Chuck Woods: Chuck-EE’s Corner

Spring has been officially Swung Thru!!

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:10:03 GMT

While a few challenges arose during the weekend, as reflected in the survey responses we received, please know that we are taking your feedback seriously. We met with the conference center staff and are exploring several solutions to improve the acoustics in the dance hall. By next year, one or more of these improvements will be in place. We also appreciate everyone’s patience during the heating issue on Saturday morning; thankfully, the sunshine and energetic dancing warmed things up by the afternoon. The facility has apologized for the unexpected HVAC breakdown.

Finding the perfect venue is always a balancing act. We continue to look for a space with a 5,000–6,000 square foot wood dance floor, strong acoustics, seating, staging, appropriate lighting, and a reasonable cost—all in a location that’s convenient and offers affordable lodging and dining options. Our goal is to keep the weekend accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and on very short notice, the Clarion delivered a solid experience this year. Most of all, we want to thank you—the dancers. The energy you brought to the floor this year was truly incredible! Your enthusiasm and responsiveness to the music inspired us, and as dance leaders, that energy fuels everything we do. We are deeply grateful for your support and for the joy you bring to this event.

With appreciation and excitement for what’s ahead, Chuck, Kristy and the Staff of Swing Thru Spring

74th National Convention is just around the corner!

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:51:14 GMT

We are two weeks away from the 74th Nationals in Shreveport, and only 5 weeks beyond that until the 50th Tennessee Convention in Gatlinburg. Sandwiched in between the two will be a week in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for our first SQUARE DANCE ALL-INCLUSIVE TOUR. A busy couple of months that’s for sure!

Below is my calling schedule for the Nationals. I can’t wait to call My Rock with the Ghost Riders Band on Friday night! Hope to see you there!

Chuck Woods’ calling schedule for the 74th Nationals – Shreveport Convention Center, LA

Day	Start	End	Where	Level
Thursday June 26	2:30pm	2:40pm	Level 1 Hall 1	Plus
Thursday June 26	4:30pm	4:40pm	SW Common Area Level 2	MS High Energy
Thursday June 26	7:30pm	7:40pm	Level 2 Ballroom D	SSD Dancing
Friday June 27	11:45am	12:00pm	Level 2 Red River Room: Youth Hall	Mainstream
Friday June 27	2:45pm	3:00pm	Level 2 Red River Room: Youth Hall	Plus
Friday June 27	3:50pm	4:00pm	SW Common Area Level 2	MS High Energy
Friday June 27	6:00pm	6:15pm	Level 2 Ballroom A	Advanced 2
Friday June 27	8:15pm	8:20pm	Level 1 Hall 3: LIVE! Ghost Riders Band	Mainstream
Saturday June 28	1:15pm	1:30pm	Level 2 Ballroom A	Advanced 2
Saturday June 28	3:30pm	3:40pm	Level 1 Hall 3	Mainstream
Saturday June 28	4:10pm	4:20pm	SW Common Area Level 2	MS High Energy
Saturday June 28	8:00pm	8:10pm	Level 1 Hall 1	Plus

New Roles Lead to a Bit Less Calling

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:39:08 GMT

Between the two of us, Kristy and I called over 100 dances in each of the past two years. Calling the dances is great fun, but the long drives, fast food, lodging, packing/unpacking can take its toll. Not to mention that we both still work full-time! For that reason, we are scaling back our calling schedule in 2025 and 2026. That’s not the only reason, but it’s certainly the one that inspired us to look for a better way to promote square dancing. We will still call regularly at our local clubs in Jeffersonville, Louisville and Shelbyville. We will also call at the nearby state conventions of IN, KY, TN, OH on a regular basis, as well as a few others as opportunities arise. We also plan to attend and call at national conventions in Shreveport (2025), Waco (2026), and Loveland (2027). In addition we will still host our fun-filled Swing Thru Spring weekend every March at Lake Cumberland State Resort in Jamestown, KY.

As the Publicity Chair for the 2025 Indiana Square and Round Dance Convention in French Lick, IN, we will look for new ways to promote square dancing in our home state. We were a part of the Sound Team for the 2024 convention which was this past weekend, and truly enjoyed working with the Board. We are a dedicated group, and we are looking to grow our attendance to 500+ for 2025.

Kristy and I also took the lead on reshaping square dancing in Kentucky by promoting and directing a merger between the two dance associations, KSDA and KFSD. The all-new Kentuckiana Dance Alliance is taking shape and will become THE active organization in the state come January 1, 2025. We also lead the path to growth by offering beginner and plus lessons regularly at our three clubs. And, we are mentoring callers. We need young, skilled callers to attract youth to square dancing, so we are offering to help in any way we can to train new callers.

While you might not see us as much at club dances in Ohio, Tennessee, and Northern Indiana, we look forward to seeing you at conventions and weekends throughout the year. We wish you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, a very Merry Christmas, and a Joyous New Year.

Privates Stolen While Dancing at Church!

