Growing New Callers

As we work with dancers and dance organizers around our beautiful state, we have noticed that there are lots of accomplished as well as up-and-coming musicians and many opportunities for musicians to develop their abilities - teachers, camps, workshops.....as well as a variety of sit-in opportunities at various local dances. But many dances struggle for a lack of callers, and there are few opportunities - short of just jumping in - for those interested in learning the art of calling.

We are making a start at addressing this shortage in our community with a series of "Caller Seedling" workshops sponsored by the DownEast Country Dance Festival.

Caller Seedlings A Class for Beginners on Contradance Calling with John McIntire March 8 & April 5 E. Wilton & Norridgewock OR with Chrissy Fowler April 5 & April 19 Blue Hill & Trenton Each course will be held in two five- hour sessions, plus evening dances, and will focus primarily on teaching, calling fundamentals and programming contra dances. At the conclusion of the 2nd session, participants will be encouraged to call a dance at that evening’s dance session. The goal of the course is to assist potential callers in getting started but all with interest in learning about calling are welcome to attend. Participation in the 1st session is a prerequisite for the 2nd session in both classes. Class sizes limited to 10. Please pre-register by March 1 for John, March 31 for Chrissy $20 fee includes all hand-outs, hall rent, and admission for both dances. Scholarships available. Download a flier with contact information for registration.

Blooming Callers Growing as a Contradance Caller with Lisa Greenleaf   As a second step in caller development, Lisa Greenleaf will be leading a weekend workshop for developing callers who have already begun their path. More information about date and location will be coming soon, but it will be a Friday evening, Saturday including dance with opportunity to practice calling, and Sunday morning. It will be sometime in the fall or winter (her summer is already booked!). Lisa calls all over the country, and has led the caller classes at Pinewoods Camp for years (this year will be her last at that gig) as well as numerous other caller classes and workshops. We are very pleased that she wants to come to Maine and work with us on this. Priority for participation in Lisa's workshop will be given to those who have participated in John and/or Chrissy's caller development classes in 2007 or 2008 More details and a flier will be available here when details are confirmed