Photo by David Frantz

I've enjoyed calling and writing contra dances for many years, with the pleasure of leading dance weeks and weekends throughout North America. Here's a schedule of calling dates and a history of past dates. I look forward to calling in your town.

Some of my dances have avoided the scrap heap, and one of these days I will surely publish a book of dances. Until then, publishing online is hard to beat.

I've also posted a few thoughts on grids, which combine the best features of contras and squares.

Here in Philly I help run the Mount Airy Barn Dance and Teen Dance, always highlights of my month.

Podcast Episode

I was honored to be a guest on From The Mic, a CDSS podcast hosted by Mary Wesley. Some highlights from the episode:

• Stories of my path to calling, via inspiring dance and music scenes in the Midwest, New England, and the Mid-Atlantic.
• How to write good dances.
• Building a successful teen dance in Philly, with a unique repertoire fitting their skills and preferences.
• Tips from my years of calling and working with callers.
• Index cards that aren't too thin or too thick.
• How what we offer is important and rare in the world — a chance to interact in a fun and safe way; to move and smile and connect and laugh and experience joy. Hard to find elsewhere!