In 1957 the older couples of a square dancing group decided to form a ballroom dancing club in Springfield. The first party of the Dancing Improvement Assembly was held January 11, 1958 at the Illini Country Club. Other venues included the Abraham Lincoln Hotel, Leland Hotel, private homes, and later the Sangamo Club. The group held three dances a year with dinner, drinks, and bands. In 1961 the club had 50 couples. The Dancing Improvement Assembly disbanded in 2016.
The Dancing Improvement Assembly collection includes club histories, bylaws, financials, correspondence, invitations and programs, board meeting materials, membership lists, photos, and newspaper articles.