The concept of South Florida having its first all-male country western dance team was the brainchild of Mike Banfield, the team's Founder and original Director.

Mike had traveled to the International Gay Rodeo in San Diego in 1994 and had the wonderful opportunity to experience an all-male country western dance team called, The Midnight Cowboys.

Mike, who was part of an existing co-ed dance team from Southern Country South Florida, thought it would be a novel idea to create the only all-male dance team in the state of Florida. 

Over the 1995 Memorial Day weekend, Howard Cunningham was hired to help create this new team.  Howard's roles on the team have continued to grow as choreographer, costume designer, and dancer.  He has remained tireless in creating one of the most unique dance teams existing in the nation today.

The first practice was in October of 1995 with twelve dancers to start this new venture.  During the first few rehearsals, the name for the team was chosen, The RoughRiders.

The team's first performance in public occurred at a hoedown sponsored by Southern Country Charlotte in North Carolina on February 24, 1996.  From the audience response, the dance team knew that they had struck gold with their routines. 

Since performing in Charlotte, some of the original members have retired, only to be replaced by other dedicated dancers eagerly wanting to be part of this team.

The RoughRiders decided from the beginning to create a unique style of dance that was not typical country western in look.  Through the years, they have become known as the top in their field when it comes to Cabaret numbers and the use of many props.

In October 2001, the all-male status of the RoughRiders was broken.  Our first official female dancer, Sandy Bryant (who had always been a dedicated honorary member), became a full-time member of the dance troupe.

The RoughRiders are currently club members of the International Association of Gay and Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs (IAGLCWDC).

The RoughRiders have been together since October of 1995 and continue to have a bright future in their hometown of South Florida and internationally.

In addition to performances at numerous benefits and events in Orlando, Key West, and throughout South Florida, the RoughRiders have traveled and performed in Charlotte, Washington DC, Boston, Toronto, Houston, San Diego, and Montreal.

Interested in joining the RoughRiders during the 2003 - 2004 season? 

Contact Michael Biedzinski for information.