On Thursday nights in Topton, the Grange Hall floorboards rattle with the shuffle of boots, the crack of a caller's voice, and the occasional burst of laughter from someone who just turned left instead of right. This is square dancing in Topton—not a relic of the past, but a living, sweaty, genuinely joyful social scene that welcomes newcomers with open arms.
If you've ever wanted to learn square dancing in Topton, you're in luck. Several local groups are keeping this American folk tradition alive, offering classes for absolute beginners, seasoned dancers, and everyone in between. Here's everything you need to know to get started.
What to Expect at Your First Square Dance Class
Square dancing is structured, social, and surprisingly aerobic. A caller guides four couples through a series of moves—promenade, do-si-do, allemande left—set to live or recorded music. No partner? No problem. Most groups rotate partners throughout the evening. No rhythm? You'll develop it. The only real requirements are comfortable shoes and a willingness to laugh at yourself.
"It's impossible to feel like an outsider here," says Martha Chen, who joined the Topton Twirlers as a complete beginner two years ago. "I showed up nervous, and within ten minutes someone had loaned me a spare petticoat and explained what a 'grand right and left' was. Twice."
Where to Learn Square Dance in Topton
Topton Twirlers
The Twirlers have built a reputation as the most welcoming entry point into Topton's square dance scene. Their beginner-focused classes move at a deliberate pace, with instructors who repeat calls until the footwork sticks.
- Where: Topton Community Grange Hall, 45 Maple Street
- When: Thursdays, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
- Cost: $8 per session; first night free
- Skill level: Absolute beginner to intermediate
- Contact: [email protected] or (555) 234-8901
"I teach beginners because I love that moment when someone realizes they actually know the pattern—they stop thinking and just dance," says Twirlers caller Joe Hendricks. "It happens every single class."
Rhythm Rascals
If you want fitness disguised as fun, the Rhythm Rascals deliver. Their sessions feature live fiddle accompaniment and a caller who peppers traditional commands with topical jokes. The tempo runs faster here, and the crowd skews slightly younger.
- Where: Topton Recreation Center, Gym B, 112 River Road
- When: Tuesdays, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
- Cost: $10 per session; $35 monthly pass
- Skill level: Beginner-friendly, but fast-paced
- Contact: @RhythmRascalsTopton on Facebook
Harmony Hoedowners
For dancers who want to dig into the roots of the tradition, the Hoedowners emphasize classic square dance calls and regional variations that have nearly disappeared from modern floors. Their members include several dancers with 30-plus years of experience who are happy to mentor newcomers interested in the history as much as the steps.
- Where: Old Topton Schoolhouse, 78 Heritage Lane
- When: Saturdays, 6:00–9:00 p.m. (potluck dinner at 5:00 p.m.)
- Cost: $5 suggested donation
- Skill level: All levels, with advanced workshops quarterly
- Contact: [email protected]
What to Wear (and Bring)
Leave the stiff costumes at home—at least at first. Most dancers wear casual clothes that allow easy movement: jeans or skirts with some flow, cotton shirts, and smooth-soled shoes that won't grip the floor. Leather-soled boots or dance sneakers work well; rubber-soled running shoes tend to stick and trip you up. Bring a water bottle. Optional but common: a small towel and an open mind.
The History of Square Dancing in Topton
Topton's square dance tradition stretches back to the 1930s, when farm families gathered in barns after harvest season. The Community Grange Hall, built in 1947, was constructed partly with dance floors in mind—its sprung maple surface remains one of the best in the county. While many small towns saw their dance circles shrink in the 1980s and 1990s, Topton's groups persisted through a combination of stubbornness, intergenerational recruitment, and the simple fact that there's little else to do on a Tuesday night in January.
Today, the scene is experiencing a modest revival, driven partly by young adults seeking screen-free social activities and partly by newcomers discovering that square dancing is far more fun—and far less hokey—than they expected.
How to Get Started
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