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 18:16:14 GMT

Holy Dosido Batman! We had our privates stolen just prior to the Eclipse Dance in Springfield, OH. Being very diligent about (and maybe slightly over-protective of) our Eclipse Dance on April 8th, we placed yard signs at the entrance to the church parking lot indicating that we were having a private square dance event (see pics below). We planned on dancing in the parking lot during the eclipse, while also accommodating cars, vans, RV and buses of dancers. The last thing we wanted was a parking lot full of eclipse viewers squatting on our territory. During the night, someone removed the word “PRIVATE” from all four of our signs!! Turns out we didn’t have any squatters, but rather a very lively bunch of square dancers that traveled from near and far. We had representation from KY, IN, OH, TN, NC, and even MN. There were callers and cuers, new dancers and veterans, and even a couple of newlyweds kicking off their honeymoon! Congrats Marianne and Lysle!

The dancing started inside, but migrated to the parking lot as the moon started blotting out the sun. Each of our four callers did their eclipse tribute song in the order that was determined by an online poll. I sang It’s Just the Sun, Wesley Fenton followed that with The Galaxy Song, next was Tom Davis performing Talkin’ to the Moon, and Kristy wrapped it up with Sound of Silence, a perfect ending that left us only seconds from totality. We all marveled as the moon completed its mission of eclipsing the sun. It is difficult to put into words how it felt when the electric-blue ring appeared momentarily to outline the black silhouette of the moon, the diamond flash of the final stage just before totality, and the appearance of the red flares to put an exclamation point on a celestial spectacle like no other. We got in a few dance moves during the two minute, fifteen second period of totality that Springfield had to offer, allowing all the dancers to earn their “Eclipse 2024” dangle.

After the dance, some of us went to dinner with the group of nine Minnesotans that drove throughout the night to dance and celebrate with us. Dan and Janet Sahlstrom packed up the family in their RV and made the trek, braving all sorts of traffic and weather along the way. Dan cued some rounds for us, and joined us to call a tip of squares. I love my ever-expanding square dance family. I love calling for the dancers in KY, IN, OH and TN. I love calling with Tom and Travis and Wesley and Tim (and now) Dan. And YeH, I especially love calling with my beautiful and talented wife, Kristy. I hope to see YOU on the dance floor soon.

Is it just me, or are energy levels on the rise?

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:21:02 GMT

Maybe it’s just me, but the SD community seems to be more energized in 2024. Have any of you guys noticed it? The dances Kristy and I have called or attended in the past 30 days have been as lively as any I have ever seen. Wheeler Dealers in Lexington on Feb 2, Dosidos Halfway dance on Feb 9, Moose Plus lessons on Sundays, and then last night (Feb 13) at Wesley’s club in Greenville, OH. I know there is no way to measure it, but I can feel it. Energy levels are high, and dancers are excited. And do you know what happens when dancers get excited? Callers get excited, and the momentum builds from there. Heck, I even saw and A2 dancer do half a kick on an allemande left at Butler Bash! (Not really, but wouldn’t that be cool?) I am seeing larger crowds, louder crowds and happier crowds. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one that has noticed this. If you have experienced it at YOUR dances, drop me a note and let me know what you observed, and how it made you feel.

Some Dances are Special, even if they are not Specials

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 14:00:24 GMT

Yes, and such is the case from last Friday at Wheeler Dealers in Lexington. It was Groundhog Day, but that’s not what made it special. It was the dancers. All 6+ squares of them. They got louder and more energetic with each song, and hung around to the very end. Heck, 30 of us went out to Roosters after the dance. I got the feeling no one wanted the night to end.

I enjoyed the dance immensely and wanted to let everyone know it. Simple as that. It’s why I became a caller. It’s why I keep calling. When the energy is flowing back and forth like that, it’s a feeling you don’t soon forget.

Thanks to Wheeler Dealers and the Lexington area dancers for being part of that!

Chuck

PREVIEW: Finance & Economics

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:27:52 GMT

In the next few weeks, I will be taking on the discussion of finances and economics of Square Dancing. The first article will be the economics of square dance calling. If you think this article isn’t important to the average dancer, think again. Clubs must bring in enough cash to remain viable, and callers must do the same. If clubs fail economically, we all lose. If callers fail economically, we all lose.

If financial things put you to sleep, I understand. I will do my best to keep it interesting. Finance & Accounting is what I do. I’ve done it for 45 years. For the last ten years, I been the Chief Financial Officer of regional homebuilding companies. Prior to that, I was the President of a regional Entrepreneurial Accounting Firm. I understand finance, and I can explain it in simple terms.

The data I will present is certain to turn heads. The conclusions I draw, and the recommendations that I make will certainly be controversial. I can’t help it. It needs to be said if we truly want to right the SD ship. I will put the data out there, and I will be happy to debate it with anyone knowledgeable of SD.

