Alliance for Round, Traditional and Square Dance (the ARTS)
The Alliance for Round, Traditional and Square Dance (the ARTS) is a gathering of different independent organizations for the purpose of achieving common goals. The independent organizations retain their individual identity, character, mission, and goals while supporting the common goals of the Alliance.
The ARTS mission is to generate public awareness and promote growth and acceptance of contemporary Square, Round, and Traditional Folk Dance by encouraging and assisting a coalition of allied dance groups. The ARTS will provide leadership and resources necessary to create an achievable marketing program. The Arts will encourage, promote and support healthy lifestyles through dance programs and events that provide fun and effective exercise for both mind and body, all within a unique system of social interactions.
The ARTS Governing Board consists of representatives from the following dance organizations:
- CALLERLAB - The International Association of Square Dance Callers
- CONTRALAB - The International Association of Contra Dance Leaders
- IAGSDC - International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs
- NSDCA - National Square Dance Campers Association
- NEC - National Executive Committee of the National Square Dance Convention
- ROUNDALAB - The International Association of Round Dance Teachers
- SSDUSA - Single Square Dancers USA
- USA West - USA West Square Dance Convention Policy Board
- USDA - United Square Dancers of America
The ARTS has been incorporated in North Carolina and is an IRS 501(c)(3) Tax-exempt corporation. The initiatives of the organization include:
- Demographic surveys collecting valuable information to be used to support a marketing plan.
- Approval of a plan which can be adopted and modified by dance organizations to support recruiting efforts.
- Establishment of a toll free telephone number (1-866-445-ARTS) to provide information about dance activities.
Additional information is available through the ARTS website: http://www.arts-dance.org
The ARTS has also partnered with a travel company, YTB Travel, to provide online travel service to benefit the square activity. Additional information is available through the ARTS Travel site: http://www.arts-dancetravel.com/
*************************************
U. S. Handicapable Association (USHA)
The Mission of the U.S. Handicapable Association is to provide a U.S. Handicapable Convention in even numbered years to bring the groups together in fun, fellowship and friendship!
Handicapable Dancers are dancers who may have developmental disabilities, may have autism, may have cerebral palsy or any other disability. Handicapable Square Dancers may be dancers in wheelchairs who do not have any developmental disabilities. These wonderful dancers love square dancing as much as we do, they just may need a little more time to dance the steps. Don’t get me wrong! Handicapable Square Dancers have MANY abilities!! There are dancers who can dance Basic, Mainstream, Plus, Advance and even Challenge!
The association is always looking for more Handicapable Square Dance Groups for which they do not have contact information for. If you are aware of any clubs out there, or would like to start a group, feel free to contact the association (president@ushandicapable.org)
Please contact the association for convention information, to find a Handicapable Square Dance group, to find a square dance callers for your group, or information on how to start a group.
Please visit the association web site for more information: http://www.ushandicapable.org/
Additional information may also be available through the CALLERLAB office