It has been well over 25 years since I entered the world of Dance. And to borrow a phrase from the Grateful Dead, what a long, strange trip it has been!!  With the exception of some rough times the first few years, it has been fun almost every step of the way.  It is true that I have had a dream profession.

I might add the story of how I got started should be strong encouragement for anyone who has hoped to ever turn a hobby into a career. If you have an activity you enjoy, volunteer as a way to get started, then see if you have what it takes to turn your interest to the next level!

Time Line of a Dance Career
1968	A simple act of kindness In high school makes a difference
1968	A humorous moment from my senior year in high school
July 1974	I take my first dance class ever.
Fall 1974	I learn to dance.
June1977	I teach my first dance class ever.
Fall 1975	Why SSQQ doesn't have dance contracts.
Spring 1977	I meet the worst dance teacher ever.
July 1977	I take Jazz dancing and meet someone famous.
Summer 1977	Something stupid - How I fail my big chance to enter the NBA
November 1977	Saturday Night Fever opens.
January 1978	My Big Break as a Dance Teacher.
1978	Tales of the Pistachio Disco Club
1978 and more	My Days as a Performer, Part One
Summer 1978	I teach dancing at a Wife Swappers Club
Summer 1978	My Days as a Performer, Part Two
Fall 1978	Why I Hate Dance Contests, Part One
January 1979	I begin to teach dance full-time for a living.
October 1980	SSQQ moves to its current Bissonnet location.
1981 - 1983	The Story of the Winchester Club
major history of ssqq	Glen Hunsucker
major history of ssqq	Ted Weisgal, the owner of Leisure Learning Unlimited
April 1981	SSQQ gets its name.
Spring 1983	How I cost the Oilers a chance at the Super Bowl
Fall 1984	I learn a valuable lesson in dance class.
1986	Tom Easley and his infamous Look-a-Like Night.
1986	The Streak - I go Whip Dancing 201 Nights in a row
Summer 1987	I almost buy a Building and lose my shirt.
October 1987	SSQQ takes full control of the Bissonnet studio.
April 1988	The First SSQQ Sleazy Bar Whip Party
Spring 1988	The Genetic Curse.
Summer 1988	Diane Head and the huge 1988 Sock Hop
Summer 1988	Why I Hate Dance Contests, Part Two
Summer 1989	Toga! Toga!  The SSQQ Night of Decadence
1998	David Schroeder designs the SSQQ Web Site
1998	HSDS-SSQQ Swing Controversy costs someone a marriage
January 1999	The SSQQ Extravaganza Swing Party
February 1999	The Lady Who Wanted to Lead
August 1999	The Curse of the SSQQ Balloon Race
January 2000	The Sordid Shaggie Jitterbug Saga.
April 2000	The Night I Lost My Temper over a Refund Argument
July 2000	The Exciting Sadie Hawkins Manhunt!
December 2000	The Arrogant Bastard Explodes
February 2001	The Toughest Dance Assignment of my Career
May 2001	The Pasadena Mud Volleyball Tournament
May 2001	The Newsletter leads to a huge catfight!
June 2001	SSQQ plays Noah's Ark during the incredible flood
2003-2004	Jack Benard, the magical dance teacher
May 2005	My high school St. Johns changes the name of the mascot
Halloween!!	Tales of the Infamous SSQQ Halloween Party
ssqq hall of fame	Mike Fagan gives Martian Whip its name.
ssqq hall of fame	The Legend of Sharon Crawford.
ssqq hall of fame	Susie Merrill and the amazing Heartbeat dance team
ssqq hall of fame	The Daryl Armstrong Experience
ssqq hall of fame	Jim Smith marries Pat and breaks our heart.
ssqq hall of fame	Jack Benard, the magical dance teacher
ssqq hall of fame	Diane Head and the huge 1988 Sock Hop
ssqq hall of fame	Chris Holmes is the SSQQ Newsletter Superstar

Along the way many interesting and funny things have happened. These are some of the stories. I might add that many of these stories appear in other places on the SSQQ Web Site as well, but I can't imagine you will mind if I put them here as well. I hope you enjoy the stories ! 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at dance@ssqq.com.  Thanks !

Rick Archer, SSQQ, 2004

ADVENTURES OF A DANCE TEACHER