chicago TribuneChicago, ILNew generation of square dancers intrigued by its math conceptsCollege students discover the puzzles and math underlying Challenge square dancing. Math professor David Schmitz invited caller Sandie Bryant to spend a couple of weeks teaching his students around 100 calls, emphasizing the geometry and other underlying math elements.
2013-05-04Regina Leader-PostRegina, SKDancing the test of timeHistory of square dancing in Saskatchewan.
2013-09-03Fairfield LedgerFairfield, IAThe Square Dance Revival in FairfieldSquare dance resurgence in Fairfield, Iowa
2013-10-15US Army??Square dancing as easy as A-B-CAn account by US Army veteran Mike Smithers about how he found square dancing and eventually became a caller.
2014-01-01Iowa SourceFairfield, IAJerry Story's CallingProfile on Jerry Story
2014-05-09KQED News BlogBerkeley, CAAbstract Math Concepts Spring to Life at UC Square Dancing ClubStudent dancing at UC Berkeley
2014-07-24Daily XtraOttawa, ONAllemande left, do-si-doProfile of Date Squares in Ottawa, Ontario
2014-07-24Marin Independent JournalSan Rafael, CASquare dancing club keeps twirling in San RafaelProfile of dancing at Tam Twirlers
2014-08-21Nevada AppealCarson City, NVA brief history of square dancing
2014-08-22KQED News BlogFresno, CAWorld’s Oldest Square Dance Caller Keeps Central Valley DancingProfile on Ernie Kinney
2014-09-02Comox Valley EchoComox, BCSquare dancing makes you smarter and healthierDiscussion of health benefits
2014-09-07Daily TelegramAdrian, MISquare dancing club offers family-friendly fun, fitness for all agesDiscusses health and social benefits of belonging to Maple City Swingers
2014-09-07Estevan LifestylesEstevan, SKThey love to call a good danceDiscussion of health benefiits of square and round dancing
2014-09-08Journal NewsMartinsburg, WVGroup provides fresh take on square dancingChronicles the story of a new club forming.
2014-09-08Daily CourierPrescott, AZSquare-dancers try to rebuild 60-year-old clubProfile of Mile-Hi Squares efforts to rebuild their club.
2014-09-14Camarillo AcornCamarillo, CASquare dancing is far from being squareBuckles and Bows Square Dance Club is undergoing a resurgence in popularity
2014-09-14Tallahassee DemocratTallahassee, FLSquare dance calling takes Elmer Sheffield to faraway placesProfile of Elmer Sheffield and his recent trip to Japan
2015-01-22Tullahoma NewsTullahoma, TNDon't be a square – dance!Profile of Estill Springers Square Dance Club and general info on square dancing.
2015-03-05NewsdayNew York, NYSquare dance legend on LI still has the movesProfile of Lee Kopman
2015-03-16Medical News TodayLoneliness and social isolation linked to early mortalityDoes not discuss square dancing per se but relevance is obvious
2015-03-25Wall Street JournalNew York, NYHaving a Ball: Young New Yorkers Revive Old Dance CrazeContra dancing offers an inclusive atmosphere where participants can work up a sweat, do a little courting
2015-06-06River View ObserverRiverview, NJLord of the Square Dance Howard Richman gets Dancers SwingingProfile on Howard Richman and square dancing in New Jersey
2015-06-06Salina JournalSalina, KSAn old form of dance reaches a new generationStarts as profile of 6-year old Damien Smith who is a caller, but develops into a discussion of square dancing as a worldwide activity.
2015-10-05Kirkland ReporterKirkland, WAKirkland's square dancing club mixes hip hop, charity and pajamas for funArticle on Samena Squares and general benefits of square dancing
2015-11-01Quartz (Bronwyn Tarr Post-doctoral Research Associate, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford)(Online News Outlet)Science says dancing with friends is good for your healthArticle on health benefits accruing from music and dance (not square dancing in particular, but emphasising dancing in groups).
2016-01-01Scan Club NewsletterSan Diego, CADancing to Good HealthArticle on health benefits from a health care institution.
2016-08-15Ventura County StarCamarillo, CASquare dancing to Maroon 5? In Thousand Oaks, that’s not square at allArticle on square dance resurgence in Ventura County.
2016-09-27Tuckahoe ??Tuckahoe, VAStill SwingingArticle on 50th anniversary of Tuckahoe Square Dance Club
2016-11-29WJON AM1240St Cloud, MNNational Square Dance Day Encourages You to Get Up and Do-Si-Do [VIDEO]Short video essay on Tom Allen and the Beaux and Belles square dance club. Good testimonials promoting the activity.
2016-12-07Santa Maria TimesSanta Maria, CASquare dancing returns to the Grange Hall (video included)After the death of her husband, Don, in July, Yvonne Martin needed an outlet. She belonged to a knitting group, but wanted something more, something that kept her connected with Don. She honed in on square dancing. This article includes pointers to a short video.
2017-02-21Ukiah Daily Journal (Carol Brodsky)Ukiah, CASwing your partner! Square dancing returns to Ukiah This article focuses on caller Lawrence Johnstone but discusses a lot of background and history of dancing in the Bay area.
2017-02-24Palo Alto Weekly (Patrick Condon)Palo Alto, CAGay square dance group forms bonds among its membersArticle describing how all the clubs in the Bay area help to bind the local LGBTQ community together.
2017-03-29

