The Best Square Dance Schools in Segundo City: A Local's Guide for Every Skill Level

Segundo City has more square dance schools per capita than anywhere else in the state—but not every caller, class, or community fits every dancer. Some schools train competitors for regional tournaments. Others operate more like neighborhood potlucks with choreography. Whether you want competition-grade precision or a Friday-night social scene, here's how to choose the right fit.

Segundo Swingers Square Dance Club

Best for: Beginners and dancers returning after a long break
Class schedule: Tuesday and Thursday evenings, plus Saturday morning drop-ins
Price range: Budget-friendly ($8–$12 per class; monthly memberships available)
Standout feature: Founder and head caller Dale Merrick, a 30-year veteran who trained under the legendary Marshall Flippo

The Segundo Swingers occupy a converted warehouse in the River District, a ten-minute walk from the light-rail station. The space is unpretentious—exposed brick, ceiling fans, a snack table permanently stocked with coffee and store-brand cookies—but the instruction is rigorous enough that several alumni have gone on to call professionally.

Merrick teaches the beginner "Mainstream" program in twelve-week cycles, with new cohorts starting in January, April, and September. If you miss a cycle, you can join the Saturday morning drop-in review sessions to catch up. The club skews intergenerational: teenagers, retirees, and everyone in between. Partners rotate by default, so you never need to bring your own.

Pro tip: Arrive twenty minutes early on your first night. A regular named Gloria usually corners newcomers to explain club etiquette, and her briefing will save you from several common faux pas.

Rhythm Rascals Square Dance Academy

Best for: Competitive dancers and technique obsessives
Class schedule: Weekday afternoons and evenings; closed weekends except for workshops
Price range: Mid-range to premium ($150–$220 per month for unlimited classes)
Standout feature: Sprung maple floors and a dedicated audio system that lets dancers hear every call clearly, even in complex eight-couple formations

If the Swingers are a community center, the Rhythm Rascals are a conservatory. Located in a second-floor studio on Mercer Avenue, the academy enforces a dress code (athletic wear only, no street shoes on the floor) and tracks student progress through a leveled curriculum that includes modern western square dance, round dance, and caller training.

Director Paula Chen, a former national champion, emphasizes body mechanics and floorcraft. Classes run small—typically eight to twelve students—and include video review. The Rascals host three to four workshops per year with touring professionals; past guests have included callers from Oklahoma, British Columbia, and Osaka.

The atmosphere is friendly but focused. Socializing happens, but it happens after class. If your goal is to compete at the state level or simply to clean up sloppy habits, this is your spot.

The Jiving Junipers Square Dance School

Best for: Social dancers, live-music lovers, and anyone nervous about formal instruction
Class schedule: Wednesday beginner nights, Saturday social dances with live accompaniment
Price range: Budget-friendly ($10 at the door; first-timer punch cards available)
Standout feature: Live fiddle-and-guitar accompaniment on Saturday nights; recorded playlists for weekday classes

The Junipers meet in the basement of the old Elks Lodge on Pine Street, and the vibe is unmistakably casual. Instructor Jerry Holt, a retired high-school band director, structures Wednesday beginner nights around "survival skills"—just enough choreography to get you through a Saturday social dance in three weeks or less.

The real draw is the weekend. On Saturdays, local bluegrass and old-time musicians set up in the corner and play for three hours while dancers rotate through squares. The music dictates the tempo, which means things occasionally get chaotic. Holt and a rotating cast of guest callers adapt on the fly. It's not the place to refine your Challenge-level footwork, but it is the place to make friends, work up a sweat, and discover that square dancing pairs surprisingly well with craft beer from the pop-up bar in the adjacent courtyard.

Quick Comparison

What to Know Before You Go

Do I need a partner?
No. All three schools rotate partners by default, and regulars are generally proactive about welcoming newcomers into their squares.

What should I wear?