Stay tuned…

The state of Square Dancing in our state

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:01:46 GMT

First off, Happy New Year. While the holidays were busy, I sure hope they brought much joy and family time for you all. I know they did for Kristy and me.

On Sunday January 7, Kristy and I hosted an informal meeting in our home that brought together the leadership of both state organizations (KSDA & KFSD), five callers, several club presidents/officers, as well as a nice representation of dancers from Louisville, Lexington, Lawrenceburg and S. Indiana. The meeting was meant to engage state and club leaders with callers and dancers. I would label the meeting as a success. Based on the response to my follow up communication to the group, I believe that most, if not all attendees are in agreement. I want to thank everyone who showed up, driving significant distances, and sacrificing their Sunday afternoons.

In no particular order, we listed the Top 10 issues we feel the local SD community faces:

Marketing
Communication (State orgs to clubs, clubs to dancers)
New Dancer Recruiting/Retention
Commitment (non-club dancers)
Sustainability of SD
Venues (location, size, availability & cost)
Finances
Caller Recruitment/Education
Leadership (state, clubs, and dance leaders)
Visitation (supporting one another)

After some discussion, we decided that Leadership needed to be addressed first. Without leadership from state organizations to club affiliates, and from club officers to dancers, we quickly become lost as a large group of individuals, each wanting to sustain and grow our favorite pastime, but unable to gain traction. The first order of business is to rebuild our club list, and club rosters. We must educate and engage as many dancers as possible as we strive for growth. Once the lists are built, we will have a much better database from which to operate. We plan to meet regularly, though the next meeting date has not been established.

I would have liked for the first meeting to be ALL-inclusive, but that simply was not possible due to the size constraints of our home. Going forward, EVERYONE will be invited to take part in these meetings either through physical or virtual attendance. If you can, please give some thought to the issues listed above and share your feedback with me so that I can share with the group.

Finally, and not to bury the lead, but in the future, Kristy and I will be doing less travel calling out of state. We plan to focus more on KY and southern IN, in hopes that we can have more time to devote to local events. We will honor all 2024 calling contracts, regardless of location. We will also continue to participate in calling throughout the region at conventions, specials and SD weekends.

BREAKING Moo Snooze

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 09:58:09 GMT

What is “Moo Snooze” anyway? Well, it’s “Moose News”, and I just wanted to see who amongst you is paying attention.

***BREAKING MOOSE NEWS*** – SQUARE DANCING IN LOUISVILLE

The Moose Club is excited to announce it is making changes to its format AND dance time! Starting in January, MOOSE WILL BECOME AN ALL-PLUS CLUB and the dances will be from 7PM to 9PM on the second and fourth Sundays.

Don’t dance plus? No problem! We’re going to start with a set of plus lessons!

CALLERS: Chuck & Kristy

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Next Dance: Sunday, December 10, 2023 3:00PM – 5:00PM Mainstream
2024 schedule:
- Jan 14, 2024 Plus lessons 6PM – 7PM, Plus dance 7PM – 9PM
- Jan 21, 2024 NO LESSONS, NO DANCE
- Jan 28, 2024 Plus lessons 6PM – 7PM, Plus dance 7PM – 9PM
- Feb 4, 2024 Plus Lessons 7PM – 9PM
- Feb 11, 2024 SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, NO LESSONS, NO DANCE
- Feb 18, 2024 NO LESSONS, NO DANCE
- Feb 25, 2024 Plus lessons 6PM – 7PM, Plus dance 7PM – 9PM
- Mar 3, 2024 Plus Lessons 7PM – 9PM
- Mar 10, 2024 Plus lessons 6PM – 7PM, Plus dance 7PM – 9PM
- Mar 17, 2024 NO LESSONS, NO DANCE
- Mar 24, 2024 Plus lessons 6PM – 7PM, Plus dance 7PM – 9PM
- Mar 31,2024 Plus Lessons 7PM – 9PM
Moose Lodge #5 – 4615 Fegenbush Lane – Louisville KY

Holiday Updates

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:12:18 GMT

As the weather turns colder and our SD tunes start to sing of bells and snowflakes, there is still lots of HOT dancing action going on in our area! For more details, check out the Regional Calendar.

You certainly don’t want to miss the Double H Christmas Dance on December 9th. There will be a meal at 7:00PM, followed by squares, rounds and lines starting at 7:30. The highlight of the night will be the raffle drawing to determine the winner of the $915 gift basket of gift cards. Raffle tickets are only $1, and can be purchased at the door. Be sure to join us!

Don’t forget to check out Shelby Squares in Shelbyville! We dance second and fourth Mondays at Shelby Christian Church at 2375 Frankfort Rd (7-9PM). We have a fun group of new dancers with some experienced dancers sprinkled in. Take Exit 35 off of I-64, then head north to Frankfort Rd. Only 15 minutes from Frankfort, 25 minutes from Louisville, and 40 minutes from Lexington.

We are expecting to start lessons sometime in January at both Shelbyville and at Double H in Jeffersonville. Watch for an announcement with dates and times here.

