Editor’s Note: USA Dance, Royal Palm, Florida, Chapter #6016, serves all of Broward and Palm Beach Counties in Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and their surrounding communities. The chapter was recognized with the USA Dance National Chapter of the Year award in 2018 and 2019 and continues to be one of the fastest-growing and most active chapters of USA Dance nationwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic left an undeniable mark on the dance community, shuttering studios, canceling socials, and disrupting the rhythms of connection that USA Dance chapters fostered for decades. Across the nation, many chapters became dormant and closed permanently. However, in South Florida, the Royal Palm Chapter, which serves Broward and Palm Beach Counties, has made a triumphant return, demonstrating what is possible through vision, determination, and community engagement.
After a period of inactivity, the chapter reactivated in July 2024 with a clear mission: to rebuild not only attendance and membership, but also the spirit of social dancing in the area. The early challenges were significant with fewer than 20 contacts on hand, a largely inactive Facebook page, and monthly dances drawing only about 25 attendees.
Strategic planning and consistent outreach changed that. The chapter developed and steadily expanded a comprehensive contact list, which now includes nearly 300 dancers. Its revitalized Facebook page has grown from inactivity to nearly 600 engaged followers. Most impressively, attendance at monthly events held at the Gold Coast Ballroom in Coconut Creek, on what used to be a low-traffic day, has quadrupled, now exceeding 100 dancers.
A key element in the resurgence has been the chapter’s commitment to offering free Dance Hosts at every event for a full year, exclusively for USA Dance members and new joiners. This innovative incentive has significantly boosted membership, tripling it in just ten months and encouraging dancers to recognize the value of USA Dance involvement.
The chapter also reintroduced snacks to enhance the event experience and is actively exploring new partnerships, including collaborations with a local university to engage younger dancers and ensure long-term growth.
The revitalization of the Royal Palm Chapter stands as a testament to what a dedicated chapter can accomplish with clarity of purpose and strong community ties. While every chapter faces different circumstances, this success story offers a powerful model for rebuilding: meet dancers where they are, offer meaningful incentives, and never lose sight of the joy that brought everyone to the dance floor in the first place.
The Royal Palm Chapter is not only recovering; it’s thriving. And its journey offers hope and guidance to all chapters seeking to do the same.
