ASRDA August News
It all begins with an idea.
Presidents’ Message
The 2025-26 Board installed July 19, 2025 includes: Presidents - Chuck & Cheryl Sherman; Vice-Presidents - Mike Goggin and Patti Brown; Treasurer - Tom and Helen Bohmfalk. The motto for this year is “Keep on doing your best!”
We are in need of someone to take the position of Board Secretary. Other open positions are: Education, Historian, Photographer and Texas Star Reporter.
Check the Upcoming Events on the website for ASRDA Dances. There will be a Texas Flood Relief Dance on August 24, 2025, at the VFW Hall 1701 Hunter Rd., San Marcos, Texas, 6:00 to 9:30 PM. The ASRDA will have its Teen Scholarship Dance September 6, 2025, at the Hyde Park Christian Church, 610 E. 45th Street, Austin Texas.
We are also hosting the TSFSRD Nominating Meeting January 9-10, 2026, Georgetown, Texas. All activities are at Christ Lutheran Church, Luther Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628.
Beginner lessons are beginning soon in both squares and rounds. Wheel-N-Deals are offering Beginning Square Dance Lessons starting July 22, 2025. Waterloo Squares begin mainstream lessons on August 14, 2025, while Canyon Lake Square Dancers are offering Beginning and intermediate Round Dance Lessons starting August 17, 2025. Shirt’s ‘n’ Skirt’s start their beginning square dance lessons on September 3, 2025. and Step ‘N Style Rounds begin Waltz Round Dance lessons on September 14, 2025.
All the Upcoming Events are posted on this website - Under “Events” and then “Upcoming Events”. So much information is found on the website. Check it out asrda.org
Klothes Kloset
We, Committee members of the Klothes Kloset, have about 200 or more gently used square dance outfits, blouses, skirts, and dresses along with 40 petticoats of all colors. Our mission is to bring these items to the Installation and Teen Scholarship Dances. The clothes are donated by members and past members. These are to help new club members, experienced dancers who want a new look, as well as recent square dance graduates to purchase an outfit or two with minimum cost.
Also, ASRDA Clubs can make arrangements with Shirley O’Neal to take the clothes to their clubs to sell. Hours of work goes into transporting, arranging and hanging these outfits and then packing them up and returning them to the storage area. . We hope you will take the time to look through and purchase. Many are one of a kind outfits.
Please continue to support the mission of those on the committee. Bring new members to purchase new clothes at our upcoming dance September 6, 2025 at the Teen Scholarship Dance. Proceeds will benefit the TSFSRD Teen Scholarship Fund.
Insurance Information
We have 250 people that have paid dues from each club. There are 17 ASRDA members that will be paid by ASRDA. I am waiting for La Grange Roadrunners to send me their list and money.
I have not sent any money yet, but I am giving Tom Bohmfalk, ASRDA Treasurer the checks and money that I have already collected. Some money will be returned to several clubs because of either double paid or those whose insurance is to be paid by ASRDA.
I have let Betty Shelton know that I will be sending her the information soon. I have to have it to her before July 31, 2025.
I have sent several COL’s for clubs yearly insurance to present to their facility where they dance. Clubs include CENTEX, WHEEL N DEALS, STEP N STYLE, COUNTRY CUZZINS AND LONE STAR LAMBDAS. If you need to have proof of insurance for the facility where you dance, please send it to me. If you don’t know how to fill it out then call me at 210-219-2956 and I will help you.
Those clubs who host Special Dances need to send a COL to Shirley O’Neal first, who will send the information to Betty Shelton, the Federation Membership person.
Little Known Facts about Square Dancing
Square Dancing in the Modern Era
While square dancing is steeped in tradition, it’s anything but static. Modern square dancing has diversified to include a wide range of music styles, from country classics to pop hits. The dance community also embraces inclusivity, with clubs welcoming dancers of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Moreover, technology has made square dancing more accessible than ever. Virtual square dance sessions, instructional videos, and online communities have connected enthusiasts across the globe. So whether you’re in a big city or a small town, the spirit of square dancing is just a click away.
What Exactly Is Square Dancing?
For the uninitiated, square dancing is a form of folk dance where four couples, arranged in a square, follow the directions of a "caller." Think of it as synchronized swimming, but with boots, banjos, and a bit more yeehaw. The caller doesn’t just shout random instructions—All calls are determined by a group of callers and they are used at square dances internationally - Also, they’re rhythmic commands set to music, guiding dancers through intricate patterns of movement. It’s a dance that’s as much about listening as it is about moving.
But don’t be fooled—this isn’t just an activity for barnyards and small-town community centers. Square dancing, true to its roots, is a universal language of joy. From high-energy hoedowns in the U.S. to its adaptations across the globe, square dancing is proof that even geometry can bring people together.
