I lead dancing for
I have been calling contra dances for well over a decade now, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every event. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of calling for all of the regular contra dance series throughout Vermont as well as many others in the neighboring states. My experience includes all kinds of dances. In addition to typical dance series, I regularly call dances at weddings, for school programs, and for various community events. Whether it’s a large, established dance series with lots of dancers or a small gathering in a tiny town, I love them all!
I try to be clear and concise in my calling. My many years 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!”