From the Mic is a podcast about North American social dance calling
Through conversations with callers across the continent, host Mary Wesley will explore the world of square, contra, and community dance callers. Why do they do it? How did they learn? What is their role, on stage and off, in shaping our dance communities? What can they tell us about the particular corner of the dance world that they know, and love, the best?
Each episode we’ll hear from a different caller, but they all have something in common – a spark, a desire to lead, to share joy, to invite movement, to stand in that special place between the band and a room full of dancers (or people who don’t yet know that they’re dancers), and from the mic say “Find a partner, let’s dance!”
From the Mic Episode 10 – Chrissy Fowler December 22, 2022 - It's not about perfection in the execution. It's not about the complicated figures that we all can do. It's not about the puzzle. It's really about the people and how this vehicle can bring all those people together. ~ Chrissy Fowler Chrissy Fowler grew up in the shadow of Maine's highest mountain, Katahdin. She went away to college and graduate school and settled in Belfast ME in 2004. In 2005, she co-founded a local dance series which has evolved into a thriving participatory arts nonprofit - Belfast Flying Shoes. In her Flying Shoes bio, Chrissy describes herself as an organizer, leader,… ➤ Audio, show notes, and more!
From the Mic Episode 9 – Sue Rosen November 23, 2022 - I think my favorite gigs are those for total non-dancers because the look on their faces when they're having such a blast, it's just so rewarding to see people get into it. ~ Sue Rosen A leading caller of contras, squares, English country dance and family dance programs, Sue Rosen has been actively calling for 30 years in the Boston area, across the country, and overseas. She has built a collection of great dances and has written contras that have become part of the standard repertoire of dance callers across the contradance world. Sue and her husband Bruce, (who you… ➤ Audio, show notes, and more!
From the Mic Episode 8 – Chris Ricciotti October 27, 2022 - There's no greater love than bringing new people into a dance and having them smile and say, I love this, I want to come back. That gives me the biggest thrill and the biggest feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction and joy. ~ Chris Ricciotti Meet Chris: I fell in love with dancing as a young boy, particularly in Phys Ed in 1966 in the Coventry, RI School system that had old time square dancing as a part of the curriculum. These old 78 rpm records from the "Honor Your Partner" series that were called by Ed and Don Durlacher were… ➤ Audio, show notes, and more!
From the Mic Episode 7 – Chris Page August 25, 2022 - This episode, Mary talks with caller and choreographer Chris Page, who has called contras and English country dance in San Diego for about 15 years. When calling, his main concern is being serious about dancers not taking themselves too seriously. Along with Michael Dyck, he's turned his obsession with the history of contra dance choreography into something productive through the online database, The Caller's Box. There are lots of fascinating tidbits for callers and choreographers alike in this one. Check it out! ➤ Audio, show notes, and more!
From the Mic Episode 6 – Sue Hulsether July 28, 2022 - This episode, we talk with Sue Hulsether, a dance caller, teaching artist, clogger, and musician hailing from Wisconsin. Since 2003, she has travelled from coast to coast to lead dances in dance halls, schools, barns, and community centers. Dancing with thousands of school children each year, her artist-in-residence career has risen out of the skills she gained from over 10 years as an elementary music teacher. Her influence and repertoire is wide, with dancers ranging from preschoolers to octogenarians and she calls squares, contras, circle dances, longways whole-set dances, and play parties. ➤ Audio, show notes, and more!
From the Mic Episode 5 – Gaye Fifer June 30, 2022 - ...we're part of creating something that's unique and unusual where nobody's worrying about tomorrow or feeling bad about what happened yesterday. We're just in this experience totally together. I love that feeling. ~ Gaye Fifer Gaye Fifer is an accomplished caller from Pittsburgh, PA. An active dancer herself, Gaye understands the subtleties of making dances particularly satisfying for dancers. Her instructions are clear and concise, as she is a teacher by profession. An easy smile and delightful sense of humor are part of Gaye's relaxed, pleasant style at the microphone. Gaye calls contra and English dances throughout the U.S. and Canada.… ➤ Audio, show notes, and more!
From the Mic Episode 4 – Tony Parkes May 27, 2022 - In this episode Mary interviews Boston based caller Tony Parkes. Tony is an encyclopedia of square and contra dance history, full of vivid recollections of the many mentors and sources of inspiration that have made him the caller, dance leader, and person that he is today. From his beginnings as a 14-year-old stepping up to the mic at Farm and Wilderness Camp to call Golden Slippers, to writing the foundational contra dance calling text which has helped so many callers find their way to the stage, to his most recent publication, in which, to use his words, he “gives away… ➤ Audio, show notes, and more!
From the Mic Episode 3 – Sarah VanNorstrand April 28, 2022 - This episode, Mary talks with Sarah VanNorstrand, who has been calling, organizing and teaching contra, square, and family/community dances for over 15 years. They trace the roots of her connection to traditional music and dance back to her teenage years in Syracuse, and she shares her thoughts about matching dance choreography to music, including what she learned working alongside contra dance super-band Great Bear. Sarah also speaks to the many ways she works as a caller to facilitate a welcoming and fulfilling experience for everyone on the dance floor. ➤ Audio, show notes, and more!
From the Mic Episode 2 – Lisa Greenleaf April 6, 2022 - I'm a guide and I am the linchpin in the evening...It's a big responsibility and I love doing it! ~ Lisa Greenleaf Lisa Greenleaf has been calling for many years throughout the USA and internationally for dances, weekends, and weeklong camps. Her specialties include traditional and contemporary contras, fun squares, challenging dances of all shapes and sizes, and callers’ training. Lisa likes to emphasize community and communication in her workshops, guiding participants to get the most out of their dancing or calling experience. She has a keen interest in understanding group dynamics as well as the power of positive leadership.… ➤ Audio, show notes, and more!
From the Mic Episode 1 – Phil Jamison February 15, 2022 - Welcome to From the Mic! "One night the caller wasn't there and somebody had to call the dances and I gave it a try..." ~ Phil Jamison In the debut episode of From the Mic we meet Phil Jamison of Asheville, North Carolina. Phil is nationally-known as a dance caller, old-time musician, and flatfoot dancer. He has called dances, performed, and taught at music festivals and dance events throughout the U.S. and overseas since the early 1970s, including over forty years as a member of the Green Grass Cloggers. His flatfoot dancing was featured in the film, Songcatcher, for which he… ➤ Audio, show notes, and more!