Why Square Dancing Is the Bee’s Knees
You may wonder why, in the age of TikTok trends and Zumba classes, square dancing still has a devoted following. The answer is simple: it’s ridiculously fun. Here’s why you might want to grab a partner and dive into the square:
1. It’s Socially Spirited
Square dancing is the ultimate ice-breaker. It’s not about being an expert dancer—it’s about connecting with other people. Whether you’re swinging your partner or promenading your corner, you’re bound to share a laugh (and maybe a few missteps) with friends and strangers alike. It’s an antidote to isolation and a celebration of camaraderie.
2. It’s a Brain Booster
Who said dancing couldn’t be intellectual? Following the caller’s instructions requires focus, quick thinking, and spatial awareness. It’s like solving a puzzle, but with rhythm and flair. Research even suggests that activities like square dancing can help improve cognitive function and memory. So really, every do-si-do is a step toward brain health!
3. It’s a Workout in Disguise
Don’t let the cheerful tunes and breezy vibe fool you—square dancing is a full-body workout. All that swinging, twirling, and sashaying gets your heart pumping and your limbs moving. The best part? You’ll be having so much fun, you won’t even notice the calories burning.
4. It’s Fashionably Fabulous
Let’s not ignore the sartorial splendor of square dancing. Flowing skirts, snazzy shirts, bolo ties—it’s a chance to embrace bold, retro fashion in all its glory. And those cowboy boots? Both stylish and functional for stomping out a lively beat.
Recruitment
If you have ideas to recruit new dancers, please send them to me and I will post. As they are submitted, they will be posted here.
An idea that Houston Square Dancers had to recruit. Nominal fee to print t-shirts. Their results were outstanding.
Did you that radio and tv stations publish Public Service Announcements? Write it up and send to your local tv/radio station and they will read it on the air. Just another way to gett the word out.
Great idea for spreading the word.
Round the Capitol Square
It all begins with an idea.
Austin Square and Round Dance Association News
This section on the ASRDA Website will share information about ASRDA, ASRDA Clubs, 75th National Square Dance Convention and other square dance related information. It will take the place of the monthly newsletter. Please send any information you want published on the blog to vmmerchant.asrda@gmail.com.
ASRDA Club’s News
It all begins with an idea.
Canyon Lake Square Dancers
Canyon Lake Square Dancers are busy. Several of us were at the Texas State Festival and also at the National Convention and everyone had a great time and look forward to next year.
Some of our new graduates entered us into the Startzville 4th of July Parade. There were about 40 floats in the parade. A total of ten of us were on the float and we won 1st Place. They presented us with a trophy as we went by the announcers. We danced in the rain, but everyone had a great time.
We graduated nine new dancers from our class and they are new members in our club. All are having fun and will be good additions to our club. Come and dance with them every Wednesday.
We are still dancing Rounds on Sundays and plan to start a new Round Dance class in late August.
We have fun every Wednesday with Squares, Rounds and Lines. Come join us for a good time.
Wayne and Luzia Weston
Lone Star Lambdas
The Lone Star Lambdas are graduating 7 students on July 14th. We are planning our next class to be Mainstream in September. Glenn is taking a short Summer hiatus while we shift our format to guest callers and tapes. Join us every Monday.
La Grange Roadrunners
The Roadrunners are taking plus lessons! Mainstream dancing at six and lessons at 7:30 on Tuesdays. Labor Day weekend we will have a float in the Fayette County Fair parade on August 30 on the square in La Grange at about 9:30 am!
Waterloo Squares
Waterloos are having a Root Beer Float Dance on July 29 with Matt Barnes from Bryan/College Station. The dance is at the South Austin Senior Center at 3911 Menchaca Rd in Austin. Line dancing at 6:15 to 6:45 with squares to follow.
Another “Save the Date” is our Fifties Dance with Brad Caldwell on August 19 same time and place as listed above. At this dance we will have hula hoops, twist dance and ice cream sundaes. 50s dress encouraged. Come see who wins our contests.
75th National Square Dance Convention - Waco
It all begins with an idea.
75th NSDC Team
Take a stroll through the Waco Convention Center - Site for the 75th NSDC
To register https://75nsdctx.com/long-form-registration/
Remember to join our Facebook group, 75th National Square Dance Convention®, for the latest information and updates. The link is as follows https://m.facebook.com/p/75th-National-Square-Dance-Convention-100094911386448/ or scan the adjacent QR Code. We look forward to celebrating the National Square Dance Convention®’s Diamond Jubilee with you in Waco!
For More information, see the 75th National Square Dance Convention website https://75nsdctx.com/
