Tanglefoot Dance Club
Tanglefoot Dance Club celebrates our Forty-Ninth Anniversary, in 2007. Here is how the Club got started and where the Club got its name:
In the late 1950’s Brice Evans, then of Highland Park, was hired by the Arthur Murry Studio of Fort Worth as social director. It was his responsibility to plan all the studio parties, including those of the Mad’s Club (Arthur Murray’s Advanced Dancers). There were other studio clubs, but only the most advanced students were eligible for Mad’s Club membership. Under Brice’s direction, the Mad’s Club organized, elected officers and started a treasury. On May 1, 1958, B. T. (Nub) Johnson was elected president, and the dance parties began with the studio sponsoring them.
After a few months, the members decided to form their own independent social club of advanced dancers. They wanted the opportunity to use the many dances they had learned so well—the samba, tango, mambo, meringue and rumba, fox trot, waltz and swing. In October 1958 the Tanglefoot Dance Club was born out of the old Mad’s Club.
Mr. B. T. (Nub) Johnson was elected president. At the Arthur Murray Studio, dancers who seemed to have two left feet had been jokingly called “Tanglefooters”! That was the origin of the Club’s name.
It is interesting to note that in the history of the Club, there have been times when the number of members had to be restricted. Primarily due to the large number of members, new applicants were placed on a waiting list for Club membership until an opening occurred. Regular attendance was required to maintain one’s membership in the Club.
Today, Tanglefoot Dance Club is the best place to dance in the Metroplex! The Club is known for upholding its heritage, maintaining its traditions relating to ballroom dancing, and at the same time striving for innovation. The Club has come a long way from its humble beginnings as an off-shoot of the old Mad’s Club in 1958.
Many of the traditional goals remain. Members still strive for quality dancing to Big Band music. The quest continues for members who desire to be good dancers, who love to dance, and who want to put their dance skills into practice.
The growth of Tanglefoot Dance Club into the friendly, quality club it is today did not just happen. It is partially the result of dedication and hard work of its officers, but most of all, the loyalty, faithfulness, and support of the membership throughout the years.