FunDancers Newsroom

Fun at FunDancers on Sundays in March

2012-03-01T19:33:00.000-06:00

Sunday, March 4:
5 to 7 pm - Beginner Squares and Lines
7 to 9 pm - Experienced Squares and Lines

Big thanks to everyone who helped make last week's Sadie Hawkins dance so much fun. We'll do another one soon!

Also, extra-special thanks and appreciation to the wonderful people who dance the Beginner level from 5 to 7 pm. Square and line dancing are a LOT more complicated then most people realize, yet the rewards are tremendous: fun, fitness, friendship, mental engagement, American heritage, joy, laughter, strong communities, etc. It takes all of us to make it happen. Thanks for participating in the world's greatest game!

Lots of fun happenings in March:

Every Sunday in March - Beginners at 5, Experienced at 7 with the Usual Suspects. Enjoy it while it lasts because we have a slew of guest callers coming in during April and beyond while Nasser and Jeanna are globe-trotting.

Saturday March 3 - experienced Plus-level dancers can learn the next (Advanced-One) level at an all-day "Crash-Course". Your brain will turn to mush, but it's an alternative to taking a class for four months. If interested, get on the internet and click around until you find more info. If you cannot find the info, don't worry ... it's just a signal that you're probably not sharp enough to dance Advanced anyway. :) Go ahead and laugh ... it's supposed to be a funny remark.

Sunday March 18 - please tell everyone within earshot about the special Line Dance workshop on March 18 from 3 to 5 pm with internationally known choreographer Ira Weisburd. Why do so many internationally-known dance leaders have such weird names? Go figure.

Friday and Saturday, March 23-24 - Nasser will call a special event about 80 miles away near Marble Falls, TX. Friday night is "Experienced" level (Mainstream and Plus). Saturday and Sunday are "DBD (Dance by Definition) Plus" for experienced Plus Dancers. The event is by invitation only! If you're interested in a great weekend of tough Plus dancing, contact us and we'll try to scare up an invitation for you. Act quickly as these things have been known to sell out.

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Don't you just feel sorry for people who hate their workout routine? Aren't you glad you found something fun, exciting, healthy, interesting, friendly and entertaining on Sundays? We're certainly glad that you found FunDancers! We look forward to seeing you on Sundays in March!

A-1 Crash Course on Saturday, March 3

2012-02-29T17:57:00.000-06:00

A few minutes ago, I sent out "You Are Registered" notices for March 3 including directions to the event location. If you did NOT get one of those notices, then you are NOT registered. But don't worry! We still have openings and we'd love for you to come to the A-1 Crash Course.

Here are more details:

1. The event is suitable for four kinds of people:
- Plus dancers who will get a good solid intro to Advanced (with no further obligation to continue)
- new Advanced dancers who would like another look at all (47) of the A-1 calls
- Experienced Advanced dancers who enjoy helping others learn
- Anyone with a long dance weekend coming up who wants practice dancing 8 hours a day. :)

2. Location is near San Marcos, Texas. (Specifics will be sent when you register.)

3. Schedule:
      9 am to 12 noon
      2 to 5 pm
      7 to 9:30 pm

4. Cost is $15 per person, payable at the event.

5. Limited enrollment. We have space left for about 4 more people. If you know anyone who might be interested, please ask them to contact me. Likewise, if you are registered and cannot make it, please notify me so that we won't think we have a full house and turn someone away while space is actually available.

6. Snacks / drinks. Everyone should bring their own snacks / drinks.

7. Meals. You may choose to drive into town for meals or you can bring a covered dish to share for a potluck. Plans are in place to provide water, ice, coffee, plastic glasses, paper plates, napkins, utensils.

8. Dancing. Everyone will dance every tip (even if we have an odd number of people). We use a unique rotation system so that everyone dances most of the time.

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For those who helped make the February A-1 Crash Course such a success, thanks so much for supporting Advanced dancing in the region. For those who will be attending an event like this for your very first time, you'll work hard but you'll also have a lot of fun. The "Crash Course" method is certainly different from usual practice, yet's is a viable way to learn a lot of calls in a short time. We eagerly look forward to the A-1 Crash Course on Saturday, March 3 from 9 am to 9:30 pm!

Sadie Hawkins Dance at FunDancers on February 26

2012-02-24T02:38:00.000-06:00

This Sunday, February 26, is special at FunDancers. It's Leap Year. This coming Sunday is our dance date nearest to Leap Day. It's time for a Sadie Hawkins Dance!

The rules of a Sadie Hawkins dance are simple: ladies ask gents to dance. Ladies can dance with anyone they choose. Gents must wait until ladies ask them to dance. It will be different (for all) and a lot of fun (especially if you're a lady) :)

- 5 to 7 pm - Beginner Squares and Lines
- 7 to 9 pm - Experienced Squares and Lines

Big Thanks to the outgoing board of directors and also to the incoming board. Quite simply, the only reason we can even have FunDancers is because of excellent leadership. Volunteers ROCK!

Next Saturday March 3 we will do another all-day "Crash Course" in the Advanced-One level. It's suitable for experienced Plus dancers. Contact me for details or hunt down a flyer on the internet.

Whenever you're surfing the web, look us up at fundancers.org or meetup.com/fundancers or "FunDancers" on Facebook. Here's an ever better idea: get OFF the internet and get yourself OUT to FunDancers on Sunday! You'll be so glad you did!

Everyone adds something unique and special to the overall mix. You are cordially invited to Sadie Hawkins Sunday at FunDancers on February 26!

Save the Date - A-1 Crash Course on Saturday, March 3

2012-02-21T18:01:00.000-06:00

There appears to be a good group of people interested in another A-1 Crash Course to be held all day on a Saturday.

Only one Saturday in the near future is do-able: March 3rd. Nasser is tied up all other Saturdays until the end of June. So please check your calendar for Saturday, March 3, 2012.

Date: Saturday, March 3, 2012
Time: 9 am to 12 noon, 2 pm to 5 pm, 7 to 9:30 pm
Cost: all day for only $15
Location: To be determined ; based on the number of expected participants

The event is suitable for four kinds of people;
- Plus dancers who would like a good intro to Advanced (with no obligation to continue)
- New Advanced dancers who would like another good look at all the A-1 calls
- Experienced Advanced dancers who enjoy helping others learn
- Anyone who has a long dance weekend coming up and would like to practice dancing 7 hours a day. :)

Please reply if interested so that we can get a head-count in order to secure a facility with enough room for dancing. Please let me know if you're a Yes, No or Maybe for this event! Also, please share this announcement with other dancers who might be interested. The date is definite and the event -will- happen. We just need to decide the location (based upon the expected number of participants). Thanks in advance for your reply! Whether or not you can make it to the event, thanks for participating in the All-American Activity of square dancing!

Fun-A Travels to dance Advanced this Wednesday (February 22)

2012-02-21T15:34:00.000-06:00

I just found out that Ken Ritucci will be calling an A-1 (not an A-2, but an A-1) dance tomorrow in San Antonio. A-1 dances are few and far between, so it makes sense for our Fun-A Advanced group to go out to this dance!

Yes, it can be a little scary to go to your first "real" A-1 dance. However, I think our Fun-A group is ready and will enjoy the dance very much. This includes those who started with us last fall as well as those who were at the recent A-1 Crash Course earlier this month.

Yes, I know we're still new to Advanced. However, the sponsoring group ("The A Club"). is also new. Their A-1 class started at about the same time as ours, so the two groups should be at approximately the same level. I understand that their group has had all the A-1 calls but just need more floor time. Well, our Fun-A group is exactly at that same point.

The dance is from 8 to 10 pm at "Dance Plus", 2824 Thousand Oaks Drive in San Antonio. There's a map at http://www.dancewithsam.com/schedule.php?parmtype=U&parmid=ACLUB then click on the word "Map". Call or email me if you need directions. The dance costs $6 per person. Casual attire.

It will be fun! First, we'll get to dance to a different caller. (I will contact him before the dance to let him know that we're brand new A-1'ers.) They do plan to randomly mix the squares ("computer squares") which is fantastic in this situation. It ensures that every square has a mixture of new and experienced dancers, and it also ensures that visitors get to dance just as often as regulars. In other words, it will be a very positive experience for everyone in our group.

I do understand that they will have a couple of A-2 "Star Tips" which will be great also, because you might get to see your instructor dance ... which will prove ...once and forever ... something I've been trying to tell you for months: your instructor is awesome. :) Just kidding (but c'mon, you know it's true).

Fun-A will be back at the regular time and place NEXT Wednesday, Leap Day (February 29).

They say we live the years but we treasure the moments. The moment of Totally Acing Our Very First A-1 Dance is an experience we'll treasure for a long time. :) I'm already looking forward to it.

Executive Summary: Fun-A will dance tomorrow at Dance Plus Studio, 2824 Thousand Oaks Drive, from 8 to 10! I look forward to seeing you there!

FunDancers this coming Sunday, February 19

2012-02-15T18:20:00.000-06:00

The fun continues at FunDancers this Sunday, February 19:

5 to 7 pm - Beginner Squares and Lines
7 to 9 pm - Experienced Squares and Lines

There will be a special event at 7:30 pm when we introduce the incoming officers and board members. It's definitely true that the club just -cannot- run except for the kind and gracious help of our talented volunteers. Come on out and help thank the outgoing board for their wonderful service and, at the same time, help the new board get their new term off to a rip-roaring start.

Big Kudos to everyone who helped make last week's Valentine Dance / 2nd Anniversary such a fun event! All kinds of things were going on: prizes, refreshments, photographs, beginner crash courses and of course lots of dancing!

You can keep tabs on the group at websites fundancers.org or meetup.com/fundancers.

Everyone adds something unique and special to the overall atmosphere. Put a bunch of good people together in one room, mix well, and wonderful things start to happen. Big thanks once again to all the fun and friendly people who make it happen on Sunday!

Big Day at FunDancers this Sunday (February 12)

2012-02-09T18:14:00.000-06:00

A BIG day is planned for you at FunDancers this Sunday, February 12!

3 to 5 pm - Beginner Crash Course - we'll re-teach -every- move in the January Beginner level
5 to 7 pm - January Beginners
7 to 9 pm - Experienced

It's the club's second anniversary and also our "Valentine's Dance", so you can expect some surprises. (Hmmm, if you expect something, can it still be a surprise??)

The Beginner Crash Course is suitable for:
- brand-new beginners (even if you never danced before)
- former dancers who are looking for a quick way to get back into the activity
- January Beginners who would like another look at all the moves we've had so far this year
- anyone who wants a fun way to burn 3000+ calories (6 hours of dancing) instead of just 1000+ (2 hours).

Check out the website fundancers.org for various future happenings.

Everyone adds something special to the overall atmosphere. Big thanks once again to all the fun and friendly people who make it happen on Sunday!

Beginner Crash Course on Sunday, February 12

2012-02-08T00:06:00.000-06:00

FunDancers will have the regular program on Sunday February 12 (Beginner Dance at 5 pm, Experienced Dance at 7 pm), however the purpose of this message is to spread the word about a special event at 3 pm.

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For good friendly people seeking fun and fitness during 2012

“One More Chance!”

FunDancers’ January 2012 Beginner Dance Series started in … wait for it … January! Each week the group gets to enjoy fun, fitness, friendship, music, laughter and team spirit. Perhaps you’re wondering when the next Beginner Dance Series will start. Here’s the answer but you probably won’t like it. A Beginner Dance Series starts every January. So in January 2013 you will once again get the opportunity to have fun, get in shape, meet new friends and enjoy the numerous benefits of a most wonderful social activity.

But wait! There IS a way for YOU to join the January 2012 Beginner group already in progress. Can you say Crash Course? On Sunday, February 12 from 3 to 5 pm, FunDancers will re-teach EVERY move or step introduced so far to the January Beginners. After the Crash Course you will be in fine form to dance with the January Beginners.

Can you think of even ONE reason to wait until 2013 to finally get all the fun, fitness, friendship and entertainment you so richly deserve today? Go ahead and get it right NOW at FunDancers Beginner Crash Course to be held One Time Only on February 12, 3 to 5 pm.

The Crash Course is ideal for:
-  People who have never danced before.
-  Former dancers who are looking for a convenient way to ease back into the activity.
-  January beginners who would like one more look at ALL the steps used so far this year.

You’re probably wondering “What does it cost?”. Well, that’s the best part! It costs far less than a movie yet does far more good for you! During an hour of dancing you’ll walk about a mile (over 2300 steps), burn 500+ calories, enjoy good friends, gain a genuine smile and have the time of your life … simultaneously. It’s the ultimate time-efficient way to get the most bang for your recreational buck.

Dance sessions at FunDancers normally cost $5 each. So, on Sunday, February 12, the normal cost would be $5 for the Crash Course (from 3 to 5 pm) and another $5 for the Beginner Dance (from 5 to 7 pm). Four fantastic hours of healthy fun entertainment for only ten measly bucks … that’s a bargain! Still, let’s find a way to make it an even better bargain!

How about this? Everyone at the Beginner Crash Course at 3 pm gets in FREE to the Beginner Dance at 5 pm. (If you already prepaid for the Beginner Dance at 5 pm then you get the Crash Course at 3 pm for free.) Now THAT’s a deal! Pay for two hours but get a whopping FOUR!

Let’s sweeten the pot even more! Throughout history, community activities grow by one principal method: “Friends Bring Friends”. We want our FunDancers family to enjoy the Crash Course but we also want brand-new friends to try it. The unique thing about line and square dancing is that almost everyone who tries it, LOVES it. We’re looking for a good incentive to get newbies to try it. We know they’ll have a blast and will want to come back.

So here’s the deal: If you bring a first-timer (someone who has not been to FunDancers in 2011 or 2012), both you and your first-timer get in FREE. The free admission is just one way to say “Thank You” for participating in “Friends Bring Friends”. Bring a friend and you BOTH get in FREE.

Please realize that you are always welcome at FunDancers, no matter what. Please do NOT get the idea that you must bring a newbie to the Crash Course in order to feel welcome. If you bring a first-timer, both you AND your first-timer are welcome for free. That’s four big hours of entertainment for free! If you show up all by your little lonesome, both you AND your five dollars are equally welcome. That’s four big hours of entertainment, the kind which happens to actually be good for you, for only five bucks. Whether or not you bring someone new, you’ll always get a very warm and enthusiastic welcome at FunDancers.

