Arkansas State Square Dance Federation
Arkansas State Square Dance Federation, Inc.
Welcome/Webmaster Message
To get to the previous page, press the BACK BUTTON on your web browser.
Welcome to the new homepage for the Arkansas State Square Dance Federation (ASSDF), Inc.; last updated
May 12, 2013.
No matter the time, it's always a good time to think of square and round dancing, wherever you are.
You're visitor number
since Oct. 26, 2009....when the new domain was obtained. It's best viewed in 1024x768 resolution.
Please update your bookmarks accordingly to http://www.assdf.com for the official website of the ASSDF. I had gotten a report saying that
the site had pornographic material...but I have verified this website, http://www.assdf.com to NOT have any adult material. But, if you go
to a website other than this one...including previous website addresses...you may run into objectionable material. I even have
CHANGED the FTP password to a much longer one, with a combination of letters, numbers, punctuation marks, symbols, and
high ascii characters...to make it difficult for hackers to crack.
Now, a bit of history. The original ASSDF webmaster, Joyce Taylor, died several years ago. As a result,
the ORIGINAL ASSDF website that was at squaredancing.com, had
OUTDATED INFORMATION for quite awhile. After several attempts, I finally got in contact with their
webmaster, and that data should have now been removed. If it is still there, it is outdated.
In late 2007, I set up a page for the ASSDF as a separate section off of my personal homepage. Then, on Oct. 26, 2009, I was able
to obtain the new domain of assdf.com for the website, and everything has been moved to the new domain. So, please update your web browsers
accordingly. Both sites are hosted by 
.
While this site looks similar to the original one (I patterned the design after it), the current site has more information.
Much of the information on the ASSDF Website is taken from The Modern Square, Arkansas' monthly
publication of square and round dancing.
By choosing the desired links, you'll get a glimpse of who, and what we are. We hope that you enjoy your visit, and will
come back often to keep up with the happenings of our federation clubs, callers and cuers, etc. We invite you to come
see that both square dancing and round dancing are Friendship Set To Music.
NOTE: Practically all of the information that is on the ASSDF Website is taken DIRECTLY from
The Modern Square, Arkansas' monthly Square And Round Dance Publication.
Please check with the contacts noted on the Special Dances Page to
verify the information noted...because if it is WRONG in The Modern Square, it is also WRONG
on the website!! Plus, dances can be changed or cancelled
at the last minute, for a variety of reasons.
The ASSDF is the official organization of Arkansas Square Dancers. Within the ASSDF are the active
organizations of the Northwest District, and the Arkansas Square Dance Convention, Incorporated (ASDCI), among others.
While mentioning square dancing, we also welcome and promote round dancing as well...and, a Fall Festival is
held in a different Arkansas city each October.
Also on this page are links to the callers and cuers, the
clubs and organizations, The Modern Square (the monthly magazine of the ASSDF),
a list of the current ASSDF officers, and other square dance links for your enjoyment.
If you have any questions, or if you have any square or round dance related links...you can
contact the webmaster, who will forward your comment to the appropriate party.
Note that email addresses are NOT on the website, in order to prevent harvesting of them for spamming.
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In Memoriam
I have created a page, In Memoriam...to the Arkansas callers, cuers (and
their taws (spouses)), and dancers, who have passed away over the years. I will need your help in letting me know the
names of these individuals who are gone, but not forgotten. I don't need the names of the clubs they danced with,
dates of death, etc...just the names of these individuals, and whether they were a caller, cuer, spouse of the caller or
cuer, or dancer. Your help in preserving the legacy of these individuals will be greatly appreciated.
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Callers And Cuers
There are several callers and cuers across Arkansas. While most of the callers call Basic, Mainstream, and
Plus level square dancing, some callers also call Advanced, and Challenge level square dancing.
Round Dance Cuers cue Phases 2-6, and some callers and cuers are available for
Special Dances. For a detailed list of callers and cuers,
click here.
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Clubs and Organizations
There are several clubs and organizations across Arkansas for your dancing pleasure. For a list of Arkansas' Square and
Round Dance Clubs and Organizations, click here. Also, be sure to note the
Changes and Cancellations section here.
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Specials And Benefit Dances
Clubs hold special and benefit dances throughout the year. These are dances where a caller or cuer that's different from
their regular caller and cuer is brought in to call the dance...or where the
dance is held to raise money to benefit a dancer or their family, for medical costs because of health issues, helping them to recover from
loss of possessions (such as from a fire, flood, tornado, etc.). Most of these dances are DONATION BASED, with all
proceeds going to help those in need. You can find the Specials and Benefit Dances here.
Also listed are special dances outside of Arkansas...including the National Square Dance Convention,
and the Single Square Dancers USA Labor Day Dance-A-Rama. Be sure to check with the contacts
listed with each dance (or websites, if so listed), for further information.
