Berea's Solo Squares Dance Group Celebrates Local Police

The long-running square dancing club invites retired officer to join in the fun

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Solo Squares dance group in Berea, Ohio recently invited retired police officer Dave Kammerman to join them for a special celebration honoring local law enforcement. Kammerman, who hadn't square danced since elementary school, took the challenge and joined a square with the group's longtime member Betty Clay. The Solo Squares, founded in 1961, is the oldest square dancing club in the Cleveland area and now has 56 members from across the region.

Why it matters

The event highlights how community groups like the Solo Squares are finding creative ways to engage with and honor local public servants like the police. It also showcases how square dancing remains a popular social activity that can bring together people of all ages and backgrounds.

The details

During the event, Kammerman, a retired Berea police officer, shared stories about his law enforcement career, including working on the regional bomb squad and as a school resource officer. He also talked about the myth of police and donuts, explaining that officers would often stop at donut shops, especially in the winter, to warm up and grab a bite. Kammerman then joined a square with longtime Solo Squares member Betty Clay, learning the modern moves to Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' before transitioning to more traditional square dance music.

  • The Solo Squares dance group meets on the second and fourth Fridays of every month from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
  • Kammerman retired from the Berea police force last year and now works part-time for the mayor's office.

The players

Dave Kammerman

A retired Berea police officer who joined the Solo Squares dance group for a special event honoring local law enforcement.

Betty Clay

A long-time member of the Solo Squares dance group who partnered with Kammerman during the event.

Diane Moore

The president of the Solo Squares dance group, which was founded in 1961 and is the oldest square dancing club in the Cleveland area.

Mike Bays

The vice president of the Solo Squares dance group who is training to become a caller.

Ray Wiles

The caller who provided a tutorial to the group, including Kammerman, on the modern square dancing moves.

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What they’re saying

“I never ate a donut while on duty, but I guess I can have one now.”

— Dave Kammerman, Retired police officer

“Square dancing has changed. It used to be country music; now it's more modern.”

— Ray Wiles, Caller

“He did fine. He's a fun guy.”

— Betty Clay, Solo Squares member

The takeaway

The Solo Squares dance group's celebration of local police officers demonstrates how community organizations can find creative ways to honor public servants and bring people of all backgrounds together through shared activities like square dancing.