Don’t wait until 2013 to start harvesting the many benefits of Fun, Fitness, Friendship and FunDancers. Get those benefits right NOW, at the Line and Square Dance Crash Course.

Sunday, February 12, 2012
Crash Course at 3 pm (a re-teach of every beginner move)
Beginner Dance at 5 pm (dance the moves you know and learn new moves too)

Location: City of Schertz, Community Center North
3501 Morning Drive at Country Club Blvd.

Questions? Comments? email info@fundancers.org

FunDancers next dance is February 12

2012-02-04T01:58:00.000-06:00

Reminder: FunDancers is closed on February 5 (Super Bowl Sunday). We dance again on February 12.

If you are an Experienced Dancer at the Plus level and you'd like to explore the Advanced level, come to the all-day A-1 Crash Course on Saturday, February 4. For more info, see the flyer on dancewithsam.com or fundancers.org.

Speaking of Crash Courses, next Sunday February 12 we will have a Beginner "Quick Review" from 3 to 5 pm. This is in addition to the weekly Beginner dance from 5 to 7 pm. January Beginners have learned several dance steps each week. The "Quick Review" on February 12 will cover ALL Beginner steps introduced so far this year.

The Quick Review on February 12 is a splendid "Second Chance" for new people to join the January Beginners already in progress. From 3 to 5 pm you can learn (ahem, get introduced to) every Beginner dance step so far. You will then be all caught up and ready to dance Beginner level from 5 to 7 pm. So talk it up among your friends ... the more the merrier! Dancing is a fantastic way to get in shape, make new friends, feel great and have a lot of fun.

Be sure to check out the Beginner Progress chart at FunDancers dot org. It shows the calls we're supposed to know. A call lands on the "Calls We Know" list after it is taught and used for at least three weeks. Beginners, please plan to stay until 7:15 pm to dance a tip at full speed with the Experienced dancers.

News Flash! Internationally known line dance choreographer Ira Weisburd will do a special workshop at FunDancers on Sunday, March 18 at 3 pm!

Mega-thanks to all the fun people who help make FunDancers such a wonderful Sunday treat!

Crash Course in Advanced A-1, Saturday February 4

2012-02-04T00:53:00.001-06:00

To A-1 Crash Course participants:

Thank you for registering for the Advanced-One (A-1) Crash Course. The course will be held in one of the meeting rooms at the Atrium Inn in Schertz. Street address is 17401 IH 35 N, which is I-35 exit 175 (Natural Bridge Caverns Road), on the southbound frontage road.

We'll meet from 9 am to noon, 2 to 5 pm, and 7 to 9:30 pm. With 2 hours between sessions, you'll have plenty of time for a visit to one of the area's great restaurants or a last-minute dash to Walmart.

A nice-sized group is registered yet we do have room for a few more. Please talk it up among your friends if they are experienced Plus dancers who might be interested in exploring Advanced. We request reservations in advance by phone or email. We can only accommodate about 6 more people and we'd hate for anyone to drive to the venue only to be disappointed because there's no room at the inn. The flyer can be found at dancewithsam.com or nshukayr.com or fundancers.org

I hope you already received the A-1 Definitions by email when you registered. During the Crash Course you will also receive the handy "Shukayr Quick Guide to A-1" which is yours to keep and treasure. The Quick Guide (6 pages) does not replace the definitions but it does serve as a nice reference or reminder.

Thanks again for participating! Some of the finest people in Texas (including you!) will be at the event. We eagerly look forward to a splendid time with good friends!

FunDancers on January 29 and beyond

2012-01-26T21:05:00.000-06:00

Lots of fun in store for you at FunDancers!

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Sunday, January 29 - Beginners at 5 pm

January Beginners have danced 3 weeks now. Calls which were taught and used all 3 weeks are now "Calls We Know" and are listed on the Progress Chart at the FunDancers website. Direct link is http://www.fundancers.org/beginchart.htm or go to FunDancers.org, look for "Beginners" block (hint: it's orange) and click on "Progress Chart". The chart has links to various learning resources so you can review the calls.

We want all beginners to hang in there and have a great time! Yet we also want to use our valuable beginner dance time for new and fun things rather than constantly re-teaching calls everyone already knows. Hence the list of "Calls We Know".

Brand-new beginners are still welcome at the Beginner dance, even if they never danced before, provided that they can do the "Calls We Know". In theory, you could learn all the calls from the internet and then you would never have to put up with a smart-aleck instructor. :) But most people prefer to learn by doing. If you know someone who still wants to get into January Beginners, contact us BEFORE Sunday and we'll show up a half-hour early for a quick catch-up session.

Big thanks to all who help make the Beginner Dances at 5 pm so much fun! Beginners, please plan to stay until about 7:15 pm to dance a tip at full speed with the Experienced dancers.

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Sunday, January 29 - Experienced at 7 pm

This is quite simply the most fun assemblage of line and square dancers on the planet.

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Saturday, February 4 - Crash Course in Advanced

For Experienced Plus Dancers who want to explore the Advanced program, we offer our first-ever day-long intro to Advanced. It's at a special location (see flyer for details). Find the flyer on FunDancers.org or DanceWithSam.com or Nshukayr.com. Let's admit it, if you can't find the flyer than you're probably not ready for Advanced. :) Anyway, on February 4th you can get a good intro to Advanced, just to find out if you like it.

We request that you pre-register so we'll know how many people to expect. You do NOT have to pay in advance, but do let us know if you want us to save a place for you. Also, when you pre-register we'll email you a booklet which gives you a sneak peak at the Advanced calls prior to the event.

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Sunday, February 5 - No dance

The board voted to "go dark" on Super Bowl Sunday.

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Sunday, February 12 - Valentine's Party

We're planning something special ... stay tuned for details.

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They say that wearing a genuine smile can make you look 10 years younger. Come get 10 years younger with us at FunDancers on Sunday! Each person adds something unique to the overall wonderful atmosphere. Big thanks to everyone for making 2012 the best year yet at FunDancers!

This Sunday (January 22) at FunDancers

2012-01-20T14:29:00.000-06:00

Big thanks to all who helped make the January Beginner Dance Parties so much fun!

Nasser is calling out-of-town in Tucson, Arizona this weekend but will be back home in time for FunDancers on Sunday, January 22.

We're doing one last Beginner Dance Party (for Brand-New Beginners) this coming Sunday, January 22 from 5 to 7 pm. The party is for anyone (Single, Couple, Youth ... age 9 and up), even if they never danced before. It's a fantastic opportunity for us to invite new people to share the marvelous things which make FunDancers so special: extreme fun, burn 1000 calories, meet new friends, enjoy good music, build strong community ties, spend quality time with good people, feel a warm welcome and be royally entertained ... all at the same time!

If you have any friends, neighbors, relatives or acquaintances who are fun people, invite and/or bring 'em on Sunday, January 22. If any of your friends are grouches, please leave them at home. :) If you do NOT know any good fun people, that's still okay: YOU are a fun person and we appreciate YOUR being at FunDancers because you make the party more festive for everyone.

It can be hard to talk people into trying something new for the very first time. Whenever you're talking with friends, perhaps tell 'em that almost everyone who tries it, likes it. Or maybe just double-dawg dare 'em to try it. It's awfully hard to resist a double-dawg dare. :)

Schedule:
5 to 7 pm - Beginner party, suitable for anyone from age 9 to 99
7 to 9 pm - Club Dance for experienced dancers
9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

Here's something new, for experienced Plus dancers. Learn (okay, get introduced to) the Advanced level in just ONE day on Saturday February 4. It's an all-day (9 am to 9:30 pm, with lots of breaks) crash course for anyone interested in Advanced. Click around on various websites (FunDancers.org, NShukayr.com, DanceWithSam.com, etc.) until you find the flyer. Yeah, I know, usually we give you the exact address of the flyer, but hey, it's Advanced. It's supposed to be challenging. Hunting down the flyer is part of the fun. :)

Big thanks to everyone for helping to get the FunDancers New Year off to a rollicking start! Each person adds something unique, special and interesting to the overall mix. 2012 is already a great year at FunDancers. Let the good times roll!

FunDancers Open House #2 this Sunday January 15

2012-01-12T03:32:00.000-06:00

WOW, what a fantastic Beginner Dance Party this past Sunday at FunDancers! Big thanks to all who helped make it happen.

It was so much fun that we're doing another beginner dance party this coming Sunday, January 15 with guest caller Nelda Eaton. The party is for anyone (Single, Couple, Youth age 9 and up), whether or not they have ever danced before. It's yet another opportunity to share some of the marvelous things about FunDancers which make it a special experience: having extreme fun, getting in shape, meeting new friends, hearing good music, keeping your community strong, spending quality time with good people, feeling a warm welcome and being regally entertained.

Dancing, which does so many great things for you, makes a wonderful New Years Resolution which is so easy to keep because it's so much fun to do. This Sunday, new dancers can once again sample FunDancers (for $5 ... our one and only Free Beginner Party was last week). But $5 is still a bargain. For less than the cost of a movie you get so many benefits. Deal-seekers should ask about our "6 weeks for $20" plan which amounts to a 33% discount.

If you have any friends, neighbors, relatives or acquaintances who are fun people, invite and/or bring 'em on Sunday, January 15. If you DON't know any good fun people, that's still okay: YOU are a fun person and we appreciate YOUR being at FunDancers to make the party more festive for everyone. If you know any old grouches, just leave 'em at home. :)

Schedule:
5 to 7 pm - Beginner party, suitable for anyone who can walk (even if they never danced before)
7 to 9 pm - Club Dance for experienced dancers
9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

Nasser and Jeanna are calling out-of-town in North Carolina and Virginia this weekend but will be back at FunDancers next week on Sunday January 22.

Big thanks to everyone for helping to get the FunDancers New Year off to a rollicking start! Each person adds something unique, special and important to the overall mix. 2012 will be a great year at FunDancers. Let the good times roll!

Start the New Year Right at FunDancers

2012-01-04T23:13:00.001-06:00

Start your New Year right on Sunday January 8 at the Big Event you've been waiting for! It's FunDancers' sometimes-annual always-fun FREE Beginner Dance Party from 5 to 7 pm. You might wonder, "Why would anyone offer a FREE dance party?". Nothing's ever free, right?. There's gotta be a catch, right?

Right! The catch is that we hope (okay, we KNOW) that new people will enjoy having fun, getting in shape, meeting new friends, hearing good music, keeping their community strong, spending quality time with others, feeling a warm welcome and being royally entertained at FunDancers. Dancing does so many great things for you. It makes a great New Years Resolution which is easy to keep because it's so much fun. This Sunday, new people can try it with no cost or obligation, so please twist some arms and encourage friends and acquaintances to participate! (Even if you can't bring someone new, we surely appreciate your being there to support and event and make it more fun for everyone.)

Schedule:
5 to 7 pm - Beginner party, suitable for anyone who can walk (even if they never danced before)
7 to 9 pm - Club Dance for experienced dancers
9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

This coming Sunday is special for a second reason. We'll get to dance to the World's Newest Callers. There's a Caller School this week. The Sunday night dance will feature a tip called by each student caller. It will definitely be a fun and memorable experience that you just can't get anywhere else!

Speaking of Caller Schools, the new callers can still use a few more dancers to practice on. We don't expect anyone to dance during ALL of the school, but please look and see if some of the times fit your schedule. We already have several nice helpers but can use a few more. The school is in Schertz near exit 175. You'll feel wonderful from helping new callers learn and practice. Please reply by email or phone if you can help out:

- Thursday January 5: 11am to 12 noon, 2:45 to 4:30 pm, 7:15 to 9:30 pm
- Friday: 10 am to 12 noon, 8:15 to 9:30 pm
- Saturday: 10:15 am to 12 noon, 2:15 to 4:15 pm, 7:45 to 9:30 pm
- Monday January 9: 10 am to 12 noon, 3:30 to 5 pm

We hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and we look forward to your helping FunDancers start the New Year with a bang on Sunday, January 8th!

It's a New Year at FunDancers

2011-12-30T13:47:00.000-06:00

FunDancers does not dance on New Years Day but we're pulling out all the stops for next Sunday (January 8):
5 to 7 pm - Beginner party, suitable for anyone who can walk (even if they never danced before)
7 to 9 pm - Club Dance for experienced dancers
9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

It takes a lot of courage for people to try dancing for their very first time. Let's offer the normal encouragements such as "it's FREE" and "you'll have fun". I suppose we could add "just try it for 5 minutes. If you're not having a tremendously good time, just scurry out the same door you entered". In other words, "How Can You Know, Unless You Try?".

More people would dance if they only had a CLUE about the benefits! When you're talking to people about FunDancers, play up the benefits! Where else can you have fun, be with friends, burn mega-calories, learn something new, enjoy an authentic American activity, listen to a huge variety of music, be entertained, feel great, etc ... all at the same time? It happens at FunDancers on Sunday, January 8th at 5 pm! Please talk it up among your friends!

Switching topics, a Caller School (to teach people how to call) is scheduled January 5 thru 9. It's sold out: there are no remaining spaces for student callers. However we do need DANCERS for the students to practice their calling skills. The dance level is Mainstream (except for Monday morning when we practice calling for rank beginners).

Please look at the schedule below and reply by email with the time(s) that fit your schedule. If you can help out once, twice or several times, it's great. If you can't help at all but you're at least thinking about us, that's great too. It's a wonderful feeling to help others learn to call. You'll have fun. You might learn more about dancing than you ever wanted to know. :) In addition, you get to dance to your heart's content, absolutely free and with deep appreciation.

The Caller School is in Schertz at exit 175. Please reply by email or phone (956-622-0557) and let me know your choice of time slot(s). I'll email you back to confirm.

Thursday January 5
- 11 am to 12 noon
- 2:45 to 4:30 pm
- 7:15 to 9:30 pm

Friday January 6
- 10 am to 12 noon
- 8:15 to 9:30 pm

Saturday January 7
- 10:15 am to 12 noon
- 2:15 to 4:15 pm
- 7:45 to 9:30 pm

Monday, January 9
- 10 am to 12 noon - for this session we prefer NEW dancers and/or people who have NEVER danced. If you already know how to dance, at least act like you're new. :)
- 3:30 to 5 pm

Have a safe and pleasant New Year and we'll see you at FunDancers Free Beginner Dance Party on January 8th!

