Stephen J. Cole - A square dance history
(This is the long version.)

Part 1: Learning to Dance

I started square dancing in September of 1992. The year prior, I'd graduated from college and moved to the metro Washington D.C. area. I had been trying to establish myself in the area, and had sought comfort in what I knew. In this case, I'd found a church home and started attending regularly. I enjoy singing, and as a result found a niche in the choir. A couple got up after rehearsal and made an announcement about a open house type event that their square dance club, the Stompers and Strutters, was hosting. One of my friends in the choir said she'd go with me if I was interested. (She had, I think, designs on introducing me to her daughter. I did meet her, much later, but she and I had no chemistry.) So, that friday, I picked up "my date" and we headed off to the open house.

The open house was a blast. I had no idea what I was expecting (and it turns out my date had gone the week prior, so she knew but didn't tell) and it was more fun than I could have imagined. I was hooked from the moment I tried it. I also knew then that I wanted to be a caller. However, I didn't even think about asking my teacher at the time. Later, we found out that the first 3 weeks in September were free "samples" but were also their primary recruiting tool for teaching.

What I didn't know at the time was that over the years square dancing had evolved from the "barn dance" pictured in old movies, "Bugs Bunny" cartoons, and grade school physcical education classes. In fact, it had evolved so much that you had to take a class to be part of the club. It is a long process, but very rewarding.

From September through March, every Friday night, I'd pick up my date, go dancing until 10:00, we'd then grab bite to eat, then do a late show of a movie. Good times! In March, my partner said she'd had enough. Square dancing was fun, but just not her "thing." So, I continued along on my own.

At this point, I should say that I'd no idea that there was any other square dancing outside of this club. Indeed, I had no idea that there was anything going on outside of my club. That was until, mid February, we were told about WASCA. The Washington Area Square Dance Cooperative Association holds a square dance festival every March and as part of the festivities, there is a "student invitational." So, I went. There were hundreds there and I had a fantastic time. I didn't have a regular partner, but like any dancing event, there are always more single women than single men, so the odds were in my favor.

Graduation was around the corner, and I didn't really know what that meant other than our regular Friday nights were over. (What a letdown. After months of having an active socal life, NOTHING.)

To be continued...