Contra Dance Calling with Harrison Keely

If you can walk, you can dance. There’s no fancy footwork required here, so folks can enjoy each other’s company rather than look down at their feet. Instead, the moves help you travel places in different ways. Unlike line dancing, folk dancing involves partners and neighbors, but it doesn’t matter who your partner is – it can be a friend, a co-worker, or a relative!

I’ll begin by asking couples to find a partner (it can be anyone) and join hands with everyone else in one big ring. I’ll teach moves like do-si-do, allemande, star, swing, and promenade. We’ll walk through the dance so folks know what they’re about to do. Then the music starts and I’ll call out each move at the right time so you can enjoy the music and camaraderie without having to concentrate on what comes next. And you’ll find that after a few times through, you’ll already know what comes next!

Folk dances use many of the same basic moves in surprising, new combinations. Sometimes we’ll do mixer dances where your partner changes each time through. When the crowd is ready, we'll throw in a new move. It’s all very easy to learn and a bundle of fun!

I'll be there early to set up and sound test. I can work with a pre-existing sound system or bring my own sound system and microphone at no additional charge. I can call to recorded tunes I have or bring live dance musicians.

I teach and call folk and contra dances for community gatherings, parties, and events. I'm a certified dance caller who trained at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Dance is a fun and easy way to bring people together. My specialty is contra and circle dances, but I can also call some squares, triplets, reels, and English Country dances.

I call regularly-scheduled dances at the John C. Campbell Folk School (the largest folk school in the United States), and for Macon County, NC. If you want to see me in action, come visit!

Let me know whether your group consists of mostly newcomers or experienced dancers so I can tailor the event to meet your needs.

I can bring a wired or battery-powered JBL speaker and wireless Shure headset microphone and recorded music, so no sound equipment is needed on your part.

I can also bring a band for live music. I offer the option of a more affordable folk band of newer musicians, or a premium-level, more experienced band. Pricing also varies based on travel time.

Q: How many musicians should I have?
A: It depends how many people attend. Here's a general guide:
40 guests: two musicians
80 guests: three musicians
100+ guests: four musicians

Q: Can I just invite my own band?
A: Yes, you can. I'm willing to call with a band of your choice as long as they are a dance band and regularly perform for square, contra, or folk dances.