Square Dance Calling

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:

When?	Where?	More details?	Even more details?
August 27	West Jefferson Arts Center	West Jefferson, NC	Free 7pm – 9pm
Sept 17 – 19	Hoppin’ John Fiddlers’ Convention	Calling Thursday and Friday night dances Shakori Hills, NC	https://www.hoppinjohn.org/
Oct 1 – 3	Raleigh Wide Open	Free street dances Friday and Saturday nights	https://raleighwideopen.com/
Oct 4	The Pinhook	Durham, NC	Dance from 5pm – 9pm
Oct 9	Todd Mercantile	Todd, NC	potluck at 6, dance till about 10. $5 admission
Nov 7	Todd Promenade (callers’ workshop)	Todd, NC	1pm till dance that evening
Nov 13	Todd Mercantile	Todd, NC	Supporting new callers at the monthly dance!
Dec 12	Old Lansing School	Lansing, NC	Free
Feb 4 – 7	Janie’s Jumpstart	Staunton, VA

Obviously this page needs some TLC – Just wanted to get it out there!