Tucked among the rolling mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, the Poconos have become an unexpected stronghold for American square dancing. What began decades ago as a modest rural pastime has evolved into a structured regional scene with active clubs, dedicated training programs, and dance weekends that draw visitors from New York, New Jersey, and beyond.
A Resurgence on the Dance Floor
Square dancing in the Poconos is experiencing its most active period in years. According to the Pocono Square Dance Federation, member club participation has risen 34% since 2019—a rebound driven partly by post-pandemic demand for in-person social connection and partly by deliberate outreach to younger dancers.
"We're seeing families, college students, and retirees all sharing the same floor," says Janet Voorhees, president of the federation and a caller with more than 25 years of experience. "The stereotype of square dancing as something only for older folks is breaking down here."
That shift is visible at weekly dances across the region. The Stroudsburg Grange Hall hosts a Thursday night open dance that regularly fills its wooden floor. The annual Maple Leaf Dance Weekend, held each October in Delaware Water Gap, now attracts upward of 200 dancers from six states. These are not nostalgic reenactments; they are functioning social institutions with live callers, rotating partners, and dress codes that range from casual Western wear to full petticoats and bolo ties.
Where to Learn: Training Hubs and Beginner Programs
For newcomers, the Poconos offer structured entry points at several established schools and community centers. Most beginner courses run 12 to 16 weeks and cost between $80 and $120 per person. No partner is required.
Pocono Pines Square Dance Academy
Located in Tobyhanna, this academy has operated since 1987 and specializes in mainstream and plus-level instruction. Founder and head caller Tom Deluca teaches a Monday night beginner series that emphasizes both footwork and the social etiquette of square dancing—how to accept or decline a dance, how to rotate squares, and how to recover when a call goes wrong.
Mountain Rhythm Dance Center
Based in East Stroudsburg, Mountain Rhythm focuses on intergenerational classes. Its "Family Square" program, launched in 2022, teaches simplified calls to parents and children simultaneously. The center also hosts monthly workshops for experienced dancers looking to master advanced choreography.
Harmony Hoedown School
This smaller operation in Hawley meets at a converted barn and cultivates an old-time atmosphere. Classes are accompanied by live fiddle and guitar rather than recorded music. Harmony Hoedown is particularly popular among dancers who want to connect square dancing with traditional Appalachian music and culture.
Community Beyond the Calls
The social architecture of Pocono square dancing extends well past the last call of the evening. Clubs organize potluck suppers, holiday-themed dances, and summer picnics at regional parks. Many dancers carpool to out-of-state festivals together. For recent retirees relocating to the Poconos, square dance clubs often function as an immediate social network.
"The dancing matters, but so does the standing-around-afterward," says Voorhees. "I've watched people find bridge partners, hiking buddies, and even spouses in these groups."
That sense of belonging is reinforced by the scene's deliberate inclusivity. Dancers range in age from preteens to octogenarians. Same-sex couples dance without remark. Adaptive programs for dancers with limited mobility are available through several federation-affiliated clubs.
Looking Ahead: Preserving Tradition, Inviting Newcomers
The region's square dance leaders are not taking the recent growth for granted. Several initiatives aim to sustain momentum and broaden participation:
- School partnerships: The federation has piloted after-school square dance programs in three Monroe County middle schools, with plans to expand to Pike and Wayne Counties in 2025.
- Youth caller scholarships: A grant program launched in 2023 covers training costs for callers under age 35, addressing a national shortage of younger voices in the role.
- Digital outreach: Clubs have moved beyond paper newsletters to active Facebook groups and event listings, making it easier for newcomers to find current schedules and attend without prior connections.
Whether you are a seasoned dancer searching for a new home club or a complete beginner curious about your first do-si-do, the Poconos offer a rare combination of skilled instruction, welcoming partners, and mountain scenery that few other dance destinations can match.
For a calendar of upcoming square dance events in the Poconos, including beginner open houses and the Maple Leaf Dance Weekend, visit the Pocono Square Dance Federation's events page.
