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.
If you’re a square dance musician, you might not have known you needed this — until it was too late! Be proactive! Buy my booklet!
Just $10 to cover costs – available to all musicians who might find themselves in the position of needing to keep the dancing going! Includes instructions for teaching 2 reels and 4 square dances (in the big set, circle up 4 category). Reach out via email or text if you would like a copy.
Upcoming dances – all open to the public, some have admission charges:
| When? | Where? | More details? | Even more details? |
| 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 |
