For nearly 40 years, I have been calling dances. Since about 2003, I have focused exclusively on traditional square dance. Before that, I did call contra dances – but only so that I could call squares! When I realized that it was no longer needed, I started to focus on square dance.
In 2004, Phil Jamison and I started the callers’ weekend Dare to Be Square. We did three of them at Warren Wilson College, then folks around the country asked to use the name to do their own DTBS events. We gladly let it go – though now that we are both retired from our university positions, we may take it up again. Stay tuned! At any rate, I’m glad to have had a small part in the resurgence of square dance enthusiasm!
I now make my home in Ashe County, NC – The Coolest Corner in North Carolina! If you’re interested in my coming off the mountain to call a square dance where you are, let me know! Email or phone are the best ways to reach me. I’m available for parties, weddings, family reunions, regularly held dances, or anywhere else you’re like to try it. I have called for folks from 2 to 92, and help to make the event fun and accessible for everyone.
Upcoming dances – all open to the public, some have admission charges:
August 27 – West Jefferson Arts Center – 7-9pm Free
Sept 17 – 19 – Hoppin’ John Festival, Shakori Hills, NC
Oct 1 – 3 – Raleigh Wide Open – dances Friday and Saturday nights – free downtown
Oct 9 – Todd Mercantile, Todd, NC – potluck at 6, dance after till about 10
Nov 7 – Todd Promenade (callers’ workshop), Todd, NC – 1pm till dance that evening (leading a workshop for playing for dances)
Dec 12 – Lansing, NC @ Old Lansing School
Obviously this page needs some TLC – Just wanted to get it out there!
Nancy Mamlin, Ph.D. 