If you’ve ever wished there were more opportunities to dance in your area — more socials, more lessons, more friends who share your passion for ballroom — you might be the perfect person to start a USA Dance chapter.
Starting a new chapter isn’t complicated. It begins with enthusiasm, a few committed dancers, and the willingness to bring people together under the shared joy of social dance. Here’s how to get your chapter moving — step by step.
Step 1: Contact USA Dance Leadership
Your first step is to email the Social Vice President, the Chapter Relations Director, and Central Office to let them know you’re interested in forming a chapter. They’ll guide you through the process, connect you with key resources, and ensure your proposed area qualifies for a new chapter.
Email:
- Social VP – social-vp@usadance.org
- Chapter Relations Director – chapterrelations-dir@usadance.org
- Central Office – central-office@usadance.org
Step 2: Connect with Your District Director
Next, you’ll be introduced to your District Director, who will serve as your mentor during the formation process. District Directors are experienced chapter leaders who can help you find venues, navigate forms, and share what works best for building your local dance community.
They can also connect you with nearby chapters that might provide guest instructors, music, or even raffle items for your first event.
Step 3: Gather Your Core Group and Plan a Formation Dance Party
You don’t need a large group to begin — just a few motivated dancers. Start by bringing together a small team of supporters who share your vision.
Then, schedule a “Chapter Formation Dance Party.” This is your first big opportunity to introduce USA Dance to your area! Rent a space, hire a DJ or local instructor, and invite the community to dance, socialize, and learn about joining USA Dance.
Step 4: Promote Your Event
Create an eye-catching flyer with your event details — time, location, cost, and contact information. Share it on:
- Local community boards and dance studios
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Eventbrite)
- Email District Director and Chapter Announcements for national visibility – email chapter-announcements@usadance.org
You can also submit an article about your event to the American Dancer at americandancer@usadance.org for additional promotion and support.
Step 5: Advertise, Collect Contacts, and Encourage Membership
At your first few events, collect email addresses from everyone who attends so you can invite them to future dances.
Encourage attendees to become USA Dance members—it’s the easiest way to grow your chapter and show national support. Keep your events fun, friendly, and consistent.
Continue holding dance parties until your group reaches 25 members. At that point, you’re ready to officially register as a USA Dance chapter!
When you’ve reached the milestone, email the Assistant Treasurer to submit your membership list, open a chapter bank account, and to receive your official chapter number.
Assistant Treasurer – assistanttreasurer@usadance.org
Step 6: Hold Elections and Form Your Board
Once your membership base is strong, it’s time to establish your chapter leadership.
Hold a simple election meeting to choose your President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Membership Director. (5 board members are recommended.
After the election, complete and submit the Chapter Board Form to the corporate office. Your chapter will then be officially recognized under the USA Dance umbrella!
Step 7: Keep the Mission Moving
Congratulations — you’ve built something special!
Now it’s time to live the USA Dance mission:
“To improve the quality and the quantity of ballroom dancing in the United States.”
Keep hosting monthly socials, supporting dance education, and fostering inclusion in your local dance community. Collaborate with nearby chapters, promote youth and college outreach, and represent the spirit of USA Dance wherever music and motion meet.
Final Thoughts
Starting a chapter is one of the most meaningful ways to share the joy of ballroom dancing. Every great dance community began with one idea, one event, and one person brave enough to take the first step.
If that’s you — USA Dance is here to help every step of the way
Phil Sisk serves as the Chapter Relations Director for USA Dance, where he works closely with chapters across the nation to foster growth, strengthen leadership, and support vibrant local dance communities. With years of experience in chapter development and member engagement, Phil brings a passion for helping dancers connect, collaborate, and thrive. His leadership emphasizes inclusivity, education, and building sustainable communities that reflect the mission of USA Dance. Whether guiding new chapters through formation or mentoring established ones, Phil is dedicated to ensuring that social dance continues to flourish nationwide.
