Anthoston's square dance tradition stretches back to the 1950s, when the Cross Trails Club held its first dance in the old Grange hall on Mill Street. Today, that heritage lives on in community centers, converted warehouses, and TikTok feeds alike. Whether you're tracing your steps to a live caller for the first time or you're the type who already owns your own petticoat, here's where to learn, dance, and compete in Anthoston.
Why Square Dance in Anthoston?
Square dancing here isn't a relic—it's a living scene. On any given weekend, you might find teenagers learning allemandes at a fusion studio in the Arts District, retirees hosting potlucks before a dance in Riverdale, and competitive teams traveling to regional competitions from the same clubs their grandparents joined. The common thread is the caller's voice, cutting through the chatter to organize eight strangers into a synchronized, laughing unit.
It's also stubbornly affordable compared to other social hobbies. Most clubs charge $8–$15 per evening, and beginners rarely need a partner or special clothing to start.
Where to Learn: Classes for Beginners
Anthoston Community Center
Riverdale | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Joanne Peltier has taught beginner square dance here since 2008. Her Tuesday sessions focus on basic calls and floor etiquette; Thursdays add light choreography and partner work. Drop-ins run $12, with a four-class card for $40. No partner or experience required—Peltier rotates dancers every tip so no one sits out for long.
Rhythm & Roots School of Dance
West End | Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This family-run studio in a converted 1920s schoolhouse specializes in traditional Appalachian square dance for all ages. Instructor Caleb Vance, a third-generation dancer from Boone County, emphasizes live fiddle accompaniment whenever possible. Youth classes (ages 8–14) run concurrently with adult sessions in an adjacent room. First class is free; monthly membership is $55.
Stepping Out Dance Studio
Arts District | Sundays, 4:00–6:00 p.m.
For dancers who balk at prairie skirts and strict tradition, Stepping Out offers "Square Fusion"—a blend of standard calls with hip-hop footwork and electronic music. Instructor Marisol Reyes developed the format in 2019 after noticing younger dancers finding square dance content on social media but struggling to connect with traditional scenes. Classes fill quickly; advance registration ($18 per session) is strongly recommended.
Where to Dance: Clubs and Social Nights
Anthoston Swing & Square Club
Meets Fridays, 7:30 p.m., at the Riverdale Masonic Lodge
Don't let the abbreviated name fool you—this is Anthoston's most welcoming social dance. Founded in 1962, the club draws 40–60 dancers weekly for mainstream and plus-level dances. President Dennis Hough notes that newcomers who complete a beginner class are paired with "angels" (experienced dancers who volunteer to guide them) for their first three visits. Annual membership: $35; guests pay $10.
Round the Square Club
Meets monthly, locations rotate
Known for themed dances—Halloween hoedowns, Valentine's red-ribbon specials, and a summer "barnless barn dance" in Morrow Park—this club also channels proceeds from two annual events toward Anthoston's food pantry and literacy programs. Attendance ranges from 80 to 120 dancers. Check their calendar for the next open dance; first-timers dance free.
Cross Trails Square Dance Club
Meets Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., at the Grange Hall on Mill Street
The oldest continuously operating square dance club in Anthoston (founded 1954) is also the most demanding. Cross Trails hosts advanced workshops, caller training, and the annual Anthoston Hoedown, which draws competitive dancers from four states. If you've mastered plus-level calls and want to push into advanced and challenge levels, this is your destination. Visitors welcome with club reciprocity; single-night admission is $12.
Tips for Your First Night
- Wear leather-soled shoes if you have them. Rubber soles grip the floor too aggressively for smooth pivots and promenades. If you're trying a class first, clean-soled sneakers will do.
- The caller is your GPS, not a suggestion. In square dancing, instructions are called in real time. Hesitate and the square breaks; anticipate and you collide. Listen first, move second.
- Learn three calls at home. Most beginners freeze on " allemande left," "right and left grand," and "promenade." YouTube has thousands of slow-motion tutorials—ten minutes of pre-class viewing builds surprising confidence.
- **Ask your corner, not