New York Times (Gretchen Reynolds)

Denver Post (Monte Whaley)

Colorado State University Source (Jeff Dodge)

New York, NY

Denver, CO

Denver, CO

Walk, Stretch, or Dance? Dancing May Be Best For the Brain

Dancing May Help Fend Off Aging in the Brain

Study: Dancing may offset some effects of aging in the brain

These three articles, one from the New York Times, one from the Denver Post, and one from the Colorado State University Source, discuss the results of a scientific study that indicates dancing seems to have beneficial effects for the aging brain. The actual study they refer to was published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience on March 16, 2017
2017-04-12KJZZ NPR Radio (Annika Cline)Phoenix, AZNot Your Grandpa’s Hoedown: Square-Dance Calls Get A RemixThis radio piece was broadcast on NPR. It was recorded at the 44th CALLERLAB convention in Mesa, AZ in April 2017. It provides a reasonably realistic portrait of how MWSD evolved to where it is today, and finishes with comments from a new 16-year old caller explaining how she got into it and why it appeals to her. The link points to both a written transcript and an audio file of the 4-minute piece.
2017-06-21Vice (Sean Egan)New York, NY America's Gay Square Dancing Underground Wants You to Join Them

This article in Vice presents a positive description of the gay square dance movement with a focus on Times Squares in New York.

2017-09-18ABC News Australia (Samantha Turnbull)AustraliaForget Tinder, baby boomers say Gen Y should take up square dancingSquare dancers say young Australians should be ditching their smart phones in favour of real life connections on the dance floor. More than 200 dancers converged on the northern New South Wales city of Lismore last week for the 38th annual state Square Dance Convention. Square and Round Dance Association of NSW president David Todd said part of their goal was to attract more young dancers to the pastime.
2017-10-06Clark County Today.com (Suzan K. Heglin)Vancouver, BCJim Hattrick still going strong calling square dancing in VancouverJim Hattrick has been calling for 58 years. This piece in ClarkCountyToday.com describes his career and includes general information on square dancing and recruiting and training dancers.
2018-03-14Northwest Boomer and Senior News (Deb Allan)OregonGo Dancing on page 3 of the March 2018 web edition

This article, titled Go Dancing on page 3 of the March 2018 web edition, describes a successful club and dance hall in Springfield, Oregon. Of particular interest is how local clubs banded together to purchase and operate the dance hall. (You will probably need to zoom in to read the text.)

2018-03-14The Maryville Forum (Jessika Eidson)Maryville, MOSquare dancing could improve cognitive and social abilities

Square dancing is not only a lot of fun and a great form of exercise, for older (60-79) adults, it could help prevent cognitive decline. One study done by the University of Colorado found that white matter (the tissue on which messages can be send through the central nervous system) improved in integrity after 6 months of moderate, social exercise.

2018-08-09The Denver Post (Shaban Athuman, Mark Jaffe)Denver, COFor Some Locals, It's Hip To Be Square Dancing

This excellent article in the Denver Post does a great job of describing Modern Western Square Dancing and the current efforts of clubs in Denver to attract new members.