Last Dance of the Year this Sunday (December 18) at FunDancers

2011-12-15T21:04:00.000-06:00

Please join us at FunDancers' "Last Dance of 2011" on Sunday, December 18:
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at location TBA

Our famous Beginner Dance Series kicks off on January 8th with a FREE Beginner Dance Party at 5 pm. The beginner level fits anyone who can walk, even if they have never danced before. Did we mention that it's free? Please talk it up among your friends ... the more the merrier! Dancing makes a fantastic New Year's Resolution. Add more fun, fitness, friendship and pleasure to your life. The resolution is so easy to keep because it's so much fun!

You'll also enjoy the beginner dance party if you previously danced but dropped out. We want all drop-outs to become drop-ins. :) You'll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly you get your dancing legs back.

Every Sunday is Special at FunDancers:
- December 18 - "Last Dance of the Year" 7-9 pm
- January 8 - Free Beginner Dance Party at 5 pm, club dance at 7 pm
- January 15 - guest caller Nelda Eaton

Big thanks to everyone who helped make 2011 such a wonderful year at FunDancers. If you danced with FunDancers even one time during the year, you added something unique and special to the overall mix. Thanks for being part of the fun in 2011. We look forward to dancing with you again and again during a fantastic 2012.

Welcome to December at FunDancers

2011-11-30T15:16:00.000-06:00

Lots of neat things ahead at FunDancers! This coming Sunday (December 4) enjoy guest caller Brad Caldwell, "Man of Many Voices":
- 5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

The Plus Class is now actually an "All Plus Dance" because every Plus call has already been taught. Brad will review and re-teach as necessary. A progress chart is online at FunDancers.org/pluschart.htm

This Sunday (December 4) is also our "Soon To Be Famous" "Clothes Closet". Gently used square and line dance gear will be available at bargain prices. Come see if you can find something you've just got to have.

The following week (December 11) is also special. The club's regular caller (can't remember his name, it's been so long) will be baaack. We'll have the final Plus Class (abbreviated) at 6 pm. Later during the Club Dance we'll have a nice Plus Class Graduation ceremony to honor the amazing accomplishments of our brand-new Plus dancers. We will also have our "Sometimes Annual But Always Outstanding" "Christmas Bake Sale", so come out once again and find something that you just can't live without.

Beginner Dances start January 8 with a free Intro Party from 5 to 7 pm. This is ideal for people who have never danced and/or people who used to dance but dropped out. We want all drop-outs to become drop-ins. :) You'll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly your dance skills return. Dancing makes a fantastic New Year's Resolution to bring you more fun, fitness and friends. The resolution is easy to keep because it's so much fun.

We're looking for a few good Sidekicks. A Sidekick is a club member who volunteers to befriend a Beginner. As a Sidekick you'll contact your beginner occasionally, answer any questions he/she might have, and try to dance with your beginner every now and then. :) Sidekicks are volunteers. Look for the Sidekick Signup Sheet at FunDancers and let us know if you'll be a Sidekick for one or more January beginners.

Every Sunday is Special at FunDancers:
- December 4 - Guest Caller Brad Caldwell - "Clothes Closet"
- December 11 - Club Caller - "Bake Sale and Christmas Dance"
- December 18 - Club Caller - "Last Dance of the Year"
- January 8 - Beginner Dance Series starts at 5 pm with a Free Intro Party

Every person is important at FunDancers because it takes all of us to make the fun happen! Thanks for being a key ingredient in the fun, fitness and friendship!

FunDancers dark this Sunday for Thanksgiving weekend

2011-11-26T23:23:00.000-06:00

FunDancers does -not- meet this Sunday (November 26) due to the holiday weekend. We meet again on December 4 with guest caller / instructor Brad Caldwell from Georgetown. Brad is well-known for his impersonations and he will probably bring several of his alter-egos with him to the party:
- Plus Class - 5 to 7 pm
- Club dance - 7 to 9 pm

Nasser and Jeanna will be back for the last two dances of 2011 (on December 11 and 18). They'll also be at FunDancers for the first dance of 2012 (January 8) which marks the start of our 2012 Beginner Dance Series. For the first several months of 2012 we'll have Beginners at 5 pm and Club Dance at 7 pm. Dancing is so good for you and it makes a great new year's resolution which is easy to keep because it's so much fun!

Here on Thanksgiving weekend, big thanks to all for helping to make FunDancers an active thriving group. We look forward to several fun events in December and to a funtastic 2012.

Nelda Eaton calls at FunDancers on Sunday

2011-11-16T00:04:00.000-06:00

Greetings from Nevada!

Nasser and Jeanna are teaching a caller school in Las Vegas this week.

This Sunday November 20 you'll enjoy dancing to caller Nelda Eaton from New Boston, Texas:

- 5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

Beginner-level dances start on January 8 with a free party from 5 to 7 pm. FunDancers makes a great New Year's Resolution which is easy to keep because it's so much fun.

Every Sunday is Special at FunDancers:
- November 20 - Guest Caller Nelda Eaton
- November 27 - dark (no dance) for holiday
- December 4 - Guest Caller Brad Caldwell - "Clothes Closet"
- December 11 - Club Caller - "Christmas Dance"
- December 18 - Club Caller - "Last Dance of the Year"

Because of YOU, we've got a great thing going. Thanks for being part of the fun, fitness, friendship and family values of FunDancers!

Something for Everyone at FunDancers

2011-11-12T14:28:00.003-06:00

FunDancers' Plus Class meets on Sunday from 5 to 7 pm. The group has had all but two of the Plus calls. The two remaining calls will be taught tomorrow. Therefore, the Plus Class has now morphed into a Full Plus Dance. If you like to dance the Plus level, there are only four more of the Plus Classes remaining (November 13 & 20, December 4 and 11). It's a great (but limited, just four more weeks) opportunity for those who like to dance "Solid Plus" from 5 to 7 pm.

The regular club dance is from 7 to 9 pm. The dance level is mainstream with two plus tips. We dance lines between every tip and we have no idea what the phrase "take a rest break" means. :)

Have you heard about the special "combo" deal? If you dance both sessions (the 5 pm Plus Class ... which is now just like an All-Plus dance ... and the 7 pm Club dance) your second session is only half price ($2.50). That's a LOT of dancing! Just think about the 2000 calories you'll burn (wow, that's either one banana split or a 450-acre field of celery, your choice) and the 4 hours of fun you'll have. It's not for everyone, but you gotta agree the price is right.

A special feature this coming Sunday is "Beginner Hour" from 7 to 8 pm where we welcome anyone who can walk, even if they never danced before. So ... catch someone new and haul 'em in. Cost for Beginner Hour is only $2. Of course, anyone is welcome to arrive early and/or stay late, but the main beginner dance program is from 7 to 8 tomorrow.

We truly offer something for everyone (rank beginners, experienced (club level), Plus Class and Full Plus). We hope to see you at FunDancers on Sunday!

FunDancers (featuring Beginner Hour at 7 pm) this Sunday November 13

2011-11-10T17:39:00.001-06:00

Enjoy the usual suspects this Sunday (November 13) with a slight twist:
- 5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance (Beginner Hour at 7 pm)
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

The slight twist is "Beginner Hour" from 7 to 8 pm. We've never done "Beginner Hour" before. We've done Beginner TWO hours. This Sunday at Beginner Hour we cordially welcome anyone (age 9 to 99) who can walk. Even if someone never danced before, we'll gladly put up with 'em for an hour.

So, invite all your friends who can walk! Actually, now that you mention it, Nasser and Jeanna know a nice lady in a wheelchair who dances the Advanced-Two (A-2) level and can really keep up. She has a special souped-up wheelchair because the standard model doesn't turn (change directions) fast enough. Hmmm, I know some people -not- in a wheelchair who don't turn fast enough either, but that's another story. The point is, anyone who can walk is welcome at Beginner Hour this Sunday.

At Beginner Hour we'll teach some beginner dance steps, we'll have some "everyone dance together" and we'll even include some "watch the experienced dancers get 'er done". Our guests will discover a fantastic hour of fun, fitness, friendship, entertainment, music, intrigue, etc. Wow, what a concept: burn off those holiday calories, before the actual holiday. :)

The LAST time we did beginners, it was free of charge. The NEXT time we do beginners (in January) it will also be free. Some people are leery of anything free. They keep wondering "what's the catch?". Well, there's NO catch and we'll PROVE it by charging $2 (isn't that Almost Free?) for Beginner Hour on November 13th. Since it's not free, there's nothing to be leery of. For a measly two bucks, you get a full hour of extreme fun. You probably paid more than $2, just last month, to get the beejeebers scaired out of ya' at a haunted house. Paying someone to scare ya'?? What's up with that? I'd much rather pay to have FUN than to get SCAIRT!

If you, or someone you know, line and/or square danced in the past but forgot how, here's the solution: come to Beginner Hour this Sunday at 7 pm. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly you get your dance skills back.

Every Sunday is Special at FunDancers:
- November 13 - Club Caller Nasser & Jeanna - "Beginner Hour at 7 pm".
- November 20 - Guest Caller Nelda Eaton
- November 27 - dark for holiday
- December 4 - Guest Caller Brad Caldwell
- December 11 - Club Caller - "Plus Class Graduation"
- December 18 - Club Caller - "Last Dance of the Year"

Each person is important because every individual adds something unique and special to the overall event. Thank you for being part of the FunDancers scene!

Red White and Blue celebration at FunDancers on November 6th

2011-11-02T00:25:00.000-05:00

Dance with the usual suspects (Nasser and Jeanna) this coming Sunday November 6th:
- 5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

This Sunday is our Veteran's Day "Red White and Blue" party. If you want to, wear colors from the US flag.

November 13th is "Beginner Hour" from 7 to 8 pm. Let's invite beginners, even if they never danced before. There will be some beginner dancing and some "watch us professionals get 'er done". We'll teach every step in the beginner dances. Our guests will discover a fantastic hour of fun, fitness, friendship, entertainment, mental challenge, music, etc. They can raid our famous FunDancers refreshments table and we'll invite (hmm, "invite" is too tame a word. How about Entice, Persuade, Beg, Plead, Coerce, Lure, Bribe or Attract?) them to our famous Beginner Dances which start in January.

The last time we did beginners, it was free of charge. The next time we do beginners, it will also be free. Some people are leery of anything free. They can't stop thinking "what's the catch?". Well, there's NO catch and we'll PROVE it by charging $2 for the Beginner Hour on November 13th. Since it's NOT free, there's nothing to be leery of. For a measly two bucks, they get a full hour of authentic fun. You'd gladly pay more than that to ride a merry-go-round. FunDancers is the best deal anywhere and all the proceeds go to a good cause: FunDancers! :)

Big thanks to all FunDancers and guests who make each Sunday so special. The next time you're at that critical decision point of "should I go to FunDancers this week?", here's a hint: the correct answer is "yes". Every person adds something unique and special to the mix. It's just not the same, unless YOU're present!

Every Sunday is Special at FunDancers:
- November 6 - Club Caller Nasser & Jeanna - "Red White and Blue Celebration"
- November 13 - Club Caller - "Beginner Hour at 7 pm".
- November 20 - Guest Caller Nelda Eaton
- November 27 - dark for holiday weekend
- December 4 - Guest Caller Brad Caldwell
- December 11 - Club Caller - "Plus Class Graduation"

Have fun, be with friends, burn mega-calories, learn something new, enjoy an authentic American activity and feel great ... all at the same time ... at FunDancers on Sunday!

Halloween Party at FunDancers this Sunday October 30

2011-10-27T15:54:00.001-05:00

The good times continue this Sunday (October 30) with guest caller Mike Kelly from Kansas City:
- 5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

A progress chart for the Plus Class is online at FunDancers website.

Sunday is our Halloween party, so wear a costume if you wish! This is a golden opportunity for those who might be out of practice with their dancing. Just wear a good costume. If you goof up, nobody has the foggiest idea who you are! :) If you do NOT choose to wear a costume, that's okay too. Come find out what others will wear. It will be fun.

Every Sunday is Special at FunDancers:
- October 30 - National Caller Mike Kelly - "Halloween Party"
- November 6 - Club Caller Nasser Shukayr - "Red White and Blue Celebration"
- November 13 - Club Caller Nasser Shukayr - "Beginner Hour at 7 pm"
- November 20 - Guest Caller Nelda Eaton
- November 27 - dark for holiday weekend
- December 4 - Guest Caller Brad Caldwell

November 13th is "Beginner Hour" from 7 to 8 pm. You're encouraged to bring beginners, even if they never danced before. We'll show them a few simple steps and before you know it, they'll have a fantastic hour of fun, music, intrigue, fitness, laughter, friendship, etc. Then we'll invite everyone back to our famous Beginner Dance Series which starts on January 8.

Happy Halloween! Nasser and Jeanna are doing a Tennessee Tour this weekend: Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga. The fall foliage is supposed to be spectacular up there. We just might bring back some dead leaves for show and tell. :)

Have fun, be with friends, burn mega-calories, learn something new, feel great and enjoy an authentic American activity ... ... all at the same time ... at FunDancers on Sunday!

Mike Sikorsky at FunDancers this Sunday October 23

2011-10-19T02:47:00.000-05:00

Here's a good way to describe special guest caller Mike Sikorsky:

--> More Than a Dance: a real SHOW! <--

Don't miss Mike Sikorsky's only San Antonio area appearance, this Sunday October 23 at FunDancers. Come find out for yourself why he was voted "Most Entertaining Caller" at the Ozzie Awards.

- 5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

A progress chart for the Plus Class is online at fundancers dot org.

Last Saturday, Mike and Marjean Sikorsky drove 70 miles (each way) to dance to Nasser in Arizona. This Sunday, Nasser and Jeanna will drive only 8 miles (each way) to dance to Mike Sikorsky at FunDancers. We are looking for someone to drive 62 miles (each way) to make up the difference! If you drive 62 or more miles to the Mike Sikorsky special this Sunday, let us know so you can receive special recognition and/or a cash prize!