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Changes and Cancellations
Unfortunately, last minute changes to scheduled dances do sometimes occur. That's why no matter whether you dance to a
local club, or travel a good distance to a dance, it is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED that you contact the person listed
BEFORE TRAVELING to a dance. Clubs sometimes CHANGE their location, or CANCEL their dance that day,
or even AT THE LAST MINUTE for various reasons (weather, etc.), hall conflicts, holidays, or for other clubs Special Dances.
It can be VERY FRUSTRATING after driving a long distance to find that a club is ''dark'' (not dancing)...
especially with the price of gasoline nowadays!! These changes can also OCCUR AT THE LAST MINUTE...and it's
better to be safe than sorry, by calling ahead before you travel. This is especially true when stormy weather
(thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, snow, ice, etc.) affects an area. A list of these changes and cancellations
can be found here. For weather information and forecasts across Arkansas,
click here.
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Dance Lessons/Graduations/Demos
Square and Round Dance Lessons. Whatever your introduction was, it was the start of an incredible journey.
The thought may stir memories of dancing with the same sex in elementary school, doing a swing your partner, do-si-do,
etc. You may recall the first night of class, when a friend invited you to learn square or round dancing. You might have
been at a ''one night stand demonstration'', put on by a church or other group. Or maybe you are curious as to
what the wonderful world of square and round dancing is about.
From a personal standpoint, I remember the first night of class in 1985, as all of these women I didn't even know were
giving me hugs (yellowrocks), and I thought to myself ''What have I gotten myself into??''. After graduation, it was
like waiting in line for hugs, and saying ''Next!!'' (grin!).
For a further overview of square and round dancing, as well as a list of upcoming square and round dance lessons,
click here. For a Square Dancers Bill Of Rights, as well
as a guide to a Square Dance Graduation Ceremony...along with The Square Dancers Pledge, click here.
Also, at times, there are several groups who like to have dancers come to do a ''demonstration''. These include
church or social groups...especially just before a club is to start lessons.
These also include nursing homes, who have the dancers come to dance for a short time to ''help take the loneliness out of the day''
of many of the residents.
Unfortunately, the one bad thing about this is that many dancers work during the day, and have other commitments (family, etc.)
outside of dancing...let alone being a good distance away from the place where the group is wanting the demonstration is to be held.
Plus, the caller or cuer who is putting on the demonstration is likely
to require a fee for his or her services...unless there is a high potential of individuals ''taking part in the
demonstration'' to sign up for lessons. If the demonstration is being
held during the day, the dancers may want a lunch provided, even if for a nominal fee.
The best advice I could give for those groups interested in a ''demo'' is to check the clubs
listing, to see if there is a club in, or near your area. If so, please contact the club contact listed for more
information. Unfortunately, the amount of square and round dance clubs in Arkansas is much smaller than it was
nearly 30 years ago...with some parts of Arkansas having few, if any clubs in existence any more. I know this sounds
disappointing and negative...but after all...square and round dancing is a HOBBY...and sometimes, other things outside
of square and round dancing (job, health, family, etc.) have to take priority.
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Dance Admission Fees
Just like much of the country, most, but not all, of the square and round dance clubs charge a fee for visitors. This
is to help pay the caller/cuer fee, the hall rent, etc. Fees usually range from $3 to $5 per person, and these are
subject to change without notice. The fee applies whether it's for a regular dance, or for a special dance,
unless otherwise noted. Check the ASSDF Clubs And Organizations listing for more details. A few of the clubs
do not charge for visitors...but that is the exception, rather than the rule.
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The Modern Square
The Modern Square is the ASSDF's monthly publication, containing reports from the various square and round dance
clubs and organizations across the state...as well as information on upcoming special dances across Arkansas.
Subscriptions are currently $15 per year. For a printable form, and a list of upcoming Subscription Dances...
where dancers can sign up for, or renew their subscription to The Modern Square.
click here. A subscription form is also in each issue.
If you have a question about the status/expiration date of your subscription, please contact the
Circulation Manager from the ASSDF Officers page.
Please do NOT have someone else call, write, or email the Circulation Manager for YOUR subscription status. The Circulation Manager
would PREFER to get the information on YOUR SUBSCRIPTION direct from YOU; and NOT via another dancer, ''second hand''.
If it's the latter, and it's wrong, it could take longer to get the situation corrected.
The ONLY reason I should be contacted by another dancer on your subscription, is in the event of your death.
At that time, the subscription will be terminated, and deceased dancers name will be added to the In Memoriam page.
Also, please do NOT wait until the last minute to renew. If I don't receive notification from the Treasurer that
you have sent in payment by the 8th of the month preceding the month of issue (April 8th for the May issue), your subscription must WAIT until the next months issue
to be processed.
I received my copy of The Modern Square on April 27, 2013...and it should be in subscribers mailboxes shortly.
