Australia’s National Square Dance Conventions began in 1960 with a simple idea, dancers from different states gathering to share their love of square dancing.
As Jim White noted, the first gathering in Canberra grew from a “Square Dance Competition” being held as part of the Australian National Eisteddfod.”

The inaugural Canberra event brought dancers from three states — the first time callers and dancers formally met to compare notes and plan future gatherings.
Its success led directly to Sydney (1961) and Brisbane (1962), where regional differences in dance style
became immediately apparent.
These early conventions became the catalyst for developing a uniform Australian style.

As interest grew, more states were encouraged to attend and bid. Key milestones included:

• Newcastle (1964) – first non‑capital city host.
• Melbourne (1965) – introduced the “Skaters Waltz Position,” later adopted nationally.
• Adelaide (1966) – known for dancing in sandshoes.
• Brisbane (1967) – showcased the emerging national standardisation of movements.
• Fremantle (1971) – Western Australia’s first convention, remembered for its hard Jarrah floor.

Tasmania hosted its first convention in Hobart (1976), followed by Sydney, Perth, and other major cities.
Attendance grew beyond 1500 dancers, creating challenges in finding venues large enough to accommodate the crowds.

The 1982 Convention, held in Brisbane at the Chandler Commonwealth Games grounds, is remembered as one of the most successful ever, a glimpse of what large‑scale venues could offer.

Jim White emphasised that without these annual gatherings, Australia would never have achieved the highly standardised, uniquely Australian style admired internationally.

Conventions became essential for caller development, editorial collaboration, dress innovation, business sessions, and lifelong friendships across states.

By 1984, Jim noted opportunities for future growth, including more conventions in provincial cities,
exploring regions north of the Tropic of Capricorn, and considering locations like Surfers Paradise.
His closing hope: “I hope I will be around to see the 50th.”

(Jim passed away on 11th September 2016)

Read the full historical document (PDF)