On Thursday nights, the old Grange Hall on Segundo City's west side shakes with the stomp of cowboy boots and the caller's chant of "allemande left." Square dancing never left this town—and in the last five years, it's drawn a new generation of dancers in sneakers and sundresses. Whether you're learning your first do-si-do or looking for a competitive calling edge, here's where to step in.
How to Choose Your Spot
Segundo City's square dance scene splits roughly four ways. Want structured, leveled lessons? Head to an academy. Craving a social club atmosphere? Try a community collective. Need something the whole family can enjoy? There's a club for that too. Most venues welcome walk-ins, and none require you to bring a partner.
1. The Spinning Squares Academy
Best for: Dancers who want formal progression from basic to challenge-level square dancing.
Located downtown in the renovated Masonic Building, this academy is Segundo City's only caller-certified program. Founder Jerry Holt—a 30-year caller and 2019 National Square Dance Convention honoree—leads a structured curriculum across twelve weeknight levels. Drop-in beginner classes run Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. ($15); the advanced "C1/C2" group meets Thursdays. The academy's annual student showcase each May draws crowds from three counties.
Don't miss: Jerry's "New Dancer Night" on the first Tuesday of every month, where alumni dancers return to mentor first-timers.
2. Rhythmic Routes Dance Studio
Best for: Dancers who want to blend square dance with hip-hop, jazz, and other contemporary styles.
Tucked into the Riverfront Arts District, Rhythmic Routes has built a reputation as the scene's most inventive space. Instructor Maya Chen fuses traditional square dance figures with modern choreography in her popular "Square Fusion" series. Classes run Wednesdays and Saturdays, with weekend workshops held monthly. The studio operates on a sliding-scale fee ($10–$25 per class) and actively welcomes LGBTQ+ dancers.
Don't miss: The quarterly "Glow Hoedown," a blacklight dance party that reimagines square dance as a nightlife event.
3. The Crossover Collective
Best for: Dancers seeking community connection over formal instruction; also ideal for tight budgets.
This volunteer-run nonprofit meets at the West Side Community Center and operates entirely on pay-what-you-can donations. There are no levels here—beginners and 20-year veterans share the floor at weekly Friday night social dances (7:30–10:30 p.m.). The Collective emphasizes accessibility: all gender roles are optional, and callers rotate monthly to showcase different teaching styles.
Don't miss: The annual "Barn Dance Revival" each September, which restores Segundo City's 1920s outdoor dance pavilion for one night of live fiddle music and potluck supper.
4. The Twirling Tassels Club
Best for: Families, kids, and anyone who wants square dance as a social outing rather than a training regimen.
Operating out of the Elks Lodge on Pine Street, the Twirling Tassels Club has welcomed generations of Segundo City families since 1978. Children as young as six dance alongside grandparents at themed monthly events (Western Night, Pajama Jamboree, Valentine's Sweetheart Dance). Annual family membership runs $40, and no weekly commitment is required.
Don't miss: The "Junior Caller" program, where teens learn calling basics and occasionally lead half-hour sets for the adult dancers.
Quick Comparison
| Venue | Cost | Frequency | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spinning Squares Academy | $15 drop-in | Weekly classes | Structured learners |
| Rhythmic Routes Dance Studio | $10–$25 sliding scale | 2x weekly + workshops | Contemporary dancers |
| The Crossover Collective | Donation-based | Weekly socials | Community seekers |
| The Twirling Tassels Club | $40/year membership | Monthly events | Families |
What to Know Before You Go
Most venues offer a free first visit—show up in comfortable shoes and let the caller know you're new. The Segundo City square dance community has a reputation for rotating partners warmly and often, so you don't need to bring your own. Just be ready to swing.