2018-09-0155 PLUS (Colleen M. Farrell)Rochester, NYSquare Dancing: Fun for Singles, Couples

This article in 55 PLUS magazine describes the stories of some enthusiasts who say square dancing keeps them mentally and physically active.

2019-02-27Argus-Courier (Clark Miller)Petaluma, CASquare dancing makes local comeback in Petaluma

This article describes the efforts of Dan Lyke to re-establish square dancing in the Petaluma area. It provides a positive description of the nature of MWSD and outlines some of the challenges square dance groups face in today's social environment.

2019-07-04KYWTV (CBS affiliate)Philadelphia, PABelle's Run 2019 Square Dance Convention Takes Over Philadelphia

This 3-minute piece does a nice job of depicting square dancing in general and gay square dancing in particular at the 2019 IAGSDC convention in Philadelphia

2019-07-05WHYY (PBS Radio, Peter Crimmins)Philadelphia, PASwing those partners: Gay square dancers gather in Philadelphia

This 3-minute audio piece describes the 2019 IAGSDC convention in Philadelphia. It talks about both dancing and calling and provides good information.

2019-07-08Philadelphia Inquirer (Brandon T. Harden)Philadelphia, PA‘It’s the world’s best-kept secret’: International LGBTQ square-dancing convention held in Philly for the first time

This piece about the 2019 IAGSDC convention (Belle's Run) in Philadelphia features interviews with Sandie Bryant and several dancers and organizers.

2019-07-11AP (Natalie Pompilio)Philadelphia, PAGay square dancers add new spin to centuries-old dance style

This piece about the 2019 IAGSDC convention (Belle's Run) in Philadelphia has some nice quotes from dancers and organizers about square dancing and LGBTQ dancing in particular.

2020-01-03UofL News (Haeli Spears)Louisville, KYUofL researchers study dancing as treatment for veterans with PTSD

Researchers at the University of Louisville and Western Connecticut State University did a pilot study focused on Dancing Well, a local non-profit organization which hosts the Soldier Project. The Soldier Project brings veterans with PTSD together for group dancing and community. The study was aimed at exploring the hypothesis that dancing provides benefits to PTSD patients.

2020-01-17Times Record (Hannah LaClair)Topsham, MESquare dancing tradition alive in Topsham

This piece is a profile of the SAGE Swingers, a 50 year old club in Maine. It provides a synopsis of the benefits and pleasures of square dancing, as well as a discussion of some of the hurdles the activity faces.

2020-01-31Capital Gazette (Jack Chavez)MarylandFort Meade: Swinging squares brings modern square dancing to the community

This profile of Swinging Squares featuring caller Virgil Forbes provides a good positive treatment describing the club and the square dance activity.

2020-02-01Albany Democrat Herald (Sandra J. Bean)Albany, NYInterfaith Voices: An antidote for despair: dancing

This evocatively written article does an excellent job of describing the mental and emotional experience of square dancing, and the benefits that flow from it.

2013-11-18San Diego TVSan Diego, CALearn to Square Dance With Buddy Weaver (Video)

Clip for UTSan Diego TV program with caller Buddy Weaver, San Diego Square Dancerss and TV Hosts

2020-05-14Chicago Tribune (Myrna Petlicki)Chicago, ILGlenview square dance club takes activities online

This article describes how Glenview Squares is staying active and keeping their members engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020-06-05the Fence Post (Marty Metzger)Bellvue, ColoSuch fun being virtually square (dancing)

This article describes how the Lemonaders virtual square dance group came together during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep square dancing alive in their area.

2009-12-16Wall Street Journal New York, NYStrictly Come Square Dancing: Historian Digs Into Dance's History

This article from the Wall Street Journal in 2009 give a brief overview of the history of square dancing.

2020-09-07Salt Lake City Channel 13Salt Lake City, UTTV News Item

This video from Channel 13 in Salt Lake City provides a positive report on square dancing. It was done during the pandemic and shows people dancing outdoors wearing masks and gloves, with good commentary by Suzi Page.

2020-10-30St. Albert GazetteSt. Albert, AlbertaAlberta-based virtual square dances go viral

This article describes how virtual Zoom dances run by Lorne Smith in Calgary, Alberta have attracted participants from around the world.