What Square Dancing Means to Me!

I was introduced to Square Dancing in Junior High School. I was involved with a Folk Dancing Exhibition Group called “Silver Spurs”. They toured the US dancing and entertaining all ages. I was able to join them my senior tear of High School. We toured LA, NY and many cities in between. They had a Square Dancing segment where the costumes were very outrageous. The boy's costumes consisted of hat, scarves and brightly colored shirts to match the girl’s floor length ruffled dresses and pantaloons (Very Classy). The square dancing was an elaborate show with the girl’s flapping to the air. I was very proud to be one of the dancing boys.

On weekends I also attended a square dance with some round dancing at Fairchild Air Force Base. The cost was minimal and the dancing was from 8 till 12 midnight. Quite fun, I must admit.

I met my late husband Harold Little in 1999. He was on the Board of “Western Star Dancers”. Harold was very active and attended most dances, including Peel-Off Palm Springs. Peel-off was held at a resort in Palm Springs, a naked weekend, dancing on the grass with temperatures up to 105, quite fun and exciting. Harold and I have danced during the Gay Parade and most street fairs. It was a time for us to share ourselves and our relationship with others. We found square dancing to be a wholesome activity, alcohol and drug free, a place to meet new friends and dance.

I shared a lot with Harold at these dances. It has been difficult for me to keep going since he passed. After spending 2 years on the Board, I had supported the Club “Western Star” only a partial year after Harold left us for his new journey. The Club has brought me 2 of my closest friends Alvin Bennett and Steve Scott. They have kept me involved and supported me during this rough time. Square Dancing to me is a place to meet and retain friendships with great people and get great exercise. 

Circulate the Bay

I chose “Circulate the Bay” for my stained glass window as a tribute to all the hard work that went into this “Fly-in”. It was “Western Star Dancer’s” 20th year Anniversary Dance. Since I have been involved, I have witnessed the club struggle with many different political and personality issues.

I personally pulled out of the “Fly-in” committee as I to, as many others, thought it would fail. To all our surprise it flourished and made money for the club.

I truly appreciate the member’s of this committee and their ability to pull this off. I also appreciate Peggy Shumway for coming to the plate to help the Club with a logo, which is not only attractive but represents our city with the golden gate. And the rainbow colors which so represent that Love of the Gay community.

With the help of Dan Smith, the organizer and executor of the Stained Glass window project, I made this window to be displayed at this and future anniversary dances as a tribute to those who have labored to make this “Fly-In” a success.

“You must Believe within your Heart to be able to make it happen.”

The first picture in this set shows Alan and Harold kissing in the lobby at the Baltimore Convention, for me (Alan) it was my first and very fun. The second is very special for me as it is my transgendered son AJ, and my best friend Alvin. The third is one of Alvin and Myself at the Castro Street Faire booth. We had a great time and gathered quite a collection of visitors that day! the next one is Alvin at the Gay Pride Parade, what a cuties and are those mirror balls as earrings, yes they are called the BALL Sisters, and this is RUBY. The next, again Harold, Alvin, and Alan at the Baltimore convention. This photo is my favorite of all it shows Harold and myself kissing in the San Bernadero Mountains in southern California, how magical is that!

Isn't this cute my Husband, Harold in his first square dancing dress, with 2 girls he picked up "Southern Decadence" Street Faire, the backs of us how nice its that, at the leather tip. Here is a PIC of the Rainbow Girls at "Peel - Off Palm Springs yearly we would travel to palm springs and host a Cocktail hour by pool with fruit Daiquiri's How Gay is that!!!! and aren't they charming!! Here IS THE LINEUP OF THE GIRLS IN CRYSTALS LOBBY, before they take off the beautiful hair and make-up. This picture goes along with the theme of my stained glass window it is the stairway of friends outside Most Holy Redeemer Church, where some of the dances were held. And we cannot forget praying for our sins as we catch Tammy and Crystal on their knees. and last but not forgotten the girls must eat as we invade the Taquaria on church street on the way home.

I want to say I appreciate the ability to share these special moments we all of you considering, Harold as since passed away due to ALS and complications of Aids, and my friend ays cherish these times and special friends the square Alvin has slipped away a bit, I will alwdancing community has brought into my life and how it has changed my out look on square dancing "Don't Stop Don't Slow Down, and dance until you can't.

Alan Turpen/ CRYSTAL BALL
Board Member 00/01