About USA Dance

USA Dance (formerly USABDA) was formed in 1965 to promote the acceptance of ballroom dancing into the Olympics.  Since 1987 it has functioned as the sole governing body for all forms of amateur ballroom dancing in the United States.  They organize and foster educational programs among the public about the healthful aspects of recreational ballroom dancing and DanceSport, the competitive form of ballroom dancing.  Emphasis is placed on the physical, mental, and social benefits, and includes the expansion of ballroom dancing skills among the aged, young people, and the handicapped. 

We are the Southern Minnesota Chapter, a division of the larger national organization.   We exist to dance!  Our local chapter was formed in 1993 as a not-for-profit organization  to promote and sponsor amateur ballroom dancing. The Southern Minnesota Chapter of USA Dance welcomes people from all walks of life, of all ages, and without discrimination.  

We have a wonderful group, with new members joining each month.  We work hard to see that everyone who dances with us is enthralled by the luxurious music and hope they will be thrilled to be part of this energetic organization.

There are more dance activities in Rochester and southern Minnesota now than there have been for many years.  High school students eagerly learn and participate in swing and ballroom dancing.   Weekly dance classes are popping up all over the area.  Even if you've never been a dancer, with our dance workshops and complimentary lessons, you can be part of the expanding dance scene.

Join us at our next dance!  If you are an experienced dancer or have just a mild interest, we'll provide the atmosphere for a wonderful evening!

Would you like to be reminded of upcoming dances? Send us an email, and we'll add you to our list.

How we got started

USABDA ­ That’s a Funny Name
By Sally Moorhead 

What’s in a name and how did we get to become the Southern Minnesota USABDA organization anyway?

A little over ten years ago I took a BIG chance and walked into the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Rochester. The studio hadn’t been open but a few months and I was one of its first Rochester students.  My, oh my.

I had the time of my life learning all the different dance steps and testing them out at the Friday night (now Thursday, I believe) parties.  Having the opportunity to meet new people, who were absolutely wonderful, was also a joy.  From my instructor, Patrick Ellner, to the latest person who had the courage to walk in the door and attempt the latest dance step, I loved them all. Well, most of them I loved. 

One night, while musing over the newest step Patrick wanted me to learn it dawned on me……”Where, except for here in this studio, will I ever use this stuff?  There is no place to go to do ballroom, except maybe for the swing.  That you could maybe pull off in a nightclub if you took someone with you that knew the steps.” 

Patrick said to me “I’ve heard of an organization called USABDA.” I laughed.  “Use what!?”  Well he went on to explain a little about what it was and suggested I contact the President of USABDA, if he would find out who that was. 

To make a long story short, I contacted Archie Hazelwood.  Yes, he was National USABDA President even then. We had a great long conversation and he sent me all the materials necessary to start up an organization in Southern Minnesota.  I put a notice in the Post Bulletin stating that we were looking for people interested in ballroom dancing.   I received 100 calls in a few weeks.  The response was phenomenal.      

We had an organizational meeting (from the time I called Archie to this meeting was about three months) to discuss briefly what our goals would be.   We had to see if we could get enough people to sign up.  You see we needed at least 25 charter members. Well, we got our 25 charter members at that meeting and things have been growing ever since.  

This doesn’t come without a personal price though.  If it hadn’t been for all the wonderful volunteers, throughout the years, that have taken the time and effort necessary to keep this organization growing, we would not have USABDA here in Southern Minnesota. You wouldn’t have a place to go and meet new people, try out that newest dance step and maybe even find the love of your life.   I understand that has happened to about 10 couples on our dance floor.   NOW, that certainly isn’t the intent of the organization, but if you can have your music and dance it too, then why not! (A little play on words). 

I am so proud of all the people involved in bringing dance to you, month after month, over the years.