The Shirts-N-Skirts square dance club of Athens, Alabama was formed in 1988. Ten couples met for the first dance. These couples were dancers from area clubs. The Shirts-N-Skirts dance Western style Square Dance and use the approved Caller lab Mainstream and Plus programs. This program is internationally recognized. There was no other club in Athens at the time.
The new club immediately became active in recruiting new class members and doing community activities. On January 15, 1989 the Shirts-N-Skirts joined the North Alabama Square and Round dance association and held membertship until it was dissolved many years later. The club is a member of the Alabama Square and Round Dance Association.
In May 1989 th club began sponsoring the Annual May Street dance which kicked off the Sheriff’s Rodeo. They filled the street in front of the courthouse with dancers from across North Alabama. In September of 1989 they began sponsoring the Annual Fiddlers Square Dance which was held the weekend before the Fiddlers Convention. The proceeds from this dance went to the Dialysis Association and the senior center.
The club has also participated in the Athens Christmas Parade in which it twice won a trophy for it’s float entry. It has also participated in the Houston Street Fair and the Dogwood Festival. It also goes to the local nursing and retirement homes to entertain the residents.
