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Tennessee State Convention was a good one. Bears, mountains, dancing, shenanigans, karaoke, a fire alarm, ice cream for dinner, lots of laughs… but mostly, the people. Feeling grateful for this little square dance family of mine.
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Finally getting around to sharing a few memories from the 75th National Square Dance Convention—better late than never! Arriving a few days early meant time for a little adventure—exploring the Dr. Pepper Museum, wandering through Magnolia, relaxing by the pool, doing some shopping, and enjoying more delicious food than I probably needed. I even checked a few Texas staples off the list: my first-ever In-N-Out burger, Cold Stone ice cream, a return trip to Whataburger, and more than a couple visits to HEB! But as always, the very best part was being surrounded by our square dance family. Seeing familiar faces, sharing hugs, catching up, laughing, and having those heartfelt conversations reminded me once again just how special this community truly is. My heart is so full. One of the biggest highlights of the week was having the opportunity to call with the incredible Ghost Riders Square Dance Band. Sharing the stage with such talented musicians and feeling the energy they bring to the floor is always something special, and it made this convention even more memorable. A huge thank you to the Bergers and our amazing volunteer team for keeping the booth running all week long. It was such a joy to have so many members stop by to visit and spend a few moments with us. Already counting down until next year. Until then, I'm grateful for the memories, thankful for the people, and always excited for the next adventure.
The 51st CALLERLAB Convention is officially in the books, and I’m still soaking it all in. From my perspective, this week is always the most challenging—and the most fulfilling—of the entire year. It takes literally every ounce of my energy, but somehow always gives back in the form of some of my favorite memories each year. A huge and heartfelt thank you to my home office volunteers. Truly, we could not do this without you. Your dedication behind the scenes is what makes everything run, and I’m endlessly appreciative. And to Ted—thank you for your constant encouragement and support during your terms as Chair. It has meant more to me than I can fully express. Being recognized as the Chairman’s Award recipient was completely unexpected. I was so honored and still cry watching it back. If you’d like to see the presentation, you can watch it here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FxzZfJhj8/ Now comes the “recovery” phase—catching up on sleep, emails, and everything that got put on hold during convention season. So if I’m a little slower to respond, thank you in advance for your patience. Just know how incredibly fulfilled and grateful I am after such a meaningful and successful week. Here’s to another amazing CALLERLAB Convention in the books. Thanks for the memories, friends. So proud of these dancers tonight We graduated 10 amazing students in our class! The dancers crushed it each week, surprised me with a giant card tonight that made me cry, and reminded me why I love this square dance family so much. Big mama bear energy and feeling all the love. Hope you get to share a square soon with some of our new friends! Laughing Squares Square Dance Club
It was 80s night at the Indiana Square and Round Dance Convention! Friday night’s theme was throwback to the 80s — and since I didn’t actually live the decade, I figured I’d cram all ten years into one night. Ted absolutely delivered on the 80s hits (no surprise there…), the energy was high, and it was so good to be among friends, laughing, dancing, and making memories! Until next year… We had the best time celebrating the Cherokee Promenaders at their anniversary dance! Thanks so much to the club for having me out. They really know how to host a party and make a caller feel welcome. It’s wild to think it’s already been three years since we packed up and moved CALLERLAB to our new Home Office. Every year has brought something new — projects, faces, challenges, and plenty of adventure along the way.
Most of the boxes are long gone, the furniture’s been rearranged a few times, the to-do list somehow never gets shorter… but I’m so grateful for how far we’ve come and for everyone who makes this work meaningful. This is certainly more than just a job. Here’s to the journey, the people, and all the adventures still ahead. We had a great time at the CALLERLAB Fundraising Dance! Thanks to the Hayloft Steppers in Sturbridge, MA for hosting us. The dance raised over $1,000 for CALLERLAB!
We had a great start to our class at Earlham College with the Hoosier Corners Square Dance Club tonight!
Had a blast at the TN Square and Round Dance Convention this weekend in Gatlinburg! Sharing just a few fun memories from a great time with great people! And just like that, we’ve wrapped up another National Square Dance Convention! This year took us to Shreveport, LA, and with more than 2,000 dancers in attendance, we sure had a good time! It’s always more than just dancing — it’s about the friendships and the shared love of this activity that brings us together year after year. Huge congratulations to Ted & Tonia and the entire 74th NSDC team for hosting a great event. I’m especially proud of how our Members stepped up to call, educate, and lead throughout the convention. And thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth — to volunteer, to chat, or just to say hello. It was so good to see so many familiar faces and to make so many new friends too. A special shoutout to Mom, Dad, and Julie for holding down the fort at the booth all week long — couldn’t do it without you! And congratulations to Grand Square Inc. on their 25th anniversary — what an incredible milestone to celebrate together this week! Here are just a few pictures from the week. I only captured a few but I have many more memories of good friends and fun times! Until next time... 74TH NATIONAL SQUARE DANCE CONVENTION - June 25 - 28, 2025 - Shreveport, LA A highlight of the National Convention is always calling with the Ghost Riders Square Dance Band - this year was no exception. Friday night I did a little something different - hope you enjoy the video!
Always good to be home for the holidays! Andrew and I called together for the first time in forever and there was even a special guest appearance too! Good times at the Star Righters Square Dance Club. It's always a privilege to call with these incredible talented folks! We raised over $1,300 for CALLERLAB at the Fall CALLERLAB Fundraising Dance.
The dance was sponsored by the Riley Wranglers Square Dance Club and the Merry Mixers Square Dance Club - thanks to all the members who helped facilitate the details of this event! Special thanks to the Executive Committee for volunteering their time and talent during this dance. Chair Ted Lizotte, Vice Chair Justin Russell, Executive Committee Members Shauna Forbush Kaaria, Tony Oxendine, and Jack Pladdys, and Executive Director, Teresa Berger. Shoutout to the other callers in attendance: Gary Hutton, Tom Davis, Janet Lewis, Doris Swain, Travis Cook, Amanda Skidmore, Avery Arnold, Keith Dishman, Phillip Peak, Doug Cline, and Bill Garrison. And last but certainly not least, thanks to our partner in crime (and all things digital media related), Ray Owens, Square Dance Tech. Photos Videos
Sturbridge, MA was the place to be this past week! Ken and crew put on a great Northeast Caller School - kudos to the whole team!
Shoutout to the Illinois Square Dance Convention on a great event this weekend! I came home with just a few photos but many more great memories! |
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