Northeast Oklahoma Square Dance Association Offers Dancing Classes

A Tulsa organization founded in 1945 still meets every week to square dance.

The Northeast Oklahoma Square Dance Association does $5 lessons every Friday night starting at 7 p.m. inside the Memorial Community Center at 8310 E 15th St.

Anita Merrell and her husband started coming 14 years ago. The pair color coordinates their outfits specifically for the night.

“I try to keep him in line,” said Merrell. “It is something we do together, and we enjoy it.”

Bill Powell first learned to square dance in 1965 and picked it up again with his wife in 2011.

“We see all these people learning; they always have big smiles on their faces, and that is what makes us happy and like it so well,” he said.

Newer to square dancing is Kennedy Garza. She started a few months ago and has completed 12 lessons.

“I have done other kinds of dancing, some swing dancing, but I have never done square dancing,” she continued saying, “It is the fun kind you see in all the movies, so I just decided to try it.”

At 19 years old, Garza is the youngest dancer in her square.

“Mostly, we have older folks like ourselves,” Powell added. “It is great to see young people out. We are thrilled to death we have young people.”

“It is really great to see the younger kids coming out, or even younger adults because that is what is going to be the future of our hobby,” Merrell said.

With each weekly lesson, that interest only grows.

“The first time, we had a few young folks, but then we have got some coming back,” said Merrell. “Then, they are bringing friends, so that is exciting.”

The dancing gets them in the door; however, the friendships are what keeps everyone coming back.

“They greet you by name, they see you, they miss you when you are not here,” Garza said.

“It does not matter if you have a partner or not; you can come and have a good time, and the fellowship, the friendships you make … they are family,” Merrell added.

Leaving them always looking forward to the next lesson.

“People who did not know each other a few weeks ago, now, we cannot wait for Friday nights to come,” said Powell. 

Friday night square dancing is open to anyone. For those who would rather start from square one, the next set of beginner's lessons begins on Jan. 10, 2025.

To learn more about the Northeast Oklahoma Square Dance Association, click here or call 918-671-0661.