Best wishes to all of you for a Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!

New Feature: Regional Calendar

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 23:50:48 GMT

Check out the new Regional Calendar tab on my site. This allows dancers to view ALL dances in Louisville, Lexington, S. Indiana, and throughout KY, regardless of who is calling. This is basically an electronic version of the monthly square/round dance calendar that is published by Sharon Conley. Bookmark it and use it to find local dances to attend. Use the “Chuck’s Schedule” tab if you want to find the dances where I am calling.

Hello…?…Anyone Listening?

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 14:42:27 GMT

I’m convinced no one is reading these posts. Prove me wrong. Click on ‘Contact’ and shoot me a message. Tell me at a dance. Send me a text. Telegram? Fax? I’ll settle for a smoke signal.

On to the next topic. Be sure not to miss the KFSD weekend in Somerset on Sep 7-8-9. Travis Cook and Terry McGill will be rocking the Trail-In dance on the 7th, and a host of callers will be there to rock your socks off on Friday and Saturday. Kristy and I can’t make it this year due to a prior commitment, but we’ll be thinking about y’all (not really).

Life

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 23:43:27 GMT

Love is kindled, love burns out; life goes on.

Loved ones join, loved ones leave; life goes on.

Life begins, life ends; life goes on.

You lose a parent, you lose a child; life stops.

But one day, life WILL go on.

It’s Moose Season in Kentucky!

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 10:26:27 GMT

Well, at least on the dance floor it’s Moose season. Here are Chuck & Kristy warming up:

Join us July 23rd at Moose Lodge #5, 4615 Fegenbush Lane in Louisville from 3-5 PM.

Nationals 2023

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 22:03:15 GMT

My calling schedule for 2023 Nationals in Mobile, AL:

Day	Start Time	End Time	Location	Activity	Presentation Name
Thursday	10:20am	10:30am	SSD with Lines – RM 204 A & B Convention Center Upper Room 204 A & B	Square Dance Solos Mixer	Chuck Woods
Thursday	3:10pm	3:20pm	SSD with Lines – RM 204 A & B Convention Center Upper Room 204 A & B	Square Dance SSD High Energy	Chuck Woods
Thursday	7:40pm	7:50pm	Plus Hall – North Exhibit Hall Convention Center Lower North Exhibit Hall	Square Dance Plus	Chuck Woods
Friday	12:30pm	12:40pm	Plus Hall – North Exhibit Hall Convention Center Lower North Exhibit Hall	Square Dance Plus High Energy	Chuck Woods
Friday	3:00pm	3:20pm	Advanced – RM 201 A – C Convention Center Upper Room 201 A – C	Square Dance Advanced 2	Chuck Woods
Friday	7:20pm	7:25pm	Live Band Hall / Variety South Exhibit Hall Convention Center Lower South Exhibit Hall	Square Dance MS (w/ Band)	Chuck Woods
Friday	9:30pm	9:40pm	SSD with Lines – RM 204 A & B Convention Center Upper Room 204 A & B	Square Dance Social Square Dancing	Chuck Woods
Saturday	1:30pm	1:40pm	SSD with Lines – RM 204 A & B Convention Center Upper Room 204 A & B	Square Dance Social Square Dancing	Chuck Woods
Saturday	3:10pm	3:20pm	Plus with Rounds – RM 203 A & B Convention Center Upper Room 203 A & B	Square Dance Plus	Chuck Woods
Saturday	7:20pm	7:30pm	Mainstream – RM 202 A Convention Center Lower Room 202 A	Square Dance Mainstream	Chuck Woods