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Officers
The ASSDF has several officers, both elected and appointed. For a list of these individuals, and a brief description of
their jobs, click here.
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Festival
The ASSDF has a yearly fall festival dance in a different Arkansas city each October...usually Columbus Day Weekend. The
Friday night dance features a National Caller for the Square Dancing...and Arkansas Cuers for the
Round Dancing. Saturday activities feature workshops, the ASSDF Membership Meeting (where bid presentations for
future dances are made, and other items are discussed), plus the evening dancing to
Arkansas Callers and Cuers.
Further details can be found here.
On another note, Arkansas was awarded the bid for the 2014 National Square Dance Convention...for more details,
click here.
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ASSDF T-Shirts
2012 ASSDF Presidents Art and Lou Watada, have prepared T-Shirts in various sizes to support the ASSDF. A
limited quantity of these is still available.
Also, shirts advertising the 2013 ASSDF Fall Festival are available for purchase.
Thanks to 2013 ASSDF First Vice Presidents Curtis and Betty Hopkins for their help in this.
For details on both of these, click here.
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Cookbooks
Awhile back, the ASSDF was selling cookbooks for the 60th anniversary of the ASSDF. Unfortunately, these cookbooks
are no longer available. However, since Arkansas is hosting the 63rd National Square Dance Convention (R)
in Little Rock, one of the items with the Ways And Means Committee will be a cookbook.
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History
The ASSDF was formed in 1949, by Otis A. Higgins, and Richard Dick. Max Smith was appointed in 1949 to plan and promote
the first Federation Dance, and he was elected as the first president in 1951.
The ASSDF is actually 2 years older than the
National Square Dance Convention (NSDC), which is overseen by the
National Executive Committee...composed of past NSDC chairpersons. The NSDC is held
the Wednesday through Saturday, up to and including, the last weekend of June each year, in a different U.S. city. It is
billed as ''The World's Greatest Square Dance Event''. For more on the history of the ASSDF, a list of past ASSDF Presidents,
past National Square Dance Conventions, as well as a poem I wrote for the 40th birthday of the ASSDF, and a tribute to one of the greatest
callers in Arkansas square dancing history, the late J.D. Kerr, click here.
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Membership And Board Meetings
The ASSDF has membership meetings; where the state square and round dance clubs send at least two (2) delegates to the
meeting, to discuss various issues related to square and round dancing, and with the ASSDF. For further
details, click here.
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Advertisers In The Modern Square
There are several businesses that support square and round dancing in Arkansas, by taking out ads in
The Modern Square. A list of these is located
here.
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Square Dance Items For Sale
Unfortunately, there comes a time when dancers and callers/cuers, have to reduce their involvement in the hobby,
or get out of it altogether. As a result, many are willing to sell their outfits, records, etc. to new dancers or
callers, usually at a price that the individual couldn't afford new. For details, click here.
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Square Dance Links
There are many square and round dance links for your enjoyment on the Internet. I've included some of the most popular
ones below, last updated Apr. 27, 2013. If you note any bad links, or if you have one you'd like added, please contact me via
this link. The associated link must deal in some way, with either
square dancing, round dancing, line dancing, contra dancing, handicapable dancing, clogging, etc. -- basically,
forms of dancing found at the National Square Dance Convention.
Square Dancing Poem
Square Dancers Bill Of Rights/Graduations
Square Dances and Emergencies
Square Dance Attire/Commandments
Square Dancing In Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Star Steppers Square Dance Club, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Animated Square Dancing - Definitions And Diagrams
You, Too, Can Dance
An Online Guide To Square Dancing
National/International Square and Round Dance Directory (use 55-6677 as temporary logon code)
Square Dancing Today Magazine
Square Dance Sewing
National Square Dance Convention (NSDC)/National Executive Committee
Alliance Of Round, Traditional, And Square Dance
Find A Square/Round Dance Event
Let's Dance Festival, Pine Bluff, Arkansas (formerly Jamboree USA)
2013 National Square Dance Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
2013 Single Square Dancers USA Labor Day Dance-A-Rama, Saint Louis, Missouri.
2014 National Square Dance Convention, Little Rock, Arkansas
2014 Canadian Square And Round Dance Convention, Ottawa, Canada
2015 National Square Dance Convention, Springfield, Massachusetts
2016 National Square Dance Convention, Des Moines, Iowa
Single Square Dancers USA (SSDUSA)
Links For Single Square Dancers (courtesy of SSDUSA)
Texas Association Of Single Square Dancers (TASSD)
Rebel Rousers, Dallas, Texas (Home Of The Whoopee Whoopee Girls)
Heart Of America Single Square Dancers Association (HASSDA)
Western Square Dancing Homepage
United Square Dancers Of America
Tennessee State Association Of Square And Round Dance Clubs
Saddlebrook Squares Animated Square Dance Calls
Bring 'M And Swing 'M Square Dance Club, Michigan
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