Sundays Are Always Special at FunDancers:
- October 23 - International Caller Mike Sikorsky - "More Than a Dance: a Real SHOW!"
- October 30 - National Caller Mike Kelly - "Halloween Party"
- November 6 - Club Caller Nasser Shukayr
- November 13 - Club Caller Nasser Shukayr
- November 20 - Guest Caller Nelda Eaton

November 13th is "Free Sample" day. Beginners are welcome, even if they never danced before. We'll show our valued guests a fantastic hour of fun, fitness and friendship from 7 to 8 pm. We will also cordially invite them to our famous Beginner Dance Series which revs up on January 8.

Thanks once again for making FunDancers happen! Thanks to your support, we can accomplish amazing things together. Have fun, be with friends, meet great people, burn 1000 calories, learn something new and enjoy Mike Sikorsky (the world's "Most Entertaining Caller") ... all at the same time ... at FunDancers!

Dan Nordbye at FunDancers on Sunday October 16

2011-10-12T13:09:00.000-05:00

Every Sunday is Special at FunDancers, including this coming Sunday October 16. We previously announced the amazing Mike Sikorsky. Well, we had the chance to shuffle things around a bit and get -both- Mike Sikorsky -and- Dan Nordbye this month. When opportunity knocks, open the door!

The amazing Dan Nordbye will call at FunDancers THIS Sunday, October 16, and the amazing Mike Sikorsky will call NEXT Sunday, October 23.
- 5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

Does anyone else find it strange that FunDancers has a guest caller from Arizona while Nasser and Jeanna are off calling a weekend in Arizona?

A progress chart for the Plus Class is online. To find it, just navigate to fundancers.org, look for the small block which says "Plus class" (hint: it's blue), and click on "Progress Chart". You'll see calls we know, calls we're learning and calls we'll learn. The chart includes links to video as well as animated resources. In a word, the progress chart is slick, slick, slick.

If you want to try your hand at calling, contact Nasser who will help you plan and successfully call a tip.

Sundays are Special at FunDancers. You always get a fantastic high-energy dance with super-fun and friendly people.
- October 16 - International Caller Dan Nordbye
- October 23 - International Caller, and winner of "Most Entertaining Caller 2011" award, Mike Sikorsky
- October 30 - National Caller Mike Kelly - "Halloween Party"
- November 6 - Club Caller Nasser and Jeanna

November 13th is "Free Sample" day. Bring friends, even if they never danced before. We'll entertain them for about an hour (7 to 8 pm). That's not very long but hey, you can't beat the price (free). Then we'll send them on their merry way AFTER cordially inviting them to our Wonderful Beginner Special on January 8.

Thanks once again for your participation! Have fun, enjoy good friends, meet new people, burn 1000 calories, keep your mind sharp and be regally entertained ... all at the same time ... at FunDancers!

Johnny Preston at FunDancers this Sunday, October 9

2011-10-04T14:20:00.001-05:00

This coming Sunday October 9 is extra special. For the first time ever at FunDancers, you can dance to TWO internationally-known callers. Superstar Caller Johnny Preston and Club Caller Nasser Shukayr will call together for your enjoyment. Although Sunday will be the first time these two callers have worked together, the list of places (all over the world) they have each called would make Rand McNally blush. FunDancers is also Johnny Preston's only San Antonio / Austin area appearance so if you want to dance to him in 2011, make a beeline to FunDancers! Don't miss what is sure to be a fun and memorable dance.
- 5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

A progress chart for the Plus Class is online at http://www.FunDancers.org/pluschart.htm

We had a great time last week with "Free Sample Day" and met some new friends. Here's what one of 'em wrote:

"Had sooo much fun square and line dancing with this group! Everyone -- EVERYONE -- was super nice, friendly, funny, and very helpful. I appreciated the warm welcome and the patience all my dancing buddies had while I got into the groove of things. This group is really wonderful and I am so glad I found out about it. Can't wait to go back!!"

Big thanks to all the Fundancers who showed our visitors such a great time. We'll do another "Free Sample Day" (welcoming brand-new people, even if they never danced before) on November 6th. Our famous Beginner Dance Series starts on January 8, 2012. New people are the lifeblood of any organization. If you know some old GROUCHY people, please keep FunDancers a well-guarded secret. :) But if you know any good FUN energetic FRIENDLY people, please invite them to FunDancers on November 6th and/or January 8th.

Sundays are Always Special at FunDancers. You always get a high-energy dance with super-fun, friendly people.
- October 9 - International Callers Johnny Preston and Nasser Shukayr
- October 16 - International Caller Mike Sikorsky (who won "Most Entertaining Caller" at the Ozzie Awards in Las Vegas earlier this year)
- October 23 - Club Caller Nasser Shukayr
- October 30 - National Caller Mike Kelly - "Halloween Party"
- November 6 - Club Caller Nasser Shukayr - "Free Sample" day (bring a friend)

Each person adds something unique and wonderful to the overall atmosphere. Have fun, enjoy good friends, meet new people, burn 800 to 1000 calories and be regally entertained ... all at the same time ... on Sundays at FunDancers!

Free Sample Day at FunDancers on October 2

2011-09-29T05:42:00.001-05:00

Welcome to October! FunDancers will dance every Sunday in October with the following schedule:
- 5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

A progress chart for the Plus Class is online at FunDancers.org.

A "little birdie" says that some callers from our recent Amateur Caller's Night are eager to call again. We'll plan something fun soon!

This coming Sunday (October 2nd) is "Free Sample Day". Invite people (even if they never danced before) as your guest at 7 pm for a free sample of fun, fitness and friendship. The newbie program is from 7 to 8 pm and will include some beginner dances, some "sit back and watch us professionals dance", and lots of fun. Newbies are welcome to leave at 8 pm or to hang out with us all evening if they wish.

Another key component of "Free Sample Day" is that everyone (while supplies last) gets a (one, singular, solitary yet exquisitely worthwhile) FREE sample of authentic top-quality Belgian chocolate. It's the finest chocolate in the world, famous for centuries, the real deal, bought in Belgium, in-person, just for you, barely two short weeks ago. Y'see, FunDancers is SO special that your caller just can't stop thinking about ya' at every remote outpost on the planet.

Have you decided yet, who you're gonna invite to "Free Sample Day"?

Sundays are Always Special at FunDancers.

With a world-class caller lineup and the ultimate collection of extremely fun dancers, you just KNOW you're in for a great experience every Sunday at FunDancers:
- October 2 - Club Caller Nasser Shukayr - "Free Sample" Day
- October 9 - International Caller Johnny Preston
- October 16 - International Caller Mike Sikorsky
- October 23 - Club Caller Nasser Shukayr
- October 30 - National Caller Mike Kelly - "Halloween Party"

Have fun, sample world-class pleasures, enjoy good friends, burn 800+ calories and be royally entertained ... all at the same time ... on Sundays at FunDancers!

Darryl Lipscomb tomorrow!

2011-09-24T12:31:00.000-05:00

This just in from our president:

Yey! Darryl and Decah Lipscomb will be at FunDancers tomorrow!

Our Plus class is at 5:00, and our evening dance is at 7:00. We will have fun as long as you come enjoy it with us!!

The Lipscombs have a very hectic schedule, with a 3-day A and Challenge weekend in Schertz before they come to us, and a trip to Georgetown and Houston after us. But we know they will exude a calm but fun dancing atmosphere at Center North for FunDancers!! We're so glad to be on their calendar!

Come on out! See you manana!

Fay

Darryl Lipscomb at Fundancers this Sunday (September 25)

2011-09-22T19:51:00.001-05:00

FunDancers is THE place for a fantastic dance experience each Sunday. Burn mega-calories, have fun, enjoy good friends and be royally entertained ... all at the same time! Visit FunDancers this Sunday (September 25) to enjoy guest caller Darryl Lipscomb.

Schedule:
- 5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

Please note that Nasser and Darryl will be calling together for a week at Kirkwood Lodge, Missouri in June (11 thru 15), 2012. It will be a great square dance vacation and everyone is invited.

A progress chart for the Plus Class is online at FunDancers.org. Don't even try to completely master a call the first very time it's taught. We constantly re-teach and review all calls until everyone becomes proficient.

October 2nd will be "Free Sample Day". Bring someone (even if they never danced before) as your guest at 7 pm for a free sample of the unique FunDancers style of fun, fitness and friendship. The newbie portion of our program will last less than an hour. We'll include some beginner dances and we hope to interest these nice visitors in our upcoming January Beginner Dance Series. In addition, everyone (while supplies last, there's enough for 8 squares) gets a FREE sample of authentic top-quality Belgian chocolate. It's the real deal, personally purchased in Belgium and lovingly hand-smuggled into the USA by your club caller. Looking for a free sample of line dancing, square dancing and true Belgian chocolate? Sunday October 2 is your day!

Sundays are Always Special at FunDancers. You won't find a better caller lineup anywhere else on the planet. You just KNOW you're gonna get a great dance with super-fun people every Sunday at FunDancers:
- September 25 - International Caller Darryl Lipscomb
- October 2 - Club Caller Nasser Shukayr - "Free Sample" Day
- October 9 - International Caller Johnny Preston
- October 16 - International Caller Mike Sikorsky
- October 23 - Club Caller Nasser Shukayr
- October 30 - Halloween Party with National Caller Mike Kelly

Remember: dances are always a lot MORE fun when YOU're there! Each person adds something special. All members and visitors are appreciated. Tell a friend. Let the good times roll!

Today: K.O. Jeanes! AND IMPORTANT PLUS NOTES

2011-09-18T01:11:00.000-05:00

This just in, from the Club President:

KO Jeanes tomorrow, from Conroe, Texas. He will teach the Plus Class
and call the evening dance.

Yey! Tomorrow we will have our second Plus class in this series of
lessons! We have an excellent group of callers and students for this
series! If you are happy dancing mainstream, you'll LOVE Plus! Come
on out tomorrow! You may still join this fun group!

Learn plus, and dance with the some of the best callers in the
country! Superb, unique experience learning with such a great group
of teachers!

Everyone: PLEASE read the notes below!

Information about FunDancers Plus Level Lessons (Registration is open
to all experienced mainstream level dancers)

Time: Sundays at 5:00.

Anyone may take our lessons as many times as he/she wishes. We do our
best to be sure registrants dance every tip. If you have taken our
Plus lessons previously and wish to repeat, we encourage you to do so.
You will be charged half the regular fee to retake the classes.

Angels are a great help, as long as they are accomplished Plus dancers
themselves. Angels are welcomed so that they can help the tips flow
smoothly for class registrants. If you are not a proficient Plus
dancer, please register to take the class yourself! Just ask if you
are not sure if you are ready to angel. We hate to do this, but we
will ask you to step down if we find you are not ready to angel.
Please save us this difficult task. We love you, but our
responsibility is to offer the best possible experience to our class
registrants. :(

Angels are dance advocates who fill in squares as needed. They are
responsible and capable dancers who want to share their enjoyment.
Angels allow the caller to do the teaching. ;)

Plus lessons: $60.00

FunDancers tried offering these lessons free for club members, but
found last year that we could not meet our expenses when we did this!
We are non-profit. :(

With lesson registration, registrants qualify for a $2 discount for
the evening dances with guest callers.

Thank you for reading! Hope this has cleared a few points. Questions
and comments welcome.

Fay

Guest caller K O Jeanes at Fundancers this Sunday (September 18)

2011-09-14T04:03:00.000-05:00

According to reliable sources, FunDancers had a great time this past Sunday with guest caller Jerry Jestin. The good times continue this coming Sunday (September 18) with guest caller K O Jeanes.

Schedule:
- 5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

You can still join the Plus Class. The Plus list contains 31 calls. (There's a progress chart on FunDancers.org). Four Plus calls were taught last Sunday. Those same 4 calls will be re-taught this week, so you can still get in on the ground floor. It's the deal of the century because you get two complete dance events (Plus Class and Club Dance) with just one "get in the car and drive".

Even if you choose just the Club Dance at 7 pm, it's still the deal of the century because you get to enjoy an unmatched variety of callers. "Every Sunday is Special" at FunDancers:
- September 18 - Traveling Caller K O Jeanes
- September 25 - International Caller Darryl Lipscomb
- October 2 - Club Caller Nasser Shukayr (who is calling in Belgium this weekend)
- October 9 - International Caller Johnny Preston
- October 16 - International Caller Mike Sikorsky

Let the good times roll!

FunDancers fall season starts this Sunday

2011-09-09T17:27:00.000-05:00

Greetings from cool Colorado! Nasser and Jeanna are calling this week at Fun Valley Square Dance Resort then onward to call in San Francisco CA this weekend, St. Louis MO on Monday then Brussels, Belgium the next weekend.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, the new fall season starts this Sunday (September 11) at FunDancers! Schedule:
  5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
  7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
  9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

The Plus Class is an instructional series which runs for 13 Sundays. (We do not meet the day before Thanksgiving; the last meeting of the series is on December 11). If you are in the Plus Class at 5 pm, you get a $2 discount on the club dance at 7 pm. (FunDancers members get an even bigger discount as part of their membership benefits.) It's the deal of the century because you get two complete dance events (Plus Class and Club Dance) with just one "get in the car and go".

Whether you come to one or both dance events on Sunday, it's still the greatest entertainment value around. Burn 600 to 1000 calories per session (1200 to 2000 calories if you go to both sessions), have a blast (for up to 4 hours ... WOW), be with friends ... all at the same time. Afterwards, all are invited to go out with the group to Chuy's in Selma (exit 173) for even more fun and fellowship.

September Sundays are Special:
- September 11 - International Caller Jerry Jestin
- September 18 - Traveling Caller K O Jeanes
- September 25 - International Caller Darryl Lipscomb

Nasser and Jeanna return to FunDancers on October 2. A series of Beginner Dances (for brand-new beginners) start on January 8, so please talk it up among your friends.

Big thanks to everyone for being such a key ingredient in the unique blend of fun, fitness, friendship and great memories at FunDancers on Sunday!

Guest caller Jerry Jestin at FunDancers this Sunday

2011-09-07T10:32:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, we are excited to welcome excellent guest caller...

Jerry Jestin from Yuma, Arizona, as our Plus teacher, and as caller for our evening dance. Come join us as we welcome him for his first time with us!

You are encouraged to wear red, white and/or blue in remembrance of the victims of September 11. We will remember.