CHUCK’S KY DERBY ANALYSIS for 2023

Thu, 04 May 2023 15:17:30 GMT

Hit Show: Well, I suppose he could, but I really doubt he will hit show. More like Hit 9th or Hit 10th, but those wouldn’t have been fun names! Seriously, he has a great trainer (Brad Cox), is an improving horse, but he drew a really crappy post position. It’s tough to overcome, and I doubt he will overcome it.
Verifying: This is the son of a triple crown winner (Justify), also trained by Brad Cox. The fact that Cox trains both the 1 and the 2 pretty much insures he won’t scratch the 1, because it would really hurt the 2 (to move into the 1 post). Verifying is quite talented and will likely use his natural early foot to get away from the rail as quickly as equinely possible. There’s a great chance he will take the lead early, and cross the finish line first. Bad news for him is that there’s still a mile left to run at that point. Good news is, if the pace of the race is slow enough, and the track is favoring front runners, it’s not out of the question that he takes them wire-to-wire. He hung tough to be a close second in the Bluegrass where he battled gamely with Tapit Trice through the stretch at Keeneland. If he takes another step forward, he could become the first Justify baby to win a Triple Crown race. His two bad races were both on a sloppy track, so he needs dry conditions to be a serious win contender.
Two Phils: Handicappers either love him or hate him. Last race, winning the Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway was a huge step forward, but it was over an artificial surface. They will be running on dirt come Saturday, and he hasn’t fared as well on that surface. It wouldn’t shock me if he jumped up and won, but I’m going to look elsewhere for my selection.
Confidence Game: Seems to throw some klunker races from time to time, but has won 2 of his last 3, including the Rebel at Oaklawn Park. More impressively, his fastest-of-54 work on 4/29 was eye-popping. He was “moving like a winner” that day, and if he can carry that form to Saturday and get the distance (very questionable), he could surprise at a nice price. Both the trainer and the jockey are Derby maidens, but that didn’t stop Rich Strike last year. I don’t think any of his races have been Derby caliber, but he is showing improvement. Didn’t race at a distance more than 1-1/16, and hasn’t raced in ten weeks, so I really doubt he will have the stamina to get 10 furlongs. I will use him in my supporting cast for trifectas and superfectas.
Tapit Trice: Trained by Todd Pletcher, a Derby veteran and past winning trainer, ridden by Luis Saez, a young and talented jockey. He had to modify his running style in the Bluegrass in order to keep an eye on Verifying, and it’s a good thing he did or he would have never been able to run him down. On Saturday he can go back to his relax-early/charge-late tactics, and will probably improve yet again off his last win. He doesn’t need a lightening fast pace to set up his run, but he will need someone to keep the pacesetter honest. With a decent trip and a fair pace, I believe he is the most likely winner. I will be using him in all positions of my exotic plays.
Kingsbarns: Lightly raced, but undefeated, his preps have been solid. Also trained by Todd Pletcher, he could flash decent stalking speed early on, but will likely want to sit close as opposed to being in front early. I prefer the horses I back in classic-distance, graded stakes races to have a wee bit more experience, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see him run well. He didn’t compete as a 2 year-old, and no one has won the Derby like that since Justify in 2018. Personally, I’m going to use him in the 3-4-5 slots of my vertical bets.
Reincarnate: Lost to Confidence Game in the Rebel, then to Angel of Empire in the AR Derby. Late fractions were on the slower side in the Rebel, but the track was sloppy. He got home slightly quicker in the AR Derby, but was no match for Angel of Empire late. I just don’t see him being a factor on Saturday.
Mage: Interesting horse who also has raced only 3 times in his career; again, he didn’t compete as a 2 year-old. Times are very competitive, and he has shown a nice turn of foot when racing against the likes of race favorite, Forte. The latter took the worst of it in the FL Derby, and still blew by Mage late. I kind of feel like if he didn’t beat Forte in that situation, under those conditions, he might never be able to outdo him.
Skinner: Has won only 1 race in 6 tries, and has been keeping house in CA, finishing a close third in the SA Derby. I’m not convinced the competition has been all that strong in CA, so I’m going to pass on Skinner.
Practical Move: Another CA-based horse who has won three straight graded stakes, including the SA Derby. If there’s a West Coast hopeful, this is the one, but I’m leaning elsewhere for the win. Here’s main problem with him: he ALWAYS encounters trouble at the start of his races. You simply can’t break poorly in the Derby and overcome it to win. For that reason, I’m tossing him. If somehow he breaks cleanly and grabs a early stalking position, he could win this thing. But generally, horses that break poorly in their preps, break even worse when there are 20 horses in the gate, and 160,000 screaming fans in the stands.
Disarm: Too much of a stretch for me. He just doesn’t seem to be quick enough to compete in here.
Jace’s Road: Ditto. See Disarm.
Sun Thunder: Double Ditto. See Disarm and Jace’s Road.
Angel of Empire: Ignore his turf outing and you’ll find that this horse has improved in each of his five races. He won the AR Derby by open lengths, and looks to be at the top of his game. His running style is late/sustained which should play well in here unless the pace is too slow early. He will likely have to deal with traffic and/or run wide at the top of the stretch in order to have a clear run. That may hurt his chances a bit, but he is a definite win contender.
Forte: The favorite, and deservedly so. He just wins. He started winning early, and has simply been a powerhouse in the preps. Had a rough trip in the FL Derby and overcame it to get the win. The knock is that he doesn’t like dirt kicked in his face, and he will certainly have to deal with that in a 20-horse field. If he sits a wide position throughout, he can avoid the kickback, but will lose valuable ground in the turns. He just might be tough enough to overcome all that, but at fairly low odds, I’m going to try and beat him. He is however, a “must use” in exactas/trifectas/superfectas.
Raise Cain: I just don’t think he’s quick enough. Pass.
Derma Sotogake: The Japan/Dubai connection hasn’t produced a contender yet, and I don’t expect this year to be any different. Everyone says that one day a Japanese horse will win the Derby. Okay, maybe. But I don’t believe this is the one.
Rocket Can: No. Rocket Can’t.
Lord Miles: Popped up and won the Wood Memorial at long odds. His speed figure jumped a ton that day, which usually indicates a bounce (negative) is forthcoming. I’ll make my investment elsewhere. I suppose he could sneak into the third or fourth spot, so I’ll put him in my superfectas if I can afford it.
Continuar: Another from Japan/Dubai. No thanks. Muri.

