Square Dance Revival! The Podcast

Dan's passion for square dancing goes far beyond teaching steps and calling dances. Since becoming a caller in 2010, he has called around the world, appeared at 14 National Square Dance Conventions, and graduated 28 beginners' classes. But what truly drives Dan is making square dancing accessible to everyone—not just those who are naturally talented or will ever become perfect dancers. He believes everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, laughter, friendship, and sense of accomplishment that dancing brings. His most rewarding experience was founding and teaching Hand-n-Hand, a special square dance club for adults with special needs in Mission Vi...

What will it take to bring square dancing back to life—and help it thrive for generations to come?

In this episode of the Square Dance Revival! Podcast, Leslie talks with Dayle Hodge, a progressive square dance caller and professional project manager who knows how to get things done, about the challenges facing our activity and the opportunities to create a genuine resurgence.

Drawing on his project management background, Dayle challenges the square dance community to look beyond individual recruitment efforts and consider the bigger picture. He proposes a coordinated, collaborative approach to identify the re...

What is ARTS-Dance, and how can it help your club attract new dancers?

Join us for a conversation with Erin Byars, ARTS Chairman, and Jerry Reed, Executive Director, about ARTS' mission to promote square, round, and traditional folk dancing. Learn about free promotional materials, why simpler advertising can be more effective, and how collaboration across dance organizations can help grow participation.

Discover what ARTS offers, where to find its resources, and how you can contribute ideas to help bring more people to dancing.

Explore ARTS-Dance: https://www.arts-dance.org/<...

Patty Greene is a nationally recognized square dance caller, CALLERLAB Accredited Caller Coach, and longtime leader in the square dance community. Calling since 1994, Patty has built a reputation for energetic, engaging calling, musical versatility, and a genuine ability to connect with dancers. Based in Monroe, North Carolina, she has called throughout the country and developed a particular passion for teaching new dancers and mentoring the next generation of callers.

Patty has served in multiple CALLERLAB leadership roles, including two terms as Chairman of the Board, and today brings that experience to her work as a caller coach...

When Eric calls, his positive energy fills the hall. Since 1980, he has combined music, smooth choreography, and personal connection to create the fun, welcoming atmosphere that keeps dancers coming back. A premier caller and teacher, Eric calls throughout North America and overseas, from beginners through C2, and is known for his musical variety, singing calls, and ability to make every dancer feel part of the experience.

With more than 40 years in square dancing, Eric has also devoted himself to leadership and growing the activity. He has served on the CALLERLAB Board of Governors and various committees focused...

600 Flyers. Zero New Dancers. What Are We Missing?

Are we marketing square dancing to the wrong people?

In this revealing conversation, Leslie talks with Mike Hogan, a square dance caller with more than 50 years of experience and a professional marketing executive with 35 years in the business. Mike brings a unique perspective to one of the biggest challenges facing square and round dancing today: how do we reach people who aren't already dancers?

Mike challenges some of our long-held assumptions about marketing. Why did 600 flyers produce zero new students? Why...

Mike “Dr. Mike” Seastrom has been a driving force in square dancing for more than six decades. What began with a lost bet to his mother and a sixth-grade lesson on “real square dancing” grew into a remarkable career as a caller, educator, mentor, and leader. While building a 47-year career in dentistry, Mike also became one of the most respected names in the dance world—calling and teaching from Basic through C-1, presenting at conventions, leading within CALLERLAB, recording for Rhythm Records, and sharing his passion across the U.S. and around the globe. Join us as Mike shares sto...

 This week on the Square Dance Revival Podcast, meet Paul and Linda Robinson— longtime round dance leaders, choreographers, teachers, and passionate ambassadors for the activity they love. From teaching teens in local schools to serving in national leadership roles, they’ve dedicated decades to helping round dancing grow while creating unforgettable friendships and memories along the way. Hear their inspiring story, their love of dancing, and why they believe everyone should give round dancing a try. 

Go to SquareDanceRevival.org for more information, including training materials to help clubs grow, where to find a club, newsletters, and inform...

The Rocky Mountain Rainbeaus remain Colorado's most popular club year after year. While another club has slightly more members, this club has the highest attendance because many non-members attend their monthly "party dances." The Rainbeaus are wildly fun, and the dancing is top-notch. CBS News declared them the largest club in Colorado due to attendance. They are an official LGBTQ club, but have membership and attendance from most of the "straight" clubs in Colorado. Why are they so successful? Mike Sattler reveals their creative, out-of-the-box new-member recruitment methods and the principles employed to retain those who take lessons.  Every c...

Justin took lessons with his grandmother, mom, dad, and brother in 2003. Friends from church got him to come to that first beginner dance, but no one knew it would become his passion. In June 2003, Justin attended his first Caller School in Tyler, TX, with Jon & Deborah Carroll-Jones, Vernon Jones, and Jerry Story.

Justin currently calls for Top Spinners in Eads and Pacer Promenaders in Martin, TN. He travels during the summer, calling both Modern Square Dances and Beginner (Party Night) Dances. Justin is passionate about teaching new dancers about this wonderful activity!

In 2006, Justin spent...

With more than 30 years of teaching experience, John and Karen Herr are leaders in the round dance world—building clubs, training dancers from their very first steps to advanced levels, and supporting square dance communities across Colorado. They run continuous class programs, cue for multiple clubs, and stay actively involved in national and regional organizations. Known for their high-energy style, they emphasize fun, friendship, and solid technique to help dancers succeed.

Go to SquareDanceRevival.org for more information, including training materials to help clubs grow, where to find a club, newsletters, and information about our National Campaign to...

Allan Hurst is a highly respected square dance caller, teacher, and leader based in Sacramento, California. Dancing since 1995 and calling since 1997, he brings decades of experience to the floor and to the broader dance community. Allan serves as the club caller for Capital City Squares and Prime 8’s, and is actively involved in national organizations including Callerlab and the Gay Callers Association, where he edits The Call Sheet.

Known for his thoughtful approach to teaching and marketing, Allan focuses on what truly helps clubs grow—welcoming culture, clear communication, and creating an environment where dancers feel supported and...

The Lang family revived a nearly defunct club by not only joining themselves, but inviting their friends. The club now has over 20 people under 25 in only two years. Sarah and Ron, Jedidiah, Winston, Naomi, and Calvin will share their thoughts about why young people love square dancing and how clubs can welcome and enjoy dancers of all ages.

Go to SquareDanceRevival.org for more information, including training materials to help clubs grow, where to find a club, newsletters, and information about our National Campaign to introduce the US to square and round dancing.

In this episode, we sit down with Hunter to talk about how he got started in square dancing—and why he stayed.

From his first introduction to the activity to becoming deeply involved in the community, Hunter shares what sparked his interest and what keeps him passionate about the dance today.

We also dive into what he’s seen work—and not work—when it comes to attracting new dancers. What draws people in? What unintentionally pushes them away? And what practical changes can clubs make right now to create energy, growth, and real momentum?

If...