|
Hotlanta Squares is a non-profit organization dedicated to the practice and promotion of Modern Western Square Dancing within the GLBT community. We hold classes on a weekly basis, dances approximately every other month, and open houses twice a year. |
 |
President Brad B. |
 |
Vice-president Christie A. |
 |
Treasurer Doug M. |
 |
Membership Secretary Rob H. |
 |
Event Coordinator Sherry M. |
 |
President Emeritus Danny M. |
 |
Marketing & Promotion Eileen S. |
 |
Webmaster Wayne J. |
|
beginning April 4, 2011
 Johnny began calling in 1970 and in 1979 went fulltime as a caller. He has called in 47 of the 50 states including the Alaska State convention in Fairbanks. He has been featured on many large weekend festivals such as the Delaware Valley Festival in Philadelphia and the Baltimore festival where the attendance exceeded 200 squares. In 1981, Johnny was instrumental in forming a callers quartet called "The Red Boot Boys." The boys were together for 23 years doing more than 150 dance/concerts per year. One of their more memorable weekends was the Greater Atlanta Extravaganza in the mid 80's where more than 1600 dancers were in attendance and they brought in The Red Boot Band for the Saturday night concert. Johnny recorded for Red Boot Records with many hits to his credit and recorded 14 albums with the "Boys." Johnny & his wife Penny reside in Dacula, Ga. |
|
A couple of newcomers to Atlanta, life-partners Ken and
David learned to dance with the South Florida Mustangs in the early 90s.
It was surprising to them that there wasn't a gay square dance club in
the Atlanta area. Sure, there were plenty of square dance clubs listed
with the local Metropolitan Atlanta Square Dance Association,
but none that were dancing "all position" at all levels or the
high energy dance style typical of gay square dance clubs around the country.
Looking to keep from getting rusty, Ken visited the Chesapeake
Squares in Baltimore, Maryland in the summer of 1999. It was so much fun, and the club in Baltimore was so
encouraging, that he returned to Atlanta determined to get a club started for the gay and lesbian community.
With lots of help and encouragement from the International
Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs, "southern sister clubs" like the Rocket City Rainbow Squares, the
Raleighwood Squares and the
Magic City Diamonds
, and the local Atlanta club, the Calico Swingers, the Hotlanta Squares began.
In February, 2001, Ken and David pushed back the furniture in their living room, used taped lessons on loan from the
Rocket City Rainbows, the assistance of an occasional volunteer caller (Thanks Neil!) and little by little, were joined
by a group of newcomers and experienced square dancers that became the Hotlanta Squares.
In April, 2001, at the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs (IAGSDC®) National Convention in Vancouver, BC, the
Hotlanta Square's petition for membership was accepted by the Executive Board.
In July, 2001, they held their first open house and as the beginner group that started in February moved on to more advanced
lessons, a new beginner group was formed. Space was rented from the First Metropolitan Community Church and JR St. Jean took
hold of the microphone and began lessons in earnest. JR has ben our caller for most of the past ten years - we will miss you JR!
|
