Roberta Rebiskie
McFarland, Kansas
Roberta Rebiskie has been an active square dancer since 1974 when she took square dance lessons with the Dutch Mill Swingers of Wamego. That same year she also participated in round dance lessons. Roberta fully understood the principle that clubs and organizations don’t exist without members who are willing and able to provide the vigor to do the tasks required to maintain the club. Therefore, she served her clubs as Secretary/Treasurer, Social Chairman, District Delegate to the Northeast District of KSDA, and was 2nd and 3rd Vice Presidents of KSDA for two terms each. Roberta has been a member of a Kansas Square and/or Round Dance clubs for almost 100 concurrent years! She was a member of Dutch Mills Swingers, Wamego; Strato Jets, Topeka; Lone Wranglers, Manhattan; Fun N’ Rounds, Manhattan; Flint Hill Squares, and Little Apple Plus, both of Alma, and served as an officer within these clubs.
In 1979, Roberta was asked to assist with the first Kansas Showcase of Ideas Display at the National Square Dance Convention® in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With help from her late husband, Louis, she continued in this role for the State of Kansas for 17 years. She earned many National Convention plaques and bars for the displays she created, and shared her table decorating skills and display methods at many Kansas State Square Dance Conventions. Roberta’s work was enjoyed by Kansas dancers as well as those at the national and international levels.
But, Roberta and Louis didn’t just work at State and National Conventions; they dressed with eye catching and exquisite outfits. So much so, that in 1999 and 2006 they were asked to represent Kansas in two National Square Dance Convention Fashion Shows. The two of them also modeled in two Kansas State Square Dance Convention Fashion Shows.
In 2008, Roberta supported the 2008 57th National Convention in Wichita, serving on the Social & Special Events Committee.
Roberta has attended 40 Kansas State Conventions and at least 45 National Conventions. She has attended 8 Nebraska State Conventions and 1 in Missouri, as well as many other festivals in neighboring states.
Our square dancing activity would be very strong and viable if every square dancer was as dedicated to our activity with their time, money, and willing hands and heart as Roberta. Thank you, Roberta, for being there when we needed you!