WIN CONTENDERS (in order of preference):

Angel of Empire

Tapit Trice

Verifying

Forte

SECOND TIER (but not out of the question):

Confidence Game

Mage

Kingsbarns

Hit Show

Lord Miles

Two Phils

Swang Thru Sprung!

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:18:48 GMT

Well, it’s here. When Travis, Wesley, Kristy and I first started talking about the concept of doing a weekend together, it was nearly two years ago! Time has crawled by as we’ve drawn closer and closer to the event. To me, this is kind of like Christmas to a child. I am so excited to rock 9 or 10 squares at the Lure Lodge at Lake Cumberland this weekend. Unbelievably, we’ve sold out our allotment of rooms. We have blocked more rooms for 2024 in anticipation of growing the event a little bit. We’re adding ROUNDS in 2024, so we’ll certainly be classier, if nothing else, LOL.

In addition to some lively square dancing this weekend, we have some fun activities planned for the after parties both nights! I’m going to encourage everyone to take lots of pictures and videos and post them on their favorite social media platforms. Come dance and party with us if you can!

March Brings Excitement and Anticipation

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 10:51:17 GMT

True to the season of Spring, March is bursting forth with excitement, and basketball ain’t all that’s in the air! Weekend dancing at Lake Cumberland (March 24-25) is only two weeks away, and me, Kristy, Wes and Travis have a ton of fun events planned. If you don’t have fun, Travis will personally double your money back! We will be making some announcements about the 2024 Swing Thru Spring at the event, so stay tuned for more…

Kristy and I are kicking off new club in Shelbyville (The Shelby Promenaders start lessons April 17), and we need angels and promoters! Help us spread the word by sharing flyers and our promotional videos, all of which can be found on my Flyer page or Media page. We have infiltrated the church’s congregation with actual square dancers (shhh, don’t tell anyone!) and are hoping for a big turnout when we offer two free lessons on April 17th and May 1st. Check out the flyer here: 4/17/23 — Shelby Promenaders Lessons

Spring Square Dance Season is just around the corner!

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 11:41:32 GMT

I can feel it! Spring is near, and so are the fun Square Dance events that go along with it. I can’t wait for the spring festivals and some outdoor dancing! The season will officially kick off on March 24 & 25 at Lake Cumberland with Swing Thru Spring. Join me, Kristy, Travis and Wesley for a fun-filled weekend of dancing, workshops and parties. We’re expecting 8+ squares, so come on down and join the fun. Flyer with full details is available on my Flyers page. If you can’t make it for the full weekend, why not join us on Friday night, or all day Saturday? We hope to see you there!

January 2023

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 11:52:16 GMT

I know it’s not just me when I see the months flying by in the blink of an eye. It’s incredible how fast we live! The best advice I can offer to combat the syndrome is to Live in the Moment. Enjoy the simplest, most mundane tasks to whatever extent you can. Maximize your time with family, friends, church activities, prayer, meditation, and (of course!) dancing. I truly love calling and visiting with dancers while I’m at their club. Those are the most intimate settings. Specials and conventions are great for dancing and partying, but as callers, we don’t get nearly enough time to interact 1-on-1 with dancers. Seems I’m always hustling from one convention hall to the next, tossing a quick smile or wave to dancers as I pass them along the way. It feels so impersonal to do that, but that’s the way it is. I might start attending more conventions as a dancer moving forward. Just a thought.

Love you guys!

Chuck

Weekend of 12/9 – 12/10

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 11:52:39 GMT

Congrats to Dosidos Square Dance Club in Lexington for raising over $1,400 at their charity dance on Friday! The funds were presented in heart-warming fashion to the deserving family at the dance. I helped Kristy call since she’s still in recovery mode, and sound a bit like Kermit the Frog. A well-modulated Kermit, mind you, but Kermit nonetheless.

Saturday was the Double H Christmas Dinner/Dance, where we had a great turnout! There were about 60 people in attendance, including some old friends and new student dancers. We had a fun time, and drew the raffle winner for the $920 prize package. The winning ticket was sold by Will Close to one of his UPS co-workers. In a tradition that can only happen in square dancing, Wes Dyer made a “guest appearance” and called Ghost Chickens in the Sky as only he can, LOL.

Graduation approaching, Christmas too!!

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 15:27:48 GMT

At Double H in Jeffersonville, we started lessons on August 15th, so we are rapidly approaching Gradumatory Commisurations. Yes, we’re going to Commencuratify our students. We have five students, each one cuter and more intelligent than the next. 🙂 I guess they take after their instructors, huh? Anyway, if you see them at a dance near you, be sure to say hi! I’ll post pictures on here from our Graduation Dance.

In the meantime, Double H will have its Christmas dance on Saturday, December 10th from 7:00 to 10:00. We will do a live drawing for the $920 Gift Card Basket winner, so be sure to buy some tickets before Saturday!

