Desert Valley Squares

If you are brand new to square dancing, you'll start by taking our Social Square Dance (SSD) Class.  SSD is a fun, easy, attainable introduction to square dancing where you’ll learn square dancing in approximately 10 weeks. 

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Our SSD Classes begin Sunday March 3 & 10, 2024 and will continue every Sunday, same time, same place.  If you are not able to attend one or both of our first 2 classes, you'll need to wait until our next round of new classes.  Dates TBA. 

 

We dance at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix…

3546 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix AZ.  (Proof of current bivalent Covid-19 vaccination required**)

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Snacks and beverages are always available throughout our dances, and many folks enjoy socializing during the breaks (and during dancing) with members of the Desert Valley Squares.

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If you are wondering if you'll 'fit in', please feel at ease.  The Desert Valley Squares are a very diverse group. Members represent a wide range of ages and types, male and female, LGBTQ+ and straight alike. No partner is required, as you will dance with many different partners during the class... and beyond.

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Physically speaking, a dancer should be able to easily walk at a brisk pace for 3 – 4 minutes.  You may be surprised at how much aerobic exercise one can get from square dancing.  It's a great way to rack up those steps on your pedometer or fitness tracker!

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Social Square Dance Classes are held Sunday evenings from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at the same location.  New Dancers are welcome to join beginning January 22nd, and January 29th.  We hope you’ll continue with us to complete the SSD curriculum, and then keep coming back to dance weekly. 

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The 10-week Social Square Dance Class is offered for the first time at NO COST TO YOU. That's the greatest dance lesson deal in town.

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You will continue to learn a few new calls during each of the 10 weeks, and will practice all calls learned to that point.  It is important that you attend as many classes as you can! While it is possible to catch up from missed classes, students who miss more than one class in a row can create confusion for all the students in a square! If you think you will miss a class, please let us know! We may be able to setup an early review session for you, so you stay caught up.  We think Sunday night will become one of your favorite times of the week, as learning to square dance is fun and fulfilling.

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To get started: 

• Come to our SSD Class.  LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, join our MeetUp group for the latest information.

• Mount of Olives Lutheran Church: 3546 E Thomas Rd.  Phoenix AZ.

• Let us know if you’ll be there by responding via Meetup, Facebook, AZGayDance.org or email to Info@DesertValleySquares.com so we know how many new friends to prepare for.

• No partner is required.  You'll dance with many different partners.

• You'll meet members of the Desert Valley Squares and other new dancers.

• No special attire. Jeans or shorts and a comfortable shirt/top and closed-toed shoes are typical.

• Finally, attending the SSD Class is a BLAST.  We don’t dance in a barn; we don’t wear silly clothes, (well, sometimes we do) and we dance to contemporary music. 

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COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

• **Desert Valley Squares members are very health-conscious and are expected to be up to date with the most current Covid-19 vaccine in order to attend weekly dances. 

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Note: If you have already completed SSD Square Dance classes elsewhere, and you meet our vaccination expectations, you are more than welcome to attend our SSD Class, (and beyond). Bring a new friend, or just come to help angel our new dancers.

 

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact us and we will contact you by email or phone to answer any further questions. 

 

Note: Desert Valley Squares is a proud founding member club of the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs, (IAGSDC.ORG) an LGBTQ* organization, to which we pay dues.  To become an official member of the Desert Valley Squares, you must complete an SSD course with us, or have already completed the SSD level or higher with another square dance club. You may then pay dues, which are currently $125 annually or $40/Quarterly - per person.