Sunday, September 11 at 5:00 we will begin our new PLUS class ! If you have become pretty comfortable with mainstream, join us to add the even-more-fun PLUS moves to your expertise! Remember, while you learn PLUS you are also practicing mainstream.

Join us for lots of fun as you learn those fab new moves and increase your confidence! You know we love dancing with a happy, lively crowd!

This will be our first Plus session from 5-7. It's the ONLY set of plus classes we have planned between now and next September. Please don't miss it! Anyone will tell you, "If you dance Mainstream and Plus, you will get the most fun out of square dancing anywhere and everywhere!" Come learn with us! Lessons will be completed by Christmas. We will do everything we can to be sure you enjoy it, because WE KNOW it is such fun! So, if you were in the January beginners class with us, or if have been dancing mainstream with us or elsewhere, we KNOW you will love this! If you know some PLUS but are unsure and a little reluctant to get up for the PLUS tips, this is your time to feel good about that! See you there!

The class will be followed by:

At 7:00: Mainstream and Plus square and line dance with Jerry Jestin calling.

Special dance door donation: Sign up for Plus lessons and stay to the dance! Plus Class registrants (non club members) will pay $2 less than door donation for our super guest callers!

After the dance we usually meet up at Chuy's (I 35 exit 173) for food and fellowship! Everyone is welcome.

Dress code? Wear anything you are comfortable to dance in! Square dance clothes, jeans, shorts, or ??

Need more information? Call Fay and Ken at 210-381-2722. Location? Check out www.fundancers.org. Pictures/calendar? check out www.meetup.com/fundancers

See you Sunday!

FunDancers holiday (no dance) on September 4

2011-09-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

Big thanks to last Sunday's fantastic Amateur Callers and also to the fantastic dancers who cheered them on! Everyone rose to the occasion and turned in a stellar performance. It's so nice to be around such talented, fun people. Photos and/or videos from the occasion will be posted on the FunDancers "Newsroom" blog soon.

FunDancers will NOT dance this coming holiday Sunday (September 4). We will dance again on September 11 with guest caller Jerry Jestin, one of the world's top callers. That same day, we start the new Fall Schedule:

- 5 to 7 pm - Plus Class
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

= = = = =

For 13 Sundays, we will offer two separate dance sessions (Plus Class, followed by Club Dance). You are welcome at either or both sessions. Each session is priced separately. There is a discount if you go to both.

If you would like to learn and dance the Plus program (31 calls beyond Mainstream), the Plus Class is for you. You are also welcome to try it first to find out if you like it. We offer a Plus Class just once per year. The Plus Class is suitable for January beginners, however there is no pressure to move up to Plus until you feel ready.

The Plus Class costs $60 for 13 weeks (that's less than $5 per week). It's an unparalleled value because many of the weeks will be called by some of the top callers/instructors on this planet. You can try the first one (on September 11) for $5. If you decide to enroll in the full course, pay just the remainder ($55). They'll probably let you break it up into two or three smaller payments if you ask.

If you're in the Plus Class at 5 pm, you get a $2 per person discount on the Club Dance at 7 pm. Over 13 weeks this adds up to a hefty $26 discount. You can literally dance your feet off, saving money with each step. Have you ever saved so much money that your feet got tired? :) What a deal!

FunDancers members don't get the extra $2 discount because they get an even better deal. Members get into all Club Dances for free as part of their dues. We like to think that it's the best square and line dance deal out there. The only way to make it any cheaper is to hire crummier callers ... but we're sure you prefer the amazing lineup we've already got scheduled. :)

= = = = =

Here is the final Hint in the series "what to do if you're lost in a square":

Hint #8: Keep Dancing. Don't Stop to Analyze. If something happens that you don't understand, wait until the tip is finished to mull it over. Thinking about something that's over, while you're still dancing, is sure doom. I speak from bitter personal experience.

Sundays in September are Special at FunDancers:
- September 11 - International Caller Jerry Jestin
- September 18 - Traveling Caller K O Jeanes
- September 25 - International Caller Darryl Lipscomb

We've got a good thing going at FunDancers and the good times will really roll during the next several months. Each person adds something unique and wonderful to the overall mix. Thank you for being part of the high-energy fun, friendship, fitness, smiles, laughter, refreshments and great memories at FunDancers on Sunday!

Amateur Callers Night,, Sunday August 28

2011-08-26T04:58:00.000-05:00

Don't miss a rare and special event, "Amateur Callers Night" on Sunday August 28 at FunDancers. Several of your dancing friends will call for the group. Come cheer them on. It will be fun and memorable, guaranteed!

Schedule:
- 6:15 pm - Quick Review
- 7 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

This Sunday is the final Quick Review of the year. We sincerely thank all who participated in the Quick Reviews!

Here is this week's hint on what to do if you're lost in a square:

Hint #7: Watch Opposites and Counterparts. If you're confused, keep an eye on your opposite. If your opposite is also confused (or is watching you), look for your counterpart in another square. DON'T use this as a dancing technique. It's a recovery technique, only to be used after you've become completely lost.

We offer a Plus class once a year. The 2011 Plus class starts on September 11 at 5 pm and lasts until mid-December. The Plus class is suitable for January beginners, however there is NO pressure for anyone to dance Plus if they don't want to.

Square dancing is like an ice cream store and Plus is like a flavor. Plus does not replace any existing flavor. Instead, it's an additional flavor to enjoy. Starting in September, we will offer the "Plus Class" flavor from 5 to 7 pm and the "club dance" flavor from 7 to 9 pm. That's two different dance events back-to-back. You can go to either event, or both. If you choose both, we'll give you some kind of discount (details have not been set yet).

It makes sense to try a flavor before deciding if you like it. You are welcome to try the Plus Class on Sunday September 11, to find out if you like it. If you don't like it, well at least you tried it. You can try it again next year when we offer another Plus class. If you do like it, sign up for the 13-week course.

Every Week is Special at FunDancers:
- August 28 - Amateur Callers
- September 4 - closed for holiday
- September 11 - International Caller Jerry Jestin (and first night of Plus class)
- September 18 - Traveling Caller K O Jeanes
- September 25 - Interplanetary Caller Darryl Lipscomb
- October 2 - "The First Normal Dance in Quite a While"
- October 9 - Interstellar Caller Johnny Preston
- October 16 - Intergalactic Caller Mike Sikorsky

We look forward to a high-energy fun time at FunDancers on Sunday!

Sunday is Fun-day at FunDancers!

2011-08-16T15:28:00.000-05:00

Mega-thanks to the FunDancers Root Beer Float crew who totally RULED last Sunday!

The fun continues this coming Sunday August 21 with "the last normal dance for quite a while".

Schedule:
- 6:15 pm - Quick Review
- 7 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

The quick review covers several calls. We even take requests.

Here is this week's hint on what to do if you're lost in a square:

Hint #6: Be Flexible. (be a girl, or a head or a side, etc.) If you find you're not where you're supposed to be, just assume your new identity. Who knows, you may find a new thrill in life. If you can just keep the square going, there is an excellent chance that you will get an opportunity to fix the problem later.

Lots of upcoming fun at FunDancers!

Advanced Dancing is Wednesday at a "secret location". It's secret because we do not yet have a permanent location. We call the group "Fun-A", almost like the word "funny". :) The group has met just one time. Since we will review the moves already covered, we can still accept new Fun-A people this Wednesday August 17. Call or email Nasser to get the location. If you're a strong Mainstream and Plus dancer who always wanted to try Advanced, this Wednesday is a prime time for you to try it and see if you like it.

On Thursday August 18 we need to Make A Move on San Marcos. They came and got our banner this past Sunday, so we need to go up there and get it back. It takes at least a square of Fundancers (8 people) to retrieve our banner. More info at DanceWithSam.com then click around until you find the club Wheel-N-Deals on Thursday in San Marcos. Let's go retrieve our banner! If you kinda want to go but kinda don't want to drive, shoot us an email and we'll come up with some car-pooling.

August 28 is "Amateur Caller Night". Get with Nasser to choose your music and start on your path to super-stardom.

Plus Class starts on September 11 at 5:15 pm, followed by the club dance from 7 to 9 pm. The Plus class is aimed at Experienced (Mainstream-level) dancers (including January Beginners). Plan to try it once, just to find out if you like it.

All upcoming Sundays at FunDancers are special in their own way:
- August 21 - "The Last Normal Dance For Quite a While"
- August 28 - Amateur Caller Night "It's Your Call"
- September 4 - no dance on holiday weekend
- September 11 - Internationally-known caller Jerry Jestin (and first night of Plus class)
- September 18 - Guest caller K O Jeanes (and second night of Plus Class)
- September 25 - Internationally-known caller Darryl Lipscomb (and third night of ... you get the idea)
- October 2 - "The First Normal Dance in Quite a While"
- October 9 - Internationally-known caller Johnny Preston
- October 16 - Internationally-known caller Mike Sikorsky
- October 23 - Internationally-known caller Nasser Shukayr (huh? Is this for real?)
- October 30 - National caller Mike Kelly

We look forward to seeing you at FunDancers on Sunday for a high-energy dance full of fun, friendship, exercise, music, smiles, teamwork, laughter, dancing, refreshments, and great memories!

FunDancers Root Beer Floats this Sunday August 14

2011-08-11T09:54:00.000-05:00

This Sunday August 14 is our Root Beer Floats special. Enjoy high-energy dancing, fun and friendship then cool off in style with a free frosty treat!

Dance schedule:
- 6:15 pm - Quick Review
- 7 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's

The quick review covers several calls, including calls you request.

Here is this week's hint on what to do if you're lost in a square:

Hint #5: Go With the Flow. Good callers tend to use choreography that flows. If you follow the body flow there is a decent chance that you're headed in roughly the right direction.

Lots of upcoming fun at FunDancers!

Advanced Dancing started yesterday (Wednesday) at a "secret location". It's secret because we have not yet decided on a permanent location. It was definitely fun, thanks to a great group of people. We always review last weeks calls so new people can still join on Wednesday. Call or email Nasser to find out the location. If you'd like to dance beyond Plus, or if you're just curious about Advanced, give it a try.

August 28 is "Amateur Caller Night". It's your chance to call for the best dancers in Texas and/or lead a line dance. Get with Nasser to choose your song. We already have several callers lined up but there's always room for more. The applause from your friends will be deafening. It will be fun and memorable.

Plus Class starts on September 11.

Beginner Dances start on January 8. Please talk it up among your friends. Square and line dancing make a fantastic New Year's Resolution. The resolution is easy to keep because it's so much fun.

We look forward to seeing you at FunDancers fun-tastic Root Beer Float special this Sunday!

FunDancers tomorrow (Sunday August 7)

2011-08-06T14:45:00.000-05:00

The fun continues at FunDancers throughout August:
- 6:15 pm - Quick Review
- 7 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - informal gathering at Chuy's in Selma

The quick review will cover several calls. You can even request a review of a call you choose. Just let the caller know.

= = =

Here is this week's hint on what to do if you're lost in a square:
Hint #4: Use Recovery Strategies. There are some easy tricks that might help you recover your position even if you have no idea what just transpired. The first one of these is "Look for the hole". If you're the only one who is at sea, there is usually a hole somewhere in the formation, conspicuous by your absence.
You can review hints 1 thru 3 at the FunDancers "newsroom". Go to the homepage (fundancers.org), find the block in the upper right of the screen (hint: it's yellow) and click on "newsroom".

= = =

Lots of upcoming fun at FunDancers!

Advanced Dancing begins this Wednesday, August 10 at a "secret location". It's secret because we have not yet decided where it will be. To find out the exact time and location, email or phone Nasser. If you're looking for dancing beyond Plus, or if you're just curious to try something different, give Advanced a try.

August 14 is our first-ever Root Beer Floats special! Cool off in style with free Root Beer Floats!

August 28 is "Amateur Caller Night". It's your chance to call for the group or lead a line dance (or both). Get with Nasser before the event (the sooner the better) to choose your song. All your friends will be cheering for ya'. It will be fun and memorable.

Plus Class starts next month (September 11) at 5:15 pm and runs for 12 weeks.

A brand-new beginner group starts in January 2012. Please talk it up among your friends. Square and line dancing make a great New Year's Resolution for people who want to get out more, exercise more, meet more friends, etc. The resolution is so easy to keep because it's so much fun.

We look forward to seeing you at FunDancers on Sunday for fun, friendship, exercise, music, smiles, teamwork, laughter, dancing, refreshments, and great memories!

Sunday Funday July 31 at Fundancers

2011-07-29T15:31:00.000-05:00

Wanna have fun? Wanna be with friends? Wanna good physical and mental workout? Wanna enjoy music, smiles, laughter, dancing, refreshments, teamwork, etc?

Get 'er done at FunDancers this Sunday!
- 6:15 pm - Quick Review
- 7 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's in Selma

All dancers (new, experienced, in between) are welcome at the Quick Review at 6:15 pm. You can even request that we review a call of your choice.

Here is this week's hint on what to do if you're lost in a square:

Hint #3: Let people know you're in trouble. Don't force the other dancers in the square to read your mind if you have a problem with a call. Do or say something to let them know. There should be a significant difference in your demeanor that demarks the "I'm in deep trouble" state from the "I know what I'm doing" state. I usually just say "Help, I'm lost". It's kind of boring but it gets the job done. As a corollary to this, keep your eyes open for help that is being offered. Don't expect someone to escort you to your position and tuck you in. You have to cooperate and be receptive.

Lots of upcoming fun at FunDancers!

August 14 is our first-ever Root Beer Floats special! Did you know that a Root Beer Float can help you lose weight? It's a mathematical fact. Dancing burns 200 to 400 calories per hour. A root beer float is only 290 calories. Therefore, after dancing at FunDancers, a root beer float is actually NEGATIVE calories. Enjoy a frosty guiltless pleasure on August 14.

Wanna know how to make four minutes seem like forever? August 28 is "Amateur Caller night". It's your chance to call for the group. Call your favorite song or just do a little patter. It'll be fun. Get with Nasser to pick your music. Choose your favorite song before someone else gets it. Do it sooner rather than later, to give you more time to practice for the event.

