KSDA Hall of fame

Nelson and Lola Pratt were dancers, callers, and cuers from Salina. It was their idea to provide square dancers with an organization where clubs could meet regularly, communicate with each other, promote square dancing and visiting between clubs, and have open communication between callers and dancers. This became the purpose of CKSDA and eventually KSDA.

Thirteen caller and dancer couples and the Pratts formed “Central Kansas Square Dance Association” (CKSDA). On October 18, 1951, they were elected the first Presidents of CKSDA. From this humble beginning evolved the KSDA of today.

Commencing in 1948, Nelson and Lola taught both square and round dancing. They believed the two belonged together and included easy rounds and mixers during square dance lessons. From 1956 until the time of Nelson’s death on September 11, 1975, they specialized only in round dance teaching and cueing. Lola continued to teach and cue rounds in the Salina area after Nelson’s death.

The Pratts were members of the Kansas Round Dance Association (KRDA). They were members of CKSDA. Lola was a member of KSDA from 1978 until March 2000 (22 years). At the time of her death (September 29, 2001), Lola was a member of Salina Twirlers, Salina.

Nelson and Lola were on the Travel On staff from 1951, the first publication, until Nelson’s retirement in 1975. They played an active role in the local square and round dancing, as well as state activities and dance clubs in Abilene, Lincoln, Salina, Ellsworth and Hays. They were major promoters and organizers of the first Kansas State Square Dance Convention in 1951.

KSDA and Kansas dancers owe much to this enthusiastic couple with a “great idea to share.” Nelson and Lola Pratt were the “FOUNDERS” of KSDA.