Waco Welcomes Thousands For The National Square Dance Convention

Central Texas steps into the spotlight June 24-27 with a square dance convention.

The 75th National Square Dance Convention

Waco is selected to host the 75th National Square Dance Convention this June, a event expected to draw more than 3,000 visitors to the heart of Central Texas.

A Global Gathering with Small-Town Charm

The convention is an international affair, with dancers traveling from as far as Taiwan, Australia, Switzerland, and Japan to participate. Convention co-chairs Gary and Claudia Lester tell KCEN that Waco was chosen over larger Texas cities due to its "unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities."

A Boost for the Local Economy

A big convention means big money for the local tourism industry. With room blocks secured across 10 different Waco hotels, the influx of 3,000 guests will benefit downtown restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Preserving a Cultural Legacy

Beyond the footwork, the convention serves a deeper purpose: preserving a cornerstone of American folk culture. Organizers view the gathering as a way to build community and ensure the tradition thrives for future generations. The festivities at the Waco Convention Center are open to the public.

Square Dancing History

The history of square dancing is a fascinating journey from the aristocratic ballrooms of Europe to the community barns of the American frontier.

European Foundations (17th–18th Century)

Square dancing finds its earliest roots in the social dances of Europe. Settlers arriving in North America brought with them the English Morris dance, Scottish reels, and French quadrilles.

The Quadrille: Perhaps the most direct ancestor, the French quadrille involved four couples arranged in a square.

The Cotillion: Another French import, this dance was popular in late 18th-century American ballrooms and helped standardize the four-couple square formation.

The Birth of the "Caller"

In early European styles, dancers typically memorized long, complex sequences. As these dances moved to America and intermingled in rural communities, a distinct innovation emerged: the Caller.

Modern Western Square Dance (Post-WWII)

Following World War II, square dancing saw a massive resurgence. Dancers like Lloyd "Pappy" Shaw worked to standardize the "calls" so that a dancer from Texas could easily dance with a group in Maine. This led to the creation of Modern Western Square Dance, which introduced more complex, improvised calling. The first National Square Dance Convention was held in 1952 and today, over 30 states have designated square dancing as their official state folk dance.