Advanced Dancing is a Happening Thing in August! Intro to Advanced will be on four Wednesdays in August starting August 10. To find out the exact time and location, email or phone Nasser. If you're good at Plus and if you're looking for something beyond, you might enjoy Advanced. Come try it. If you don't have fun, or if you can't keep up, just drop out. :) At least you'll be able to tell people that you tried it once.

A brand-new beginner group starts just after the New Year. A Plus Class starts just after Labor Day.

Happy dancing! We'll see you on Funday ... oops, I meant ... Sunday!

Big Fun at FunDancers on Sunday

2011-07-22T18:55:00.001-05:00

Big thanks to all for making last Sunday so much fun at Fundancers! Let's do it again this coming Sunday!

Details: fun, friends, mega-calorie burn, lively music, square dancing, line dancing, mental engagement, socializing, jokes, laughter, meet new people, excellent refreshments, and just a general all-round party atmosphere!

Schedule:
- 6:15 pm - Quick Review
- 7 pm - Club Dance
- 9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's in Selma

All dancers (new, experienced, in between) are welcome at the Quick Review. You can even request that we review a call of your choice.

An extra big thank-you to all the FunDancers who successfully captured the banner from Wheels N Deals in San Marcos last night. We eagerly welcome their banner retrieval visit.

While we're in "thank you" mode, let's give a huge "THANK YOU" to the FunDancers board members. They freely give their time to meet and plan the club's activities. Clearly, a super club (FunDancers) has a super board as well. Hurray!

A Canadian caller recently wrote some hints about "what to do if you're lost in a square". We're covering one hint per week. This week's hint:

Don't Panic! As is the case with most pressure situations, dithering about in a panic when the square starts to look strange will accomplish nothing. Instead, concentrate, examine the formation, recite the rule of the call, and force yourself to think.

Plan ahead at FunDancers:

August 14 is our first-ever Root Beer Floats special! Although we don't actually need an extra incentive to enjoy Fundancers on a Sunday, August 14 is extra-special. Everyone (past, present or future ... FunDancer or guest) gets a free root beer float. How cool is THAT?

August 28 is "Amateur Caller night". Anyone who wants to call a tip (or half a tip) will get a chance. Get with Nasser to choose your music and to get some hints on how to practice for your big moment. It will be fun and memorable for sure!

The next Plus Class starts September 11 and lasts 12 weeks. Plus will be from 5 to 7 pm followed by the regular club dance from 7 to 9 pm. We will also have a super-duper bargain deal for those who want to dance both sessions (4 hours, 5 to 9 pm). It'll be great practice for weekends and conventions and marathons.

A new Advanced Group starts soon on Wednesday nights. If you are interested in Advanced, please let Nasser know.

The next Beginner group starts January 8, 2012 with a Free Beginner Party.

The website fundancers.org has the latest club info. DanceWithSam.com has info about dancing all over the region.

We hope to see you at FunDancers this Sunday, July 24 for fun, fitness, friendship and family values!

Fun at FunDancers on July 17

2011-07-15T03:54:00.001-05:00

WOW, what an excellent fun time we had at FunDancers last Sunday! Let's do it again this Sunday!

Details: be with friends, burn about 800 calories during a very enjoyable workout, have fun, listen to lively music, square dance, line dance, keep our minds sharp, socialize, laugh, meet new friends, enjoy excellent refreshments, and celebrate the good fun people in our lives ... all at the same time.

Schedule:
6:15 pm - Quick Review
7 pm - Club Dance
9:15 pm - afterparty at Chuy's in Selma

The Quick Review is mainly for newer dancers but all are welcome. You can even request that we review a call of your choice (one request per person). Send your request by email and/or let the caller know before a tip begins.

A Canadian caller recently wrote some rules about "what to do if you're lost in a square". Of course FunDancers will NEVER need this advice, right? But just in case, we'll try to cover one hint per week. This week's entry:

Hint #1 Admit When You Need Help. Everybody needs help sometime. If you're confused or unsure, ask for help. You will usually find that those you ask are more than willing to provide it.

Plan ahead at FunDancers - The next Beginner group starts January 8. Plus Class starts September 11. A new Advanced Group starts "soon" on a weeknight. If you are interested in Advanced, please let us know which nights work best for you.

The website fundancers.org has the latest club info. DanceWithSam.com has info about dancing all over the region.

We hope to see you at FunDancers this Sunday, July 17 for fun, fitness, friendship and family values!

Sunday July 10: Quick Review at 6:15 pm, Club dance at 7 pm

2011-07-06T14:42:00.000-05:00

Here's a fantastic idea. Please listen to the ENTIRE idea before you decide how wonderful it is.

Here's the idea: let's all get together at FunDancers on Sunday July 10 to be with friends, burn about 800 calories in an enjoyable workout, have a lot of fun, hear lively music, square dance, line dance, keep our minds sharp, socialize, laugh, listen to some great jokes (well, kinda), enjoy excellent refreshments, and celebrate the fun things in life. Let's meet at Schertz Community Center North, 3501 Morning Drive (the usual FunDancers location) from 7 to 9 pm. Let's go to Chuy's in Selma afterwards.

Okay, now that you have heard the entire idea, you can go ahead and admit how wonderful it is. :)

We will have a "Quick Review" each Sunday in July from 6:15 to 7 pm. It's mainly for newer dancers but everyone is welcome. We'll go over a few calls which are known trouble-makers. You can even request that we look at one call of your choice (one request per person for now). Send your request by email and/or by letting the caller know beforehand.

The Quick Review is free of charge! However, some people have requested the option to pay extra for the extra floor time. We are happy to oblige. Donations for the Quick Review are accepted at the door, but again, there is no charge for the Quick Review from 6:15 to 7 pm.

Summer vacation schedules can make it a challenge to be at FunDancers each week. Your dancing skills can become rusty. It gets worse: it could actually seem like the caller is MUMBLING even though he's speaking clearly. We realize this and we want to help. That's why we offer the Quick Review at 6:15 pm, to help keep you sharp and up to date. It's also fun (because the fun people are there).

Beginners start January 8. Plus Class starts September 11. Advanced Group starts "sometime soon". Please let us know if you're interested in Advanced, as we need to find a weeknight and a location based on how many people are interested.

The website FunDancers.org has the latest club info. DanceWithSam.com has mucho info about dancing all over.

We hope to see you at FunDancers this Sunday, July 10 for fun, fitness, friendship and family values!

FunDancers on July 3rd and beyond

2011-06-29T21:18:00.000-05:00

FunDancers is closed this Sunday (July 3) due to the holiday. Nasser and Jeanna will be back on Sunday, July 10.

We recognize that people are often out of town during summer. It's hard to come to FunDancers when you're out of town! That's why we do not teach classes during summer. Instead, we just dance and have fun with what we already know. You won't fall behind during the summer because the group does not move forward during the summer. So please come dance with us whenever you're in town during the summer, even if you've been out for a while. You'll fit right in.

In September and beyond we will offer several fun learning courses.

A brand-new Beginner Dance Series starts in January 2012. Square and line dancing are fun, friendly, wonderful activities. We're always looking for good fun people, so please talk it up among your non-dancing friends. The January thru May schedule will be Beginners at 5 pm followed by Club Dance at 7 pm.

The next program after Beginners (Mainstream) is "Plus". Plus includes about 30 calls and takes about 12 weeks to learn (and a lifetime to master). :) At FunDancers we dance two Plus tips (usually the 2nd and 5th tip) at each club dance. We will start a Plus class in September 2011. The September thru December schedule will be Plus class at 5 pm followed by Club Dance at 7 pm.

The next program after Plus is "Advanced". Advanced One (A-1) includes about 45 calls and takes about 14 weeks to learn (and forever to master). :) Nasser and Jeanna will start an Advanced class on a different (midweek) night, "sometime this year". If you are proficient at Plus then you might be interested in Advanced. We'll decide the day of week, start date and location for Advanced based on the preferences of those who are interested. If you're interested in a separate mid-week Advanced group, please reply by email and/or phone 956.622.0557 and/or let us know in person at FunDancers. We intend for the new Advanced group to supplement, rather than replace, your FunDancers experience on Sunday.

Nasser and Jeanna will call at FunDancers every week in July and August (except no dance on July 3). We hope you enjoy "coasting" (just dancing for Fun, Fitness, Friendship and Family Values) this summer from 7 to 9 pm each Sunday. We look forward to many pleasant summer evenings with friends.

FunDancers welcomes Darryl Lipscomb on June 26

2011-06-21T11:51:00.000-05:00

It's fun to dance to different callers. Experience the fun this Sunday (June 26) when Darryl Lipscomb, an internationally known caller from Dallas and McAllen, visits FunDancers. Nasser and Jeanna have danced to Darryl Lipscomb many times so we know you'll enjoy him and his lovely wife Decah. His calls are interesting and challenging yet very smooth and flowing. He's a top pro caller. Let's show Darryl and Decah a warm FunDancers welcome!

The dance is from 7 to 9 pm. The level of dance is Mainstream with two "Announced Plus" tips and with line dancing between tips.

Here's something new. Let's talk about a different benefit of square dancing each week. This week's focus is "exercise". During a typical 2-hour dance you'll walk over 2 miles while burning 800 to 1600 calories. In addition to the calories burned, dancing improves many things such as circulation, metabolism, stamina, balance, blood pressure, mental acuity, cognition, muscle tone, etc. It improves one more thing which escapes me at the moment. Oh yes, now I remember, it improves memory. Dancing is a complete workout which does not feel like work because it's so much fun. No wonder people all over the world love this superb recreation.

Here's a quick look at upcoming weeks. FunDancers will be dark (no dance) on July 3. On July 10, Nasser and Jeanna return with a Quick Review session (6:15 to 7 pm, free of charge) prior to the dance (7 to 9 pm).

We continue to appreciate one and all for the tremendous fun, friendship and enthusiasm you bring to the group on Sundays!

FunDancers on Fathers Day (June 19)

2011-06-16T01:02:00.000-05:00

FunDancers -WILL- dance on Father's Day (June 19) from 7 to 9 pm. It will be a normal square dance (Mainstream with announced Plus) with line dances between tips.

Big Congratulations to the former January Beginners who are now Experienced Dancers! Although some are a little hesitant, all are excellent dancers who will improve even more as they gain experience and confidence during the upcoming weeks. We appreciate your enthusiasm and we eagerly look forward to dancing with you.

Big thanks to all who helped make last Sunday's special party so wonderful and memorable! The new dancers gave their instructor a very nice card and gift. It is much appreciated and will be long remembered!

Big thanks to all who came to the Quick Review this past Sunday at 6:15 pm. We'll have another Quick Review (45 minutes prior to the dance) on July 10. See the website (fundancers dot org) and/or stay tuned for details.

Hip Hip Hurray for Fun, Fitness, Friendship and FunDancers!

Come Celebrate New FunDancers on Sunday June 12

2011-06-07T14:39:00.003-05:00

FunDancers will visit Wheels & Deals in San Marcos this coming Thursday (June 9). If you can be there, great! If not, don't worry: we'll do more visitations in the future. Location is Dunbar Center (801 Martin Luther King Dr) in San Marcos. Dance time is 7:30 to 9:30 pm. See DanceWithSam.com for details about this or any other square and/or line dance club in the region.

FunDancers Schedule for this Sunday June 12:
- 6:15 to 7 pm - Quick Review
- 7 to 9 pm - Club Dance, "A Big Welcome to New FunDancers"
- 9:15 pm until - afterparty at Chuy's

Several nice people have asked for extra Review sessions. We aim to please. By popular demand we will have occasional (once or twice a month) Quick Reviews for 45 minutes before the dance. The very first one is this coming Sunday at 6:15 pm. We'll review some calls which have been known to cause problems. You can even request that we look at a call of your own choosing. It will be fun, guaranteed. Because the Quick Review is free of charge, we can guarantee that if you don't have fun, we'll give you a refund. :)

Speaking of freebies, the dance this coming Sunday is a FREE celebration. We eagerly welcome the January Beginners as Experienced Dancers. It is an important milestone. I might (I said might) even get all gussied up in the fancy calling gear in honor of the occasion.

It's normal for new dancers to feel apprehensive about joining the Big Leagues. Take comfort in the fact that every experienced dancer was once new. Some of them can even remember being new. :) We want everyone to feel welcome. FunDancers is much more than just dancing. Together we have created a wonderful atmosphere of Fun, Fitness, Friendship and Family Values. Each person adds something unique and valuable to the festive ambience. We treasure each participant.

We hope to see you on Sunday. Let's celebrate!

Clothes Closet and January Beginner wrap-up on June 5 at FunDancers

2011-06-01T06:26:00.000-05:00

This Sunday June 5 is the very last January Beginner Session.
- 5:15 to 7:35 pm - January Beginners
- 7 to 9 pm - Experienced
- 9:15 pm until - afterparty at Chuy's

We will all dance together in one Experienced Dancer group starting June 12.

I have Good News and Bad News. The Good News is that our little FunDancers group is now on solid financial footing. We finally found the needed funds to operate all summer long. The Bad News is that these funds are still floating around out there, in the pockets of everyone who has not yet joined or renewed their membership. You KNOW who you ARE.

Hey hey, just kidding! You are cordially invited to join the club or renew for the upcoming quarter. There's even a special deal for little younggins. If you have kids in school living at home, please ask about the deal. The deal is almost (I said almost) good enough to make you want to gather up all the neighborhood younggins and bring 'em to FunDancers.

Over the long run, members pay less per week while helping the club. Little clubs definitely appreciate members! No matter which option you choose ... become a member or pay each week ... you will be warmly welcomed at FunDancers. We hope to dance and have fun with everyone, as many times as we can, this summer and beyond.

The "Clothes Closet" (square and line dance gear) will be available again this Sunday for the last time in 2011. At FunDancers you can dress up, or down ... your choice. Some area clubs encourage formal attire, which is why we make it available at such a bargain (nothing over $10).

Sunday is Fun-Day at FunDancers. We look forward to dancing with you!

The next FunDancers dance is Sunday, June 5th

2011-05-26T20:28:00.000-05:00

FunDancers is closed this Sunday, May 29 due to Memorial Day weekend. We'll be back the following Sunday, June 5. We hope to see you then.

June 5 is the very last January Beginner session. We are exceptionally proud of our extraordinary January Beginners. They are fun friendly people who also dance well. They have now been introduced to the most common usages of each call. We recognize and expect that January Beginners are not as proficient as those who have danced for years. The new dancers will rapidly gain confidence and proficiency as they dance this summer and beyond.