I’ll probably be in Lexington with Kristy on Friday night (12/9) for the Dosidos Charity Dance. Come see us there if you can!

I’ll be doing two more Christmas dances the following weekend: 12/16 at Quakertown Shakers (Plainfield, IN), and 12/18 at Concord Cloverleafs (@Michael Solomon Pavilion in Dayton, OH). I’m looking forward to both, but am extra excited about working with Bonnie Lawrence since she has promised me a Gooseberry pie!

See you around the square!

Dancer’s Day Out – Dayton, OH

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 22:31:39 GMT

The dancers in Ohio were up to the challenge of making the Ohio version of DDO the most well attended in 2022. We had 96 dancers in KY, 105 in IN, and 141 in OH. Wow! What a turnout. Not only did they come out in droves, they were loud and they were fun! Me, Travis Cook, Wesley Fenton, and Tony Kincade gave it everything we had for three hours at Michael Solomon Pavilion in Kettering, OH. I had a blast and I’m hoping all the dancers did too.

French Lick – IN Convention

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 11:37:33 GMT

I had a blast at the 2022 Indiana Convention in French Lick this past weekend! We had over 300 dancers dancing at levels from SSD thru A2, Hex, Sicilian Circles, Rounds, and lots more. As usual, the facility was awesome, and Legendz Sports Bar & Grill even stayed open late so that we could relax and party after the dancing on Fri/Sat nights. Special thanks to Ray for the pizza and chips!!

As is the case with most SD conventions, getting to call with my caller friends is always the highlight. Me, Travis, Kristy, Tom Davis & Wesley harmonized on “This Little Light” for the first time ever, with no prior practice and sounded pretty darned good! It was truly an emotional experience; that song plays heartstrings anyway, and to pull off THAT performance with THAT group, was incredible. It’s a moment and a feeling I will never forget.

I got to do “Whole World/Rock My Soul” with Travis & Kristy on Sunday morning, too. Performing that song, which I have known since my childhood, always gives me goosebumps. On a side note, I was happy to find that some vocal range I had recently lost, returned. Yay!

Another highlight, on Saturday during Primetime, Kristy and I performed “Mobile” calling out Tom & Tina Wilkins during the song’s middle break. I’m pretty sure they will now be hosting that 3,000+ dancer NSDC-72 afterparty at their place in June.

I participated in a competition for the first time EVER this weekend (Mainstream DBD) and our square was awarded third place (out of 8 squares that competed)! [We actually finished in second place, but due to poor eyesight by the caller, or our judge, we took bronze.] Not that I’m competitive or anything… I’ll definitely try it again sometime!

It was great seeing dancer friends from KY, IN, OH, TN, AL, IL, and points beyond. I made some new friends, sang some new songs, and thoroughly enjoyed hearing some fantastic callers doing their thing! Kudos to the organizers and volunteers that made this a wonderful convention. You’re doing it right Indiana!

Indiana State @ French Lick

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 09:39:01 GMT

It’s going to be a fun weekend in French Lick on Nov 4-6! I’m looking forward to calling with my “besties” on Fri/Sat/Sun. Those gospel duos, trios and quartets on Sunday morning are the bomb!

A Tim Tyl Weekend

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 10:31:55 GMT

Callers like to dance too, and I am no exception. So when I heard Tim Tyl was coming to this part of the country, I blocked the dates on my calendar. I first danced to Tim in 1987 in Shreveport, LA, and he quickly became my favorite caller. I caught his act as often as I could while I lived in Texas, but then I moved to CA for several years, followed by a return to my home state of KY, and was denied the ability to enjoy his calling again until 2019 when he made the trip to KFSD in Lexington. During that convention, I actually got the opportunity to call a tip with him, something I could never have imagined back in 1987. Well, he returned to Lexington this past Friday, calling a barn dance for Dosidos, and I enjoyed every tip! Also made the trek to Dayton on Sunday to catch him at Gem City Squares, and even stuck around the area for a little bit of A-level dancing with Tim, Tom Davis and Ken Burke on Sunday evening. I’m kinda tired this morning, but it was well worth it. See y’all around the square!

Lyrics to Sunny Side

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 22:12:02 GMT

Chuck & Kristy needed some zest,
They knew Hoosier dancers are the best,
So they packed it on up and…moved on in.
[where’s that?] … INDIANA
It’s just a toll bridge ride, to the Sunny Side

[ALT Tag] It’s a little slice of heaven, on the Sunny Side

Spoken: KW: There’s no Derby here. CW: No bourbon either!

KW: I guess we have to get used to Indy cars. CW: What’s a Hoosier anyway?
[where’s that?] … It ain’t KENTUCKY
[TAG] Where basketball is IU, but we still bleed blue

We’re at convention and we’ve come to play,

If it ain’t the first Saturday in May,

Where the Indy cars are racing,

And they love their basketball,

We’re the Hoosiers from KY,

And we love Y’ALL!

