About
Dancing together since 1983
Desert Valley Squares is an inclusive LGBTQ+ square dance club in Phoenix, AZ welcoming singles and couples of all orientations and experience levels.
Our Story
Modern square dancing was well-established in Arizona by the mid-20th century. The 1949 ‘Arizona Style of Modern Square Dancing’ booklet documents a thriving scene, with local clubs, callers, and guides. This set the stage for all-inclusive clubs like Desert Valley Squares to emerge decades later.
Our Beginning
1983
Desert Valley Squares was founded in August 1983 in Phoenix by Dr. Ted Oakes and a small group of dancers as an inclusive space for gay and lesbian dancers.
1984
DVS became a charter member of the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs (IAGSDC), which had been formed the previous year by five clubs from California, Washington, Colorado, and Florida.
Our IAGSDC Connection
Desert Valley Squares was recognized as one of ten founding Charter Member clubs of IAGSDC in 1984 and has remained an active member ever since. That affiliation connects DVS with LGBTQ+ square dance clubs and dancers across the U.S. and internationally.
Where We Dance
Mount of Olives Lutheran Church
Central Phoenix
Sunday evenings
Beginners through Advanced
Desert Valley Squares has danced at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church for more than 15 years. Over the decades, the club has met at several Phoenix-area locations as membership, space, and venue needs changed.
Who We Are Today
Today, Desert Valley Squares is a small but active club of around 30 members. We welcome singles and couples of all orientations and experience levels and are proud to be Arizona’s leading LGBTQ+ square dance organization. More than 40 years after our founding, DVS continues to bring people together through dancing, friendship, and community.
Meet Our Callers
Linda Harry
Advanced caller and instructor
Seth Levine
Mainstream, Plus & Advanced caller and instructor
Meet Our Board
Desert Valley Squares has a board of directors that manages the operations of the organization. Currently, our board consists of the following people:
President – Curtis Burns
Vice President – Michael Wyss
Secretary – James Burford
Treasurer – Jon Sywassink
Member at Large – Anna Alexander
Member at Large – Jackie Barnhart
Desert Valley Squares welcomes you to join us for class or one of our special dance functions.