Sometimes, square dancing takes you a little farther than the next county over.
This past weekend, two of our own (Big Man & Babyface) from the Brushy Mountain Squares packed their bags, laced up their dancing shoes, slid their dancing socks over their toes and pointed themselves north toward Dayton, Ohio. The occasion wasn’t just another dance—it was something deeper, something that reminds us why this community means so much.
They were headed to Jack Pladdys’ Appreciation Dance.
Now, if you’ve been around square dancing long enough, you know names come and go across the microphone—but some voices stick with you. Not just for the calls, but for the kindness behind them. This dance was held to support Jack as he continues a hard fight—battling cancer that has metastasized to his jaw, and the ongoing medical care that comes with it.
And that’s where the square dance world does what it does best.
It shows up.
No matter the miles, no matter the distance, dancers gather. Not just to swing and promenade, but to lift each other up in ways that go far beyond the floor. That’s exactly what our Brushy Mountain travelers did—carrying a little piece of Tennessee with them into that hall in Dayton.
We like to think there’s a certain style to Brushy Mountain Squares. It’s not just in how we dance—it’s in how we care. It’s in the willingness to drive hours just to stand in a square with someone who needs support. It’s in the laughter shared between tips, the quiet understanding during a slow song, and the unspoken promise that none of us dance alone.
Of course, not everyone could make the trip up to Dayton—but if you know Brushy Mountain Squares, you know that doesn’t mean they weren’t there in spirit. Back home in the hills, there were folks thinking about Jack and wishing they could be in that square. Around here, you don’t have to cross state lines to stand with someone—you just have to care. Whether they were dancing in Ohio or holding down the fort wherever we hail from, every one of us square dancers were a part of that circle, proving once again that square dancers show up… one way or another.
From the hills of Tennessee to the heart of Ohio and around the world, that spirit traveled well.
We’re proud of our dancers who made the trip. Proud to be part of a community that rallies when it matters. And proud to call folks like Jack Pladdys part of our extended square dance family.
If you would like to support Jack Pladdys – visit http://www.jacksday.com to “Tip The Caller” or send a check to the address listed.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about perfect timing or fancy footwork.
It’s about showing up… and keeping the circle (or square) unbroken.
