Somehow I ended up at my first square dance at the American Legion hall in Highland Park 10 years ago. I was pretty nervous. I was going solo and I had never square danced before. The night before I had watched about 2 hours of videos on YouTube trying to figure the dang thing out. I showed up the next night and ALL my inhibitions had melted away after the first dance. I had the time of my life and fell in love with old-time music. Looking back on that now, I want to do everything I can to ease that anxiety or inhibition brand new dancers may feel. If you come to a traditional old-time dance you're 100% going to have fun. I mean, We have dances called "Peel the Banana" and the "Dingleberry Dance"! At least I call it the Dingleberry dance LOL. Also, look at how seriously I take myself. (see pic for reference). In My opinion, Square dancing is THE EASIEST MOST ACCESSIBLE Social dance we have around these parts and therefore it's the best. There's no dress code. You don't need a partner and you don't need any experience. It helps if you know your left from your right but even as a caller I forget that sometimes 🤣.
Having the ability to quickly assess the abilities of a group and get everyone moving and having fun in an extremely short period of time is why I've been so successful at calling weddings, birthdays, private events and children's parties. Most of the folks at these events have never square danced before and may be a bit hesitant but when the live band starts playing and I get everyone moving in a super simple "snake" or "circle", We're going to have a good time! I have a wide repertoire of advanced dances that I love to call when I feel the group is up for it but for private events I usually stick to the most simple and FUN dances.
I'm comfortable teaming up with any old time musicians who have a repertoire of old-time fiddle dance tunes. I also have access to a broad network of musicians and can tailor the band configuration to suit the needs of your private event. Please feel free to reach out to me via email with any questions you may have about organizing an old time Square Dance! jeremy.grant.horton [@] gmail.com
A bit about my Square Dance Journey & My experience organizing/calling dances at private events