Lyrics to Ghost Chickens

Sat, 22 Oct 2022 12:54:44 GMT

A chicken farmer went out one dark and dreary day, He stopped to sit beside the coup to break along his way, When all at once a rotten egg hit him in the eye, It was a sight he dreaded…Ghost Chickens in the sky.

(Chorus) Bawk, bawk bawk bawwwwwkk, Bawk, bawk bawk bawwwwwkk, Ghost Chickens in the sky

The farmer had raised chickens since he was twenty-four Been workin’ for the Colonel some thirty years or more Raisin’ all thise chickens then sending them to fry Now they want revenge… Those chickens in the sky. (Chorus)

Their beaks were black and shiny, their eyes a burnin’ red, They had no meat or feathers, these chickens all were dead. They picked the farmer up and he died by the claw. They cooked him extra crispy…and ate him with coleslaw.

Evansville Demo: Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:59:34 GMT

On Wednesday, November 9th, the 71st NSDC will be putting on a square dancing demo at Bally’s Casino in Evansville to entertain the Habitat for Humanity fund raisers. The dance will be called by me and Kristy, and is scheduled to start at 5:00PM EST. The demo will end around 6:30. If you would like to dance with us, please contact me and I will get you the information you need.

Double H ALL-MEMBER Meeting

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:14:00 GMT

Great turnout for the annual meeting at Double H Square Dance Club on Sunday. We met at the home of club presidents Richard and Jett Rose in Floyds Knobs. We had 25-30 members present and we talked about all the fun events we have coming up the rest of this year and on into 2023. We are planning three special dances between now and June, 2023, and all of them involve FOOD! Our annual Christmas dance will be held on December 10th, highlighted by the gift card basket raffle drawing. So far the tally is $795, but it’s sure to climb higher by raffle time. Get your tickets early!

Harvest Homecoming in New Albany

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:06:48 GMT

Perfect weather in New Albany for Harvest Homecoming. We had three squares of dancers, and were able to get 25 or so “volunteer” dancers from the crowd that gathered to watch! Dancing outside in the sunshine was a blast! Special thanks to Robert and Barbara Russell for organizing the event/demo. We plan to do it again next year, so mark your calendar!

Fun Fall Weekend

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:02:45 GMT

I got to call for the first time at High Bridge Park in Wilmore, KY on Friday for Wheeler Dealer’s 57th Anniversary dance. We had four lively squares, and the weather was AWESOME! Thanks to all who came out and made it so fun. Special thanks to the student dancers that got up and showed everyone how quickly they are learning!

Crazy (Sad) Fall Week

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:45:59 GMT

We lost a great man on Tuesday when Don Cook, father of Travis, passed suddenly. Don never failed to walk up to the stage prior to my dance and give me words of encouragement. His welcoming smile was sufficient put any dancer or caller at ease. Don will be greatly missed in the square dance community.

Clifty Falls Dance Weekend

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 23:35:47 GMT

Even if you can’t spend the night, join us for the FREE dances on Friday 9/29 and Saturday 9/30. They start at 7pm, and then we party afterward until midnight if you want!

Let me know if you need more details: /#CONTACT

Busy Weekend

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 23:32:54 GMT

I had a fantastic time calling on Friday at Do Si Dos in Lexington. As usual, they did a great job with decorations and food 👏

Thanks to all the dancers that made me feel welcome! As someone said, we had dancers from Brandenburg to Berea.

If you had fun, drop me a line here: /#CONTACT

DO SI DOS 55th Anniversary Dance

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 17:29:36 GMT

Join me this Friday September 23rd in Lexington KY where I will be calling this special dance for Dosidos. Wear club colors of red and black if you can!

Thank you Matt Worley! Alphabetically speaking, of course…

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 16:01:32 GMT

I’m so happy fellow caller Matt Worley attended the 71st National SD Convention in Evansville this year! Yeah, it was great to see him, but more importantly, Worley comes after Woods alphabetically. And as you can see in the screenshot from the smartphone app, the bottom border hides Matt’s name from view in the caller’s list. It hides only half of my name, LOL. So, being a SMART-A$$ with an 8th-grader’s sense of humor, I asked Matt to pose for a photo with me…one that would visually represent how the “Smart App” displayed our names. The result is shown here.

Teaching Lessons

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:00:41 GMT

Boy! Teaching others to square dance is an entirely different skill set from just calling square dance! I have one class underway in Jeffersonville, IN in week 4. Planning to start a new class in Owensville (north of Evansville) this Thursday (9/22/22). Hoping we have a good turnout over there as they haven’t had SD in the area for quite some time. Angels needed!!

Howdy!

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 13:19:57 GMT

Welcome to my blog Chuck-ee fans! I’ll talk about all manner of topics here, but mostly I’ll make fun of other callers. Couple of rules, 1) don’t take anything I say seriously, 2) don’t email me with grammar corrections. I like using non-words like AIN’T and Y’ALL.