The Swingles SDC

Swingles Square Dance Club was organized August 16, 1973 in Huntington, MA by eight graduate square dancers from the Western Mass area. At that time,only two singleton clubs existed in the area-- Albany Single Squares, Schenectedy, NY, and Lone Stars of East Hartford, CT-- both clubs involving a great deal of travel to participate.

Single dancers, even as a couple, were not really welcome in the traditional married couples square dance clubs. An area summer class of lessons was being conducted at the Eastfield Mall in 1973, with many singles participating; however, singles were not allowed to graduate into any area club. SWINGLES was organized in time to accept the new graduates into the new club on October 2, 1973.

The club caller was Duffy Dauphinais, former caller for Westover Silver Wing Stompers of Chicopee, MA. The first president was Joseph Schunk. Dances were held in Huntington, MA to begin the 1973 season, but were moved to the Verdi Club in West Springfield, MA-- a more central location for members coming from Greenfield, MA to Manchester, CT. In the fall of 1976, larger quarters were needed so a move was made to the Church of the Good Shepherd Parish Hall. In November 1985, the Knights of Columbus Hall became the club home in West Springfield, MA. Gene King, a charter member, now teaches the class from October through April.

The club dances on the first and third Friday of each month with some special Saturday dances
during the summer season.