Community Square Dance

Adults: $10
Youth 13-18: $5
Children 12 & under: Free
Snacks and drinks for sale
6-8 p.m.

December 30th
6:00 p.m.
January 27th
6:00 p.m.
February 24th
6:00 p.m.
March 31st
6:00 p.m.
April 21st
6:00 p.m.
May 19
6:00 p.m.
June 30th
6:00 p.m.
July 28th
6:00 p.m.
August 25th
6:00 p.m.
September 29th
6:00 p.m.
October 27th
6:00 p.m.
November 24th
6:00 p.m.
December 29th
6:00 p.m.

Community square dances are attended by young and old, couples and singles, and anyone interested in getting out, moving, listening to live music, and enjoying fellowship with others in the community.  Beginners are welcome, and all dances are taught.

We invite people of all backgrounds and ages to enjoy an oral tradition passed down for hundreds of years. The Hickory Music Factory's “Old Time String Band” and a dance caller will lead you throughout the evening. We will primarily draw upon the traditional social dances of America.

Journey into the past and learn square dances, step dances, reels, and other dance forms practiced in Southern Appalachia. These distinctive folk dances are the culmination of the many heritages that settled in this region. Folk dancing today is built on the European, African American, and Native American traditions of our past, but they are very much alive in the present.

You can help bring them to life by attending this inter-generational dance. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All ages are welcome, and no experience is necessary. 

If you play an instrument and want to experience performing old-time music, please contact Liam Bailey from the Hickory Music Factory at liam@liamthomasbailey.com.

Common Questions:

  1. What if I have never danced before? 
    Each dance is taught by the caller who will help teach us. This style of dancing has a lot of repeated moves so that it is easy to get the hang of. Beginner and experienced dancers will dance together. 

  2. How should I dress?
    Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. Shoes without a lot of tread.

  3. What if I don’t have a partner?
    That’s alright. Dancers are encouraged to dance with many different partners.

  4. Will there be food available?
    Yes, Hart Square will have snacks and drinks available for purchase.

Meet the Band

Factory String Band - A partnership with Hickory Music Factory

Liam Bailey

Liam Bailey graduated from Berklee College of Music with a BA in Film Scoring and got his start writing for PBS, HBO, and ESPN. After that, he toured with country artists Rodney Atkins and Brett Eldredge and has performed for audiences at The Grand Ol Opry, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square on New Year's Eve. Liam is the lead fiddle player and band leader for the "Old Time Factory Band."

Nate Moody

He holds a BA in Music Education from Appalachian State University. Along with a career serving public schools as a K-5 music teacher, he teaches privately and is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist. Nate performs with various regional musicians and enjoys playing guitar for the community dances.

Dakota Waddell

Our bass player, Dakota, resides in Lincolnton, NC and has been playing music for over a decade. He has performed with many local and regional groups including our mandolin player, Darren Nicolson. As an auxilary player, Dakota has performed on some of folk music's most well-known festival stages including Merlefest and Floyd Fest. In addition to playing the bass, he also enjoys the clawhammer banjo.

Refund Policy
Hart Square does not offer refunds for ticketed events unless the event has been canceled.