Line and square dancing offer unlimited fun and endless variety. We learn new line dances regularly. (We learned two new dances last week.) Likewise, we constantly explore various angles in square dancing. The last beginner session on June 5 is certainly not "The End" of learning. Instead, it's the beginning of a new and wonderful journey.

The "Clothes Closet" will be available once again on Sunday, June 5. The FunDancers club has never had a dress code but some area events do encourage formal attire. That's why we make it available at unbelievably low prices (nothing over $10). It's for a good cause: the proceeds help defray the club's operating expenses. So come out and enjoy "Clothes Closet" and also our final January Beginner session on Sunday, June 5.

Thanks to YOU, the ambience is wonderful, fun and friendly at FunDancers. Every participant brings something unique and special to the overall atmosphere. We appreciate one and all.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend and we will see you on Sundays in June!

Clothes Closet this coming Sunday May 22

2011-05-18T00:44:00.000-05:00

Sunday May 22:
- 5:15 to 7:35 pm - January Beginners
- 7 to 9 pm - Experienced
- 9:15 pm until - afterparty at Chuy's

FunDancers will not dance on May 29 (Memorial Day weekend) so we do hope to see everyone this coming Sunday May 22.

We're down to the final two January Beginner sessions! Didja think they would never end? :) Starting June 12, we'll all dance together from 7 to 9 pm. In the meantime we invite January Beginners to dance with the experienced group until 7:30 pm.

Also this coming Sunday May 22 is our second-ever "Clothes Closet". The dress code at FunDancers is always "wear what you like" but some area events do encourage "proper square dance attire". To help people get gussied up for a formal dance, square dance gear will be available at super bargain prices this Sunday. Sale proceeds benefit the club. If you're interested in bargains you just won't believe, come out and take a look. If you have new or gently used square or line dance gear to sell or give away, bring it. Again, "proper square dance attire" is NEVER required at ANY FunDancers event (but it is also never out of place).

A special dance opportunity happens this coming weekend. Nasser will call for the "Camping Squares". The club welcomes guests. Some of the Camping Squares are also FunDancers. This dance is unique because it's the end of an era. In order to give other callers more chances to call locally, this coming weekend is the very last time that Nasser will call a club dance (other than FunDancers) in the local area (within 75 miles of Schertz). See DanceWithSam.com for event info. Here are the basics:
- Dates - Friday May 20 and Saturday May 21
- Time - Squares from 8 to 10 pm both nights. Pre-rounds at 7:30 pm Saturday.
- Location - Stone Creek RV Park, I-35 exit 177, Southbound Service Road

We wish you Happy Dancing during the Merry Month of May and beyond!

FunDancers on Sunday May 15

2011-05-12T07:58:00.000-05:00

We will dance with the usual schedule:
- 5:15 to 7:35 pm - January Beginners
- 7 to 9 pm - Experienced
- 9:15 pm until - afterparty at Chuy's

We're down to the final three January Beginner sessions! Starting June 12, we'll all be one big happy family. Actually, we're -already- one big happy family but in June we'll be one big happy family dancing together at the same time.

We invite January Beginners to dance the first two tips (until about 7:35 pm) with the Experienced group. You might as well get used to the later dance time (7 to 9 pm) which kicks in next month.

We fully recognize and expect that newer dancers are not as accomplished as those who have danced for decades. Everyone was a new dancer, once upon a time. We improve with experience. The videos and animations from the Progress Chart at FunDancers.org can help a lot. Perhaps the best and easiest way to master the moves is to help angel the next beginner group!

It's GREAT to be a newer dancer! Only newer dancers can say to other people in your square, "Hey, I'm NEW ... what's YOUR excuse?". :)

Hopefully all January Beginners received an email from the club president inviting you to join the club, therefore that info is not repeated here. If you did not receive it, please holler (or go to FunDancers.org, click on 'Newsroom' and scroll to May 10th). We want to make sure that everyone feels welcome and appreciated and wanted and valuable and respected and well-liked, etc.

Square dancing is so much more than just dancing. It's friendship, teamwork, entertainment, exercise, fun, smiles, laughter, family values and more. (It's also "bad jokes" if you don't square up quickly.) We are very grateful for each and every person, because everyone adds something unique and wonderful to the overall mix. Thanks so much for being a FunDancer!

Nearly There! Yey, FunDancers! (from Fay, club president)

2011-05-12T03:27:00.000-05:00

We have so enjoyed your Beginners' Group! You have almost made it through the Beginners' Dances and learned all those moves! We are thrilled, and we congratulate you! That's a great achievement and investment!

We hope you've enjoyed dancing with us, and hope you will keep on dancing for as long as you can walk! It's certainly the most fun exercise and social activity that Ken and I have ever experienced.

You are warmly invited and encouraged to become fully-fledged members of FunDancers! Our dues are paid every quarter and are $40 a person. That is about the same amount as the Beginners' Group. (Visitors pay $5 at the door each week). Dues for students who are still in full time education, are half price. Badges are $9-10 dollars each, dependent on whether you would like a magnet or pin closure. This is a 'hard badge' and is internationally recognized. It shows you have graduated from a recognized series of Beginner lessons. Donna Wiley will have membership forms next week, or she can send you a form to complete online. We would like to have paperwork completed and badges ready for you on June 12.

Here's how our calendar is looking as we count down!
- May 15: Dance at 5:00
- May 22: Dance at 5:00 Square dance clothes will be available at bargain prices. (Nothing more than $10)
- May 29: Dark for Memorial Day
- June 5: Last time at 5:00!!!!! Square dance clothes will be available at bargain prices.
- June 12: Free Graduation Celebration Dance to welcome you as fully-fledged dancers! 7-9:00 pm

Nasser Shukayr is an outstanding caller of international renown. As you dance more and more, I know you will appreciate more and more the skill and energy that he puts into his teaching and calling every single week.

The countdown is on! See you next week!

Fay (and Ken!)

Please read notes below!

PS: For those who have missed quite a few weeks:

If you have missed more than 3-4 Beginners' Dances, you are probably struggling, and probably need to take another round of Beginner Dances. We have your attendance record. Talk to us about how you feel you are coping! We are not having another Beginners group until next January, but can advise you about a class to go to in September. Don't give up! You have put so much time and effort in already! The pay-off is great! Talk to us! We have all been at the stage you are now, and we REALLY want you to be successful! You will not be the first to be in this position!

For the sake of other dancers, you should not be wearing a 'hard badge' until you have learned all the moves. But remember, that applies to those who have missed more than about 3-4 weeks and therefore not been taught those moves.

We do all make mistakes even if we have been to all the Beginner Dances, but that gets better with practice!!

FunDancers on Mothers Day (May 8)

2011-05-04T00:03:00.001-05:00

FunDancers will dance on May 8 (Mothers Day) at the regular time:
5:15 to 7:35 pm - January Beginners
7 to 9 pm - Experienced
9:15 pm until - afterparty at Chuy's

Because it's Mudder's Day, the evening will feature songs about ... who else? ... Mudder.

We invite January Beginners to dance the first two tips (until about 7:35 pm) with the Experienced group. January Beginners are dancing amazingly well! Even if they temporarily forget a move (as we all do on occasion), they know how to look for an empty spot and jump into it. Just like the Energizer Bunny, they keep going and going and going.

It's fun to visit neighboring clubs. January beginners will feel especially welcome at New Braunfels Squares on Fridays because their beginner group is at almost the same level as ours. Wheel N Deals club in San Marcos dances on Thursdays and they warmly welcome newer dancers. Come 'N Take It in Gonzales dances on Mondays. Their beginner group started a few months after ours, which means it's a great way to review what you shoulda learned two months ago. :) Gonzales will have a beginner Halfway Dance party (FREE admission) on Monday May 16.

Check out DanceWithSam.com ... which by the way is run by FunDancers Sam and Sue ... for more details about clubs and events in the region.

The Beginner Progress chart at FunDancers.org is up to date. It's usually updated on Sunday night, a scant few hours after each call is taught, usually before your sweet little head hits your soft silky pillow and you drift off into slumber land. If you ever wake up in the middle of the night worrying about a new call you just learned, you can review it online then get more beauty sleep. We are NOT responsible for the army of admirers you're sure to attract after getting so much beauty sleep.

We're Bloggers! FunDancers.org now has a blog. In the top right block ("Upcoming Special Events") click on "Newsroom". Whose gonna be the first subscriber to the RSS feed? :) Right now the blog contains only these weekly missives. We can easily add other content such as photos, poems you wrote, essays in loving tribute to your club caller, pictures your kids drew with crayons, etc. Send it and I'll post it. You can also comment on any item. Blog away!

In June we will gradually blend the two groups (Beginners and Experienced) into one. We want to keep the Experienced dancers well entertained but we also want the Beginners to have a great time. One thing's certain: the best way to become an excellent dancer is to dance with other excellent dancers. FunDancers is definitely the right place to dance with excellence because our Experienced dancers are the cream of the crop (as are our Beginners). Our club is richly blessed with nice friendly warm welcoming people at all experience levels. We'll have a lot of fun when the two groups merge in June.

Stay tuned for various special events throughout the summer.

It takes a passel of people to produce a proper party each week ... and we appreciate one and all! Each person adds something special to the overall mix. Thanks so much for making FunDancers a great place to gather on Sunday evenings for Fun, Fitness and Friendship!

Sunday May 1 at FunDancers

2011-04-27T14:52:00.000-05:00

Did you enjoy your Easter holiday? Are you ready to enjoy the Fun, Fitness, Friendship and Family Values of FunDancers this coming Sunday? Hip Hip Hurray, just four more days!

Schedule for Sunday May 1:
- 5:15 to 7:15 pm - January Beginners
- 7 to 9 pm - Experienced
- 9:15 pm until - afterparty at Chuy's
The Usual Suspects (Nasser and Jeanna) lead the square dancing each week in May.

Did you know that dancing burns 400 or more calories per hour? You get a good workout while having big fun with good friends ... now THAT's great news!

Check out the Beginner progress chart on fundancers.org. It has video (live dancers) and two different animations. Animation-1 is from California while Animation-2 is from Germany. The resources can help you learn or review the calls. I think the German animations are the most useful while the California animations are the most complete. What's your opinion?

January beginners will soon be dancing Experienced level. The two groups are already acquainted with each other. For several weeks, we have all danced together during the first tip after 7 pm. Also, many Experienced dancers show up early and dance with Beginners before 7 pm. So the two groups are already friends. :)

We will gradually blend the two groups into one Experienced group, dancing 7 to 9 pm starting in June. We'll do everything possible to help all Beginners enjoy a smooth, easy, pleasant, comfortable, gradual transition to Experienced.

The best way to become extremely confident is to invite someone new and serve as their "angel" during the next Beginner Dance Series in autumn. Helping others learn will solidify your own knowledge. Besides, it's very satisfying to know more than a newcomer knows. :) In the eyes of a newcomer, you're some kind of Awesome Dance Expert. If you know any good fun people who might enjoy a very entertaining way to burn 800 calories, please talk up FunDancers to them.

Big thanks to all the beginners who make each Sunday so wonderful, and also to the Experienced dancers whose expertise helps elevate the entire group to excellence. We just can't wait until Sunday hurries up and gets here. We hope to see you at Fundancers!

FunDancers does not meet on Easter Sunday

2011-04-21T01:32:00.001-05:00

Are you ready for a well-deserved break from FunDancers? You get your wish because FunDancers is closed this Sunday, April 24 for Easter. We'll be back in full force the following Sunday, May 1.

The January Beginner chart at fundancers.org is up-to-date. It shows calls we're supposed to know and calls we are learning. It includes links to video and (now, two different) animated representations. Animation-1 is "Taminations" from California. Animation-2, which is not quite yet loaded for every call, is from Germany. Check out both. Please let me know which resource is most useful to you.

January Beginner sessions continue throughout May. Eventually, the beginners will be comfortable dancing Experienced (international Mainstream) level. The transition from "dance with Beginners" to "dance with Experienced" can be scary and/or traumatic. We will do everything possible to help you make a smooth, easy and pleasant transition to Experienced.

The best way to gain -extreme- confidence is to bring someone new and help "angel" them throughout the next Beginner group. Helping others learn is a great way to enhance our own learning! Besides, it can be fun when you know infinitely more than your newbie friends. :) :)

FunDancers is a wonderful group because of the wonderful people who have a great time doing a fantastic activity. Each person adds something unique to the overall mix. Thanks so much for being part of the fun, fitness, friendship and family values at FunDancers. From brand-new beginner to expert, we look forward to dancing with you on Sundays in May!

Happy Easter!

Sunday April 17 - Spring Fling Party at FunDancers

2011-04-14T18:42:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a good fun dance at FunDancers in April? Because we're closed on Easter, this coming Sunday April 17 is the very last time you can ever dance at FunDancers in the month of April 2011! It's also our Spring Fling party, so come on out and expect some pleasant surprises.

Sneak preview of one of the surprises: The Entertainment Book is chock-full of hundreds of coupons and discounts. Somebody will win one this Sunday, April 17.

Schedule:
- January beginners - 5:15 to 7:15 pm
- Experienced - 7 to 9 pm
Lines alternate with Squares all evening

The January Beginner progress chart is up-to-date with the results of Jerry Lynn's teaching last Sunday. Find it at fundancers dot org then find Beginners then click on Progress Chart. This valuable resource can help you learn and review the moves. Even so, the internet will never replace human interaction. If you have questions about any call, please ask in person on Sunday.

This coming Friday, April 15, the New Braunfels club has a "graduation dance" for their first-ever beginner group. For more info, pick up a flyer on Sunday at FunDancers, or go to DanceWithSam dot com and click around until you find the info. :)

Although FunDancers is closed on Easter Sunday, Nasser will still call a dance somewhere on that date. Good news: show your FunDancers badge and you get in FREE. Bad news: it's in Hawaii. Wow, who'd have ever thought that going to Hawaii could end up as Bad News?

Thanks so much for being part of the fun, fitness, friendship and family values at FunDancers. Our fun group is an important local part of the worldwide square and line dance activity. From beginner to expert, we look forward to dancing with you on Sunday!

