Square Dance Convention

Tennessee Association

Limber up those legs, folks! It’s almost time for the 2016 Tennessee Square Dance Convention at the W. L. Mills Conference Center, next door to the Gatlinburg Convention Center. From August 4th through 6th you’ll be able to do all the do-si-doing that your heart desires. Maybe even a little foot-stomping line stepping, too. This year’s theme, proudly emblazoned on the convention t-shirts, is “42 All for You” in recognition of the 42nd year of the square dancing convention. That’s a lot of step calling!

With over 60 callers, cuers, and line instructors, the convention will offer plenty of opportunities for you to show off your square dancing skills, put a shine on some of your fancy footwork, or just learn a new move or two.

The shindig begins with the Thursday Night Trail-in Dance, which will run from 8-11 p.m. Be sure to show up wearing your dancing shoes and your convention t-shirt!

The Conference Center halls will be filled with continuous dancing throughout the run of the convention. Five different halls, all with a specific focus and a recommended skill level, will allow the twirling and promenading to continue apace from morning to well past dark.

On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy a Live Band in the Square Dance only hall. All dancers are welcome in the Mainstream Hall, with a more relaxed atmosphere. Plus and Advanced dancers will find large, dedicated spaces to cut the rug, even if all the dancing will be done on wood floors. Friday and Saturday will see full programs for Rounds, with 10+ “smooth” rounds cuers. It’ll be 2 hours of line dancing only at the Lines programs on Friday and Saturday nights.

Don’t forget that the convention is more than just the dancing. The always popular dance fashion show is back again, allowing participants to strut their stuff in their fanciest duds. If you need to perfect your look, or you’re looking to improve your wardrobe-construction skills, you can attend the Sewing Clinic. Or if you’re just looking to acquire some new pieces for your ensemble, look through the garments in the Used Clothing Sale.

After all the music, western & petticoat fashion, the two-stepping, and the fun in general, you’ll be more than ready to retire to a quiet, cozy Heartland cabin to re-energize for the next day of square dancing fun. Get up early in the morning and hit one of the great pancake houses in Gatlinburg and fill up for another round of squares.

Reserve a Gatlinburg cabin for your Square Dance Convention Lodge