Cedar City Is Hosting 500 Square Dancers From Around The World This August

Square dancers from across the United States and around the world will soon be arriving in Cedar City as the community hosts the 2026 USA West Square Dance Convention, an event expected to draw more than 500 participants for four days of dancing, workshops, and entertainment.

The convention will take place August 5 through 8, with activities centered at the Heritage Center in downtown Cedar City and additional events at the former movie theater building across the street. According to Pat Matthews, president of the Hey Cedar Square Dance Club, nearly 500 dancers had already registered at the time of his interview, with additional registrations still expected. Matthews discussed the upcoming event during an appearance on the Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB Radio.

Matthews in Studio / Dr. T-Canva Design

Matthews explained that Cedar City was selected after organizers found the cost of hosting the convention in Salt Lake City prohibitive. He said local officials worked with organizers to make the event financially feasible, allowing the convention to come to southern Utah instead.

Not Just Dancing, Workshops Will Be Held, Too

Visitors will find activities throughout the day, including instructional workshops covering square dance etiquette, dance techniques, and different skill levels. Evening sessions beginning around 7 p.m. will feature the largest public dances, and Matthews said community members are welcome to attend as spectators.

"Just watching the dancers go" is part of the attraction, Matthews said, noting that many participants will be dressed in traditional square dance attire during the evening events.

Eugene Gologursky, Getty Images

One of the unique aspects of modern square dancing is that the calls are given in English around the world, regardless of the dancers' native language. Matthews said that common terminology allows dancers from different countries to share the floor with little verbal communication beyond the calls themselves. He recalled dancing with participants from Sweden and Japan at previous conventions, saying everyone could dance together despite language barriers.

Preparations for the convention have involved months of planning, including coordinating meeting spaces, arranging equipment, and promoting the event throughout Utah. Matthews said members of his Rubik's Cube Youth Square Dancers will also perform during the convention, including an exhibition on top of the downtown parking structure.

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While the international convention is the main attraction, Matthews said the local Hey Cedar Square Dance Club continues to meet Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Cedar City Aquatic Center and welcomes new dancers. Additional information about local clubs can be found through Utah Square Dancing online.

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Listen to our chat with Pat Matthews in the podcast below.