Square Dance Revival! The Podcast

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 on attracting and retaining new dancers.For Eric, square dancing is about more than the dancing—it’s about people connecting and sharing the joy of the activity. The music is starting. Let’s square up!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.

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 don't today's potential dancers respond to the methods that worked decades ago? And what happens when someone searches for square dancing online but finds a website designed primarily for people who already dance?We talk about awareness, social media, websites, the marketing funnel, repetition, and the importance of giving people a chance to experience square dancing before asking them to commit to lessons. Most importantly, Mike explains why clubs need to stop waiting for someone else to build awareness and start taking an active role in creating the future of the activity.Mike's message is ultimately hopeful: there are people of every age looking for real connection and social experiences. They just may not know that square dancing can give them what they're looking for.Listen in—and ask yourself: Are we doing what it takes to reach them?Help Square Dance Revival! reach potential new dancers through our national campaign. Donate at squaredancerevival.org.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.

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 stories, lessons, and a lifetime dedicated to what he still calls the world’s best social and physical recreation: our “team dance.”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.

 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 information about our National Campaign to introduce the US to square and round dancing.

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 club can benefit from hearing from clubs that are growing in an era where square dance as a whole is shrinking. And, all these tips are fun to do! Loosen up your future and listen to how to grow!Send your club's success story to [email protected]. Inspired by Mike's thoughts, Square Dance Revival wants to share the success stories of rebuilding club membership or starting new clubs around the country. Tell us about your club history, what you did to rebuild, what didn't work, and what the results were.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.