Guest Caller - Jerry Lynn - this Sunday April 10

2011-04-07T10:26:00.000-05:00

Big thanks to the FunDancers who helped with the April 5 Demo at Texas State University. Those college kids will be talking for months about how much fun they had!

Do you ever get tired of the same old dance leaders on Sunday? If so, you're in luck. Nasser and Jeanna call in Oregon this weekend which means a guest caller at FunDancers. On April 10 please help welcome Jerry Lynn, a super-fine caller/instructor from Killeen.

- January Beginners - 5:15 to 7:15 pm
- Experienced - 7 to 9 pm
Lines and Squares alternate continuously

The January Beginner progress chart is online at FunDancers dot org then look for 'Beginners' then click on 'progress chart'. The internet resources can help you learn and review the moves. If you have questions about any call, bring your questions on Sunday and ask the instructor who will gladly tell you far more than you wanna know.

Upcoming events:
- April 15 - Friday - New Braunfels Squares graduation dance, celebrating their first-ever beginner group.
- April 17 - Sunday - FunDancers Spring Fling party. Expect the unexpected, like maybe a prize give-a-way, or Nasser's grown kids showing up from out of town, or both.

We appreciate and enjoy the fun and friendship each FunDancer brings! Thank you for helping to make Sundays such Fun-Days!

Demo on Tuesday April 5 at Texas State University in San Marcos

2011-03-31T22:35:00.003-05:00

FunDancers are invited to participate in a demo dance at Texas State University in San Marcos this coming Tuesday, April 5.

Alas, it's the same night as Waterloo Squares Anniversary in South Austin. If you were planning (or just thinking about) going to Waterloos anniversary dance, please go to South Austin on April 5. Their guest caller (Wayne Morvent) is fantastic ... and was Nasser's mentor for many years. However, if you have no Tuesday night plans, or if you're not yet an Experienced Dancer, or if you long to be part of unique fun (and FREE) excitement which can help square dancing grow, please consider yourself personally invited to the San Marcos demo on Tuesday April 5 starting at 7 pm.

The demo is suitable for everyone, from brand-new beginner to accomplished pro. Our timeslot will last about 45 minutes and will include a short demo of some very basic moves followed by audience participation with the college students.

The location is on campus at Sewell Park (near the intersection of Aquarena Springs Drive and University Drive). Maps and more info are easily found online from either Google or Wikipedia (search for "Sewell Park in San Marcos").

The message below is from Gary & Gini AAlen, presidents of the San Marcos Wheels & Deals club, super-fun people and frequent visitors to FunDancers:

"Greetings Area Square Dancers ~ We have been saying how great it would be to get more local college students interested in square dancing, and now's our opportunity! We've been asked to give an exhibition/intro dance next week at Sewell Park next to the river on the Texas State campus. Nasser has graciously agreed to call and this should be a blast! Expected are several hundred students to listen to various vocal artists that night, but the organizers also wanted something with some audience participation. So, we'll do a couple of fun tips and then invite the students to join us for a couple of intro tips. Dress will be ultra casual, and we're looking for at least a couple of squares of area dancers. So, pls plan on it and it'd be great if you could rsvp to let me know if you can make so we know who to expect. Pls contact me with any questions by email gngaalen@aol.com or at 512.392.4101. Thanks so much... see you at the river next Tuesday! = Gary Aalen and Nasser Shukayr."

If you would like to participate, please RSVP to Gary or simply reply to this email and I'll forward your RSVP to Gary.

With appreciation,

FunDancers: the Usual Suspects this Sunday April 3

2011-03-31T15:02:00.000-05:00

Dance to the usual suspects this Sunday (April 3) at FunDancers:

- January Beginners - 5:15 to 7:15 pm
- Experienced - 7 to 9 pm
- Lines and Squares alternate continuously
- Informal afterparty at Chuy's (I-35 exit 173) - 9:15 pm

FunDancers is a fantastic place for fun, friendship, fitness and family values. Thanks again for your kind patronage which allows FunDancers to exist!

Beginners Halfway Dance this Sunday, March 27

2011-03-24T01:53:00.000-05:00

Big thanks to all who made last week's Randy Dougherty event so special. Good people (i.e. FunDancers) working together can accomplish amazing things ... like hosting special dances with the world's top callers.

We're on a roll, so let's do another special event this Sunday March 27. It's our Beginner Halfway Dance Party. January beginners are actually -more- than halfway to the Experienced dancer level. Let's celebrate!

Schedule:
- January Beginners Halfway Dance - 5:15 to 7:15 pm
- Experienced - 7 to 9 pm
- Line and Squares alternate continuously.

We invite dancers from neighboring clubs to the Beginner Halfway Dance as our guests, free of charge. What a deal!

You are also welcome to invite friends and relatives to check out your awesome moves and/or to try a free 10-minute sample of beginner dancing at 6 pm. Caution: nobody should even attempt the free sample unless the instructor happens to be experienced, licensed, capable, entertaining, accredited and insured. Fortunately, the instructor at FunDancers is all those things, so please tell your friends that's it's perfectly safe to try the free sample of dancing.

Do you keep track of the Beginner Progress Chart on the Fundancers dot Org website? It's usually updated late Sunday night so that you'll have the latest January Beginner info by Monday morning. Check it out! Also check out DanceWithSam dot com to find other dances in the region, such as today (Thursday March 24) when Nasser calls for the Wheels N Deals in San Marcos.

We look forward to seeing you at some or all of Sunday's festivities: Beginners Halfway Dance at 5:15 pm (including a free sample for brand-newbies at 6 pm), Experienced dancing at 7 pm, afterparty at Chuy's starting about 9:15 pm.

Hurray for Fun, Fitness, Friendship, Family Values and FunDancers!

FunDancers welcomes guest caller Randy Dougherty this Sunday

2011-03-17T14:07:00.002-05:00

Last week's Fast Forward beginner special was quite memorable! Thanks to all the wonderful marathoners who made this first-ever event so much fun.

Another first-ever event happens this Sunday March 20. Please help welcome guest caller Randy Dougherty to his first-ever appearance at FunDancers. Randy is one of the world's top callers and this Sunday is his only San Antonio area appearance. Be sure to ask for the Eskimo song!

It's the normal Sunday schedule:

January beginners - 5:15 to 7:15 pm

Experienced dancers - 7 to 9 pm

Line and Squares alternate continuously.

The beginner progress chart on the Fundancers.org website has a new feature. The most recently taught calls are in bold. Check it out.

Also check out DanceWithSam.com for other dance opportunities in the region. This fantastic site is run by Sam and Sue, founding members of FunDancers. Several nearby groups have beginner programs: Gonzales on Monday, South Austin on Thursday, New Braunfels on Friday. There are also many dance opportunities nearby for Experienced dancers.

The separate "newsletter from Nasser and Jeanna" goes out each month to thousands of dancers all over the world. Most FunDancers are subscribers. We sent this month's issue to all FunDancers, mainly to give Beginners a glimpse into the worldwide square dance activity. If you enjoyed the newsletter you may subscribe (or view past issues) at NShukayr.com.

Planning ahead, March 27 is FunDancers' Beginner Halfway Dance from 5:15 to 7:15 pm. In fact, January Beginners are MORE than halfway to the Experienced level. I previously wrote that the Halfway Dance is March 20, but the correct date is March 27. We'll have a dance: no instruction, all party. We'll invite beginners from neighboring clubs to enjoy FunDancers hospitality with us. You are welcome to invite non-dancing friends and relatives to check out all your awesome moves and to even try a free sample of dancing.

We treasure each Beginner and each Experienced dancer too. Every person adds something unique to the overall fun, vibrant and friendly atmosphere at FunDancers on Sunday! Thanks for being part of the specialness!

It's almost time for FunDancers

2011-03-12T11:17:00.000-06:00

Clocks are set forward one hour tonight (Daylight Savings Time), which is great news because it means one hour LESS waiting time until FunDancers on Sunday!

2:30 to 5:15 pm - Fast Forward for beginners
5:15 to 7:15 pm - January Beginners
7 to 9 pm - Experienced - St. Patricks Dance - Wearing O' The Green

Fast Forward and St Patrick's celebration this Sunday March 13

2011-03-09T03:01:00.000-06:00

Lots of cool things happening at FunDancers! This Sunday March 13 is our first-ever "Fast Forward Special" for Beginners. It is also our "St. Patrick's Day dance" for Experienced dancers. (Wear green if you want to.)

2:30 to 5:15 pm - Fast Forward Special
5:15 to 7:15 pm - Beginners
7 to 9 pm - Experienced

Lines and Squares alternate continuously from 5:15 to 9 pm.

At the "Fast Forward Special", every Beginner call will be taught again. This offers many benefits:
- January beginners can improve their skill and confidence with a total review.
- Beginners who missed some weeks can catch up.
- Brand-new dancers (even if they never danced before) can join the January Beginners already in progress.
- New dancers from neighboring clubs can learn the calls from a different instructor.
- People who dance just one role (Boy or Girl) can learn the other role.
- It's great practice for future all-day dance conventions and weekends.
- It will be a lot of fun!

The Fast Forward special is optional. It's $5 per person, but it's free for experienced dancers who serve as angels. It's also free if you bring a newcomer who has never been to FunDancers this year: both you AND your newcomer get in free.

Whether or not you bring someone new, everyone is welcome at "Fast Forward" from 2:30 to 5:15 pm. It's the first time we've ever done this kind of experiment. If the experiment works then everyone is a brilliant genius. If the experiment is a flop then we'll blame it all on the caller. :)

From 5:15 to 7:15 pm we'll dance the regular January Beginner program, picking up exactly where we left off last week. People who do the Fast Forward (even if they never danced before) will be at January Beginner level by 5:15 pm.

You can review the moves online at www.fundancers.org/beginchart.htm

From 7 to 9 pm we'll dance the Experienced level (as usual). It's our St. Patrick's Day celebration, so feel free to wear green. We'll either do Irish songs or we'll come up with a great excuse for not doing them. :)

If you want to (but you don't have to) bring an appetizer or a dessert or a non-alcoholic beverage to share. For extra points, bring something green. :)

Continued thanks to all the wonderful people who make Sundays so festive. Each person is important because each person adds something unique to the overall blend. We look forward to seeing you at FunDancers!

FunDancers on March 6, plus details about Fast Forward on March 13

2011-03-02T05:22:00.000-06:00

This Sunday March 6 you can enjoy the usual suspects (Nasser and Jeanna) as dance leaders.

5:15 to 7:15 pm - January Beginners
7 to 9 pm - Experienced
Lines and Squares alternate continuously.

Next week (March 13) is our first-ever Fast Forward from 2:30 to 5:15 pm. Every beginner move will be taught again. It's wonderful as a quick review, or as a Second Chance for those who missed a few weeks, or as a First Chance for brand-new people to get into the fun-tastic January Beginner group.

Let's talk finance. Normally, $5 covers you the entire day. There are some money-saving plans. The most popular plan for beginners is "6 weeks for $20". A new 6 weeks starts this coming Sunday (March 6).

On March 13, Fast Forward from 2:30 to 5:15 pm costs $5 extra for beginners. (It's free for experienced dancers who serve as angels.) If you're on a plan, you are already covered from 5:15 onward, so you only pay an extra $5 for 2:30 to 5:15 pm. If you pay by the week, it's $10 (your regular $5 for the week plus $5 extra) for the entire day from 2:30 onward.

Here's some -great- news. If you bring someone new (who has not been at FunDancers this year) to Fast Forward, then both you AND your newcomer get Fast Forward for FREE. You'll save $5 each.

If all these options are confusing, don't worry. We will NOT let you pay too much. Just pay until we make you stop. :) We do want it to be quick and easy, which is exactly why we offer plans such as "6 weeks for $20".

Okay, we're finished talking finance. Do you agree that the discussion was painless?

Whether or not you bring someone new, you are still very welcome at "Fast Forward" on Sunday March 13. If you can benefit from and/or enjoy a fast-paced review of everything taught so far this year, we'll see you (and your $5) at 2:30 pm on Sunday March 13. If you bring someone new, we'll see both you and your newbie at 2:30 pm (and you'll both get in free). If you choose not to partake in the once-only Fast Forward event, we'll see you at 5:15 pm on Sunday March 13.

You can review the moves online at www.fundancers.org/beginchart.htm

Dancing provides a healthy activity but YOU provide most of the fun and friendship which make Sundays so intensely pleasant. February was fantastic and March will also be super: the normal program on March 6 and 27, Fast Forward on March 13, international superstar caller Randy Dougherty on March 20, and a trainload of fun, fitness and friendship each Sunday. Thanks for being a key part of the festivities!

Guest caller K.O. Jeanes this Sunday at FunDancers

2011-02-24T02:38:00.000-06:00

This Sunday February 27 please make welcome guest caller K. O. Jeanes from Conroe, Texas. K. O. has called all over the country (as part of the Texas Po' Boys quartet). He is also an expert line dance instructor. It will be a Fun Sunday at FunDancers.

Dance schedule:
5:15 to 7:15 pm - January Beginners
7 to 9 pm - Experienced

Lines alternate with Squares all evening.

On Tuesday March 1, Nasser and Jeanna plan to visit the Waterloos in Austin to dance to guest caller Wade Driver. Nasser and Wade called a whole week together in Reno a few years ago. Let's just say it was interesting. The Austin dance is at the Experienced level. Please reply by email or phone if you're an Experienced dancer interested in ride-sharing to/from Austin on Tuesday.

Sunday March 13 is our first-ever Fast Forward special for New Dancers from 2:30 to 5:15 pm. Every move taught this year will be taught again. This is a separate extra session with a small separate cost, prior to the regular beginner session at 5:15 pm. Attendance is NOT required but we think you'll enjoy the event. Yes this could be a long day yet it's great practice for state and national dance conventions which often go from 10 am to midnight!

Because every move will be taught on March 13, the Fast Forward special is a fantastic opportunity to bring your friends, even if they never danced before. After Fast Forward, they can all be part of the fun-tastic January beginner group already in progress.

Thanks once again to all FunDancers and guests for making FunDancers such a welcoming and friendly place! Enjoy K.O. Jeanes this Sunday (while Nasser and Jeanna are off calling in Arizona) and we'll see you next week (March 6) at FunDancers!