I lead dancing for
I have been calling contra dances for well over a decade. I’ve called for all of the regular contra dance series in Vermont and many in the surrounding states. I call dances at weddings, for school programs, and for community events. I’ve called for big established dances as well as small community gatherings in tiny towns. I enjoy them all!
I try to be clear and concise in my calling. My decades of classroom experience have helped to hone my teaching skills so I can spend less time instructing and we can spend more time dancing. Whether it is a hall full of experienced dancers eager for a challenge or a roomful of beginners, I can create a program of engaging dances that will keep everyone smiling.
I’ve been dancing and playing music all my life. I currently play fiddle for the contra dance band Red Dog Riley. Because I am both a dance musician and a caller, my calling style is intimately connected to the rhythms and joy of the music.
I would love to share that joy with you!
Click on my schedule to see some of my upcoming gigs and where I have been the last few years.
my view from the mic
I also like to call squares
My father was a square dance caller, and I have been dancing square dances for as long as I can remember. I want to share that joy with you!
I have a special love for traditional Southern Appalachian squares. As an avid old-time fiddle and banjo player, that music is part of my everyday life. I mostly use a patter-calling style, where the rhythm of the words complements the driving phrases of the old-time music.
Some Video Samples:
Old video of Don calling the Mad Robin contra dance in Burlington VT, 2017
Calling a square dance with the Moon Shells, Cabot, VT 2024
Open my music and calling calendar
Dances for Weddings and Parties
Have a contra dance at your wedding reception or rehearsal dinner!
Contra dance, square dance, barndance or hoedown. Whatever you call it, dancing together is a great way to break the ice and foster meaningful interactions among friends and families. In no time I will have you and your guests tapping your feet and up on the dance floor. I will work with you to plan an evening that everyone will enjoy. No experience is necessary! We can pick dances that are appropriate for all ages, from children to adults. I have even led wheel-chair square dances at a nursing home. These simple dances will allow guests to share the joy of moving together to music with everyone in the group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in holding a dance? Click here for more information:
Contact me and we can discuss your vision for the event and how I can help you. The first thing is to know the location and date so I can check my availability. I’ll be happy to help guide you through the process of planning a wonderful event.
The cost depends on the type of event, distance, time, number of guests, etc. Contact me and I will be glad to discuss details with you and what I can offer!
I have led events in all kinds of spaces: tents, church basements and gymnasiums. The main requirement is a large flat area for dancing. A wood floor is best, but even grass can work as long as it is flat and free of obstructions.
We will need a source of power, but usually a single regular household outlet is sufficient for the entire band and PA.
Live music makes all the difference between and ordinary event and a memorable one! There is a give and take between the band and the audience that cannot be replicated with recorded music. As a caller, I almost always call to live music. My band Red Dog Riley can provide music for your event. Or I can help find other musicians through my network of music friends. I will be happy to discuss options with you.
Yes. Home sound systems and boom boxes usually don’t work. We will need to have a PA that is sufficient for the space and a mixer with multiple inputs and the ability to control relative volumes of the caller and band. Fortunately I have a complete sound system that I can bring for a slight additional cost.
Usually an hour to an hour and a half is sufficient.
Yes! We will start with easy dances that everyone can do. My goal is to make sure that everyone has a great time.
“Everyone enjoyed the dancing”
“It was exactly what we had envisioned for the day.”
Dances for Children, Teens, and Communities
Dancing together builds community! I get tremendous joy helping a roomful of beginners start to move together to the music. The palpable joy on dancers’ faces is infectious! I regularly lead dances with groups of all ages. I do programs for elementary school students, teens and summer camps, and adults. I’ve led wheelchair dances in a nursing home and seated square dancing for the elderly. Throughout it all is my belief that everyone can dance. I will get your group moving to the music without having to learn a lot of fancy moves.
I will be happy to lead dances for your group. Contact me and we can discuss options.
“Dancing together is friendship set to music!”