The vibrant sounds of square dancing will fill the air as Shreveport gears up to host the 74th National Square Dance Convention® (NSDC) Pre-Convention Celebration on March 15-16, 2024, at the Shreveport Convention Center. This event promises to be a delightful prelude to the main convention slated for 2025, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana’s official dance form.
The Pre-Convention Celebration is not only a gathering of square dance enthusiasts but also serves as a workshop for convention committees to plan and prepare for the grand event in 2025. Attendees can look forward to a weekend filled with city tours, planning sessions, and, of course, plenty of dancing. The highlight of the celebration will be a special 3.5-hour dance on Saturday night, featuring talented callers and cuers from multiple states.
Ted Hofmeister, Grand Chairman of the 74th NSDC, expressed excitement about the upcoming festivities, highlighting the importance of this event as a showcase of Louisiana’s vibrant square dance culture. “The National Square Dance Convention® is hailed as the ‘World’s Greatest Square Dance Event,’ and we are thrilled to bring it back to Louisiana after 50 years,” he stated.
In addition to the Pre-Convention Celebration, the Louisiana Square Dance Association (LSDA) will host its annual State Convention concurrently, adding to the excitement of the weekend. With activities spanning across Shreveport and Bossier, attendees will have ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the world of square dancing and witness the state’s official folk dance in action.
The 2025 National Square Dance Convention® is projected to attract thousands of dancers from across the country and beyond. As visitors flock to Shreveport for the event, local businesses are poised to benefit from increased tourism, with attendees patronizing hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout the city.
“We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating this iconic event and experiencing the joy of square dancing,” remarked Hofmeister. “Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone at the National Square Dance Convention®.”
For those interested in learning more about square dancing, LSDA Presidents Eddie and Nancy Hadley are available to provide information and assistance in finding local clubs offering lessons.
As Shreveport prepares to host the “World’s Greatest Square Dance Event” in 2025, residents and visitors alike can anticipate an unforgettable celebration of dance, culture, and community.
For more information and updates on the National Square Dance Convention® and related events, visit louisianasquaredance.com.
About the National Square Dance Convention®
The National Square Dance Convention® is an annual event that has been held since 1952, with the convention location rotating each year across different states. It brings together square dance enthusiasts from around the world for a week of dancing, education, and camaraderie. The convention is open to dancers of all levels, from beginners to experts, and offers a diverse range of activities and workshops.
