Proof of vaccination is no longer required at NNJSDA dances. Masking is optional, but strongly encouraged. The following NNJSDA member clubs (in alphabetical order) have lifted vaccination requirements as well; please consult their dance announcements for masking requirements: Circle Eights, Lakeland Squares, Middletown Ramblers, and Rutgers Promenaders.

Although the policy is changing, the emphasis on safety and wellbeing is not. To best safeguard the health of all, a policy of personal responsibility will be instituted. COVID-19 is passed from person to person by infected individuals and all persons, regardless of vaccination status, can catch and spread the COVID-19 virus. To minimize the chance of exposure anyone feeling at all unwell shall not attend. Dancers will be asked to read and acknowledge the statement below which sets forth the specifics. As always, masking may be required in the event of high community concentrations of COVID-19, and in the event of a spike, NNJSDA dances may be canceled for a period of time.

Please read: Personal Acknowledgment of Risk and Mutual Responsibility

The Northern New Jersey Square Dancers Association was founded in 1958 by 14 clubs in the northern New Jersey and nearby New York area. The NNJSDA currently serves 13 member clubs representing hundreds of dancers.

The Association holds about a dozen dance events each year, many featuring nationally popular callers. The annual Mini-Festival attracts dancers from throughout the region in halls offering Mainstream, Plus, Advanced/Challenge, and Rounds. New dancers are celebrated at the annual class-level Midterm Dance.

The Association serves as a resource to member clubs that hold square dancing classes. It co-sponsors events that feature square dancing at several venues throughout the region to make the activity visible to the general public. The official publication, Grand Square, available in print and online, features club news, articles, calendars, and a variety of dance-related information.

The NNJSDA also offers member clubs insurance, graduation diplomas, and incentive programs. Among these programs are “Raid”, which promotes visiting among clubs; “One Square Is Fair”, which encourages club participation at Association functions; “Patron”, which rewards dancers for visiting other member clubs; and “Freeloader”, which rewards dancers for participating in summer dances and the Mini-Festival.