Contra and Square Dance Series

my view from the mic

I would love to call for your dance series!

I have been calling contra dances for well over a decade and I regularly call contra dances throughout Vermont surrounding areas. I’ve called for big dances as well as tiny dances in small towns. I enjoy them all! Whether it is a hall full of experienced dancers eager for a challenge or a roomful of beginners, I can create a program of interesting dances what will keep everyone smiling.

I also call squares

Don Stratton calling a square dance.

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 use a patter-calling style, where the rhythm of the words complements the driving phrases of the old-time music.

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

Click on my schedule to see some of my upcoming gigs and where I have been the last few years.