Listen to your heart: 65 years of dancing, joy and community

By Sheree Hoddinett 

If you thought square dancing was a thing of the past, think again! 

Participants, young and old, full of exuberance and passion are kicking it up on the dance floor. For Carmel Mathieson, square dancing has been more than just a hobby, it’s been a lifelong passion and the way she met her husband. Their joint love of square dancing meant even their young family was brought along and grew up watching the moves.  

As secretary of the 65th Australian National Square Dance Convention - making its way to Morayfield this July - Carmel is helping to bring one of the country’s most vibrant, yet often misunderstood, traditions into the spotlight. 

“Square dancing is one of my passions,” Carmel said. “It’s something I can talk about for hours and encourage people to join. It's something that I truly enjoy and I think a lot of people once they start it, they don't realise just how much they will grow to love it.  “Most people remember square dancing from school - the country music, the old-fashioned style. But these days, it’s called modern square dancing. We dance to everything from Kylie Minogue to classic hits. It’s evolved, but people’s perceptions haven’t always caught up.” 

Square dancing in Australia dates back as far as the 1950s, but participation grew to a popular level in the '70s when it was promoted for fitness, fun and community involvement. Although many dancers today are part of the older generation, Carmel said Victoria was seeing a wave of younger interest - and Queensland is about to show the country why square dancing is as lively as ever. 

“We really encourage spectators to come along and see what it’s all about,” Carmel said. “It’s free and they’re welcome to have a look day or night.  The Tuesday night in particular is really spectacular because we have what's known as the dress sets. So clubs have put together an outfit and there will be a parade as well as dances, it looks amazing with all the colour and movement.”  

The convention, which has also been made possible with a generous grant from the City of Moreton Bay, is expected to attract about 500 dancers from every state and territory, as well as international visitors from Taiwan, Germany, New Zealand, Canada and beyond.  

“Square dancing is a global activity, but is always called in English, so you don’t have to be able to speak English, you just have to know what the movement is,” Carmel said.  

The theme this year, Listen to your heart celebrates not only romance but also health, fitness and wellbeing. The convention will feature a Healthy Heart Station to monitor blood pressure and heart rate and a symbolic Heart Wall, where attendees can write messages of love or remembrance. 

Even after the music stops, the dance continues. Local caller Elaine Davis will run a beginners' class following the convention for anyone inspired to give it a go.  

“It’s great for fitness, memory and social connection,” Carmel says. “You dance in a square of four couples, so it’s all about teamwork. Even if you make a mistake, just pick up where you can and keep going.”  

With 65 years of tradition behind it and a modern, welcoming spirit leading the way, the convention shows square dancing is very much alive and has a few more spins left in it. Why not grab your dancing shoes and give it a go?! 

65th Australian National Square Dance Convention 

July 7 – 11 

Morayfield Sport and Events Centre, 

298 Morayfield Road, Morayfield.   

For further information, visit 2025.ansdc.au