Club History

The Ribbons & Souls square dance club is the result of the merger at the end of 2018 of two former, sister clubs — The Red Ribbons and the Heels & Souls.

The Red Ribbons began in in 1951 and danced in Santa Monica; at the time of the merger, the Red Ribbons was the oldest continuing square dance club in California, celebrating its 68th anniversary at its final dance in January 2019.

The Heels & Souls began in 1960 and danced in West Los Angeles; the club celebrated its 59th anniversary at its final anniversary dance in November 2018.

At the time of the merger Ruth Fisher was the president of the Heels & Souls and Emmett Keeler was the president of the Red Ribbons. Between November 2018 and June 2019, they were co-presidents of the Ribbons & Souls. Ruth Fisher was the president of the Ribbons & Souls from June 2019 to June 2021. Desiree Elliott has been the club president since then.

The Ribbons & Souls is a member of Associated Square Dancers (ASquareD) and schedules monthly visitations, with preferences for clubs that have visited us, are also members of ASquareD, and those having anniversary dances. For more information about ASquareD, click here.