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Log InJacob Bloom
- Arlington, MA
- Square Dance Caller
- Travels up to 2.5 hours
- Contact for rates
Overview
I specialize in leading dance events that get everyone moving and enjoying the music, whether they think they can dance or not. My dances get people moving together, let them enjoy being together, and leave everyone smiling at the end.
I will work with you to create an event that fits your needs, budget, and time requirements. I can provide a live band of experienced dance musicians for your event, or use recorded music if you prefer.
I would be delighted to talk to you about how a Contra Dance (Square Dance, Barn Dance), or a Revolutionary-War-era-reenactment dance, can fill your need for an event that everyone can enjoy.
12 Reviews
Great experience, it was very fun and appropriate for the crowd we had. Jacob did a nice job of giving just the right special attention to the guests of honor to make it special for them.
Square Dance Caller
Mr. Bloom was the perfect emcee, dj and square dance caller for my Wedding reception. He was kind and polite. All ages enjoyed dancing from the youngest of 3 years old up to the oldest in their 60s. Everyone had a great time and I would definitely use Mr. Bloom again for another event.
Square Dance Caller
Our event had guests who had varying levels of experience with square dancing and Jacob and Nancy made every comfortable. We had a good number of people but not everyone was able to dance so Jacob did several "seated" dances so everyone felt included. Thank you!
Square Dance Caller
Jacob and his wife Nancy were an excellent team! We hired this couple to teach during our elementary school's Physical Education classes as an enrichment program and then attend our Fall Festival, an outdoor PTO fundraising event on Saturday. They have a welcoming attitude that lends for even the shyest of student to jump in and start dancing. Smiles all around! They showed up early for set up, brought all their own sound equipment, and had a high level of energy throughout the 4 hours they were at the event. It was such an excellent program!
Thank you Jacob and Nancy!
From the Nixon Elementary School, Parent Teacher Organization in Sudbury, Massachusetts.
Dance Instructor, Educational Entertainment, Square Dance Caller
Great line dances by Jacob! Everyone was up and dancing. Friendly and good natured. This should really be a 4.5, but there wasn’t an option. Only complaint was arrival a little early and music could have been a little louder.
Dance Instructor, Educational Entertainment
Jacob did a good job Square and Line Dance Calling at our party.
Square Dance Caller
I suppose his mic could have been louder but it all worked out and we loved it.
Square Dance Caller
My sister and I held a 50th anniversary brunch for our parents and wanted to spice it up with some square dancing since that was how they met and our dad used to be a square dance caller. Besides our parents, no one knew how to square dance at all and Jacob was helpful in his teaching and made it easy to understand. We had so much fun! We were able to laugh a little at ourselves too! Our guests said they had the best time. What a wonderful day!
Square Dance Caller
Jacob got us dancing right away, with a long first dance that taught us the basics. After that, it was a lot of fun and laughter as everyone, from the youngest (around age 6) to the oldest (70's) met new friends and got into the spirit of the evening! The only suggestion I'd make is that at times we had a hard time hearing Jacob's calls - he needs to make that portable mike louder. (Of course, we were whooping it up a bit, so part of the "fault" is ours!) A great time was had by all - thanks, Jacob!
Square Dance Caller
Jacob was good at getting us oldsters up and dancing and having fun. Some folks had never square danced before! Great time was had by all!
Square Dance Caller
Was a successful party.
Square Dance Caller
Photos from this event
Jacob made it a fun evening, even with a group that tired easily and was smaller than anticipated.
Square Dance Caller
Booking Info
Price Range: Contact for rates
Gig Length: 60 - 240 minutes
Insurance: Yes
What to Expect
I realize that people are not there to learn dancing, but to enjoy spending time with each other. I start people moving immediately, and keep the dances simple and fun.
For most occasions, many of the dances would be done in longways sets, a line of couples, starting with each person facing their partner. I would alternate these with dances done by four couples in a square, dances done in a circle, and couple dances - whichever seems like it would be the most fun at the moment.
I can also come in colonial costume and lead dancing based on authentic dances of the American Colonial and Revolutionary War periods, with the level of difficulty suitable to the ages, abilities, and level of interest of the dancers.
I can provide a live band of experienced dance musicians, or use recorded music. I can provide a full sound system.
About
I have been leading dancing for more than 40 years. Dances I have written have been published by the New England Folk Festival Association and the Country Dance and Song Society of America. I regularly call dances at the New England Folk Festival, and have performed in Europe with the Black Jokers Morris and the Green Mountain Volunteers. I have been teaching dancing of the American Colonial and Revolutionary War periods for 20 years, and currently teach the Wayside Inn Steppers, a Colonial dance group which dances weekly at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts. I frequently call for groups of beginners, and have been called "The best caller for beginners in the Boston area."
Services Offered
Upcoming Booked Events
| January 25, 2025 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Bridgewater Community Dance |
Past Booked Events
| September 08, 2024 • 12:30pm - 2:00pm | Campus Event |
| August 16, 2024 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Hampstead NH Colonial Dance |
| June 03, 2024 • 9:00am - 12:00pm | History Day on Boston Common |
| April 20, 2024 • 1:00pm - 8:00pm | Calling at New England Folk Festival |
| April 20, 2024 • All-day event | New England Folk Festival |
| August 11, 2023 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Anniversary Party |
| June 24, 2023 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| August 07, 2022 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Birthday Party |
| May 28, 2022 • 2:30pm - 4:30pm | Corporate Event |
| October 16, 2021 • 12:00pm - 4:00pm | Festival |
| May 22, 2021 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
| April 29, 2021 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Corporate Event |
| October 26, 2019 • 9:00pm - 10:00pm | Halloween Party |
| September 07, 2019 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Anniversary Party |
| June 01, 2019 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Personal Occasion |
| November 17, 2018 • 7:30pm - 9:30pm | Fundraiser |
| October 13, 2018 • 6:30pm - 10:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| November 05, 2017 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| October 14, 2017 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Dinner Party |
| February 17, 2017 • 7:30pm - 8:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
| November 19, 2016 • 7:00pm - 9:30pm | Holiday Party (Other) |
| August 07, 2015 • 10:00am - 1:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| August 16, 2014 • 8:30pm - 11:00pm | Retreat |
Setup Requirements
If I am providing the sound system, I need a table and access to electricity.