Isaac Banner is a long-time contra dancer and Seattle transplant. “I’ve become known in the Pacific Northwest for my particular blend of humor and dance instruction. With contagious excitement, a warm cadence, and a cheerful personality, I strive to bring moments of magic into the lives of newcomers and veteran dancers alike. Contra has always held a special place in my heart and I try to share that love with every dance I visit.”
Alexandra Deis-Lauby A NYC-based folk dancer, caller, teacher, and organizer, Alexandra is a contra dance caller who calls weekends and festivals all over the country. She tours, calling local dances for both contra and English Country Dance. She also calls community, teen, and family dances as well as weddings and parties. Her clear teaching, smooth voice, and fun dance selection delight dancers coast-to-coast. Alex is excellent with all levels of dancers whether they just walked in the door or have been dancing since before she was born. She has dances for all the folks! This past year, she has expanded her mentorship of new callers, working with Brooklyn Contra for a series of caller workshops aimed at developing new callers in the NYC region
Lindsay Dono is a caller, choreographer, and instructor.
Lisa Greenleaf calls regularly in the Boston and New England areas and has been a staff member at dance camps and festivals throughout the country and beyond. She combines a deep understanding of contra choreography and tradition with a high-spirited presence and irreverent wit. Her specialties include traditional and contemporary contras, fun squares, challenging dances of all shapes and sizes, and caller training.
Gaye Fifer hasn't stopped dancing since she found contras in 1979. Introduced to the community in St. Louis, she has found dancing wherever she goes. Gaye learned to call contras in Charlottesville, VA and has been traveling to call and dance for the past 25 years. We call Gaye “the soul of the Whirl” because she has called every year since FOOTMAD started the weekend in 2005. Whether she’s calling contras, squares, waltz or English Country Dance—another of her specialties—Gaye’s instructions are clear and concise, a talent that comes naturally because she was a teacher by profession. Gaye has been described (not by us, although we would agree) as “the best waltz teacher in the country. Gaye has called and taught at dance weekend throughout the US and overseas, and delights dancers with her clear walk-throughs and smooth-flowing contras. She is currently President of Country Dance and Song Society and has a passionate interest in supporting dance community leaders and organizers.
Jacqui Grennan is a contra dance caller, English Country Dance caller, choreographer, and co-organizer of Fiddling Frog Dance Weekend. Jacqui started contra dancing in Los Angeles, CA, in 2009. Since then, she’s taken a deep dive into folk dancing, first as a contra caller, then choreographer, then English Country Dance caller and choreographer, and now taking on the challenge of learning modern western square dancing. These experiences of trying new things at different skill levels has enhanced her ability to consider different ways of teaching and learning. She is known for her clear and caring teaching with a stage presence that is a blend of calmness and dynamism. She knows what dancers want, and knows how to make it happen, seeing herself as the host of a party who wants to help everyone have a good time.
Cis Hinkle has delighted contra and square dancers since 1985 with her skilled teaching, welcoming manner, playful enthusiasm, and masterful selection of dances.
Ted Hodapp has been dancing and teaching New England Contras, Appalachian clogging, and traditional dance forms from England, France, and Scandinavian for 40 years, all across the US and in Europe. He is co-author of several books of original dances.
George Marshall, originator and producer of Tropical Dance Vacation, is a full-time musician, caller and dance teacher, touring nationally year-round. His specialty is teaching and calling the New England-style contra dances he has collected throughout the country. George is renowned for his knack of matching music to dance and for his smooth, concise teaching and presentation
Frannie Marr began contra dancing in 1998 when she went looking for a new form of dance to bring back to her elementary school. She quickly fell in love with the music and dance scene and became an organizer as well as a caller. Frannie is known for her excellent choices of wonderful dances, and her clear precise walkthroughs which make her easy to understand and follow. Can you tell she was a kindergarten teacher? Frannie’s joy of dance is so present in her exuberant calling you’ll think you’re at a dance party. Which is exactly where you’ll be when you arrive in Corvallis.
Maia McCormick is a contradance caller and choreographer based in New York City. Check out her blog for occasional about caller thoughts and dance musings, or see where she’s calling next! She calls around the Northeast and beyond, at festivals, dance camps/weekends, and regular dances alike (including, to name a few: Queer Contra Dance Camp, ESC Week at Pinewoods, Youth Dance Weekend, Dawn Dance, LCFD Spring Dance Camp, and the NEFFA festival).
Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: "It's about the dancers!"
Christine Merryman discovered the magic of contra dancing 14 years ago just outside her hometown in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Christine started calling dances in her parents' backyard eight years ago. She took callers workshops with Bob Isaacs and began calling dances in the Philly area. Six years ago, Christine moved to Arizona and began calling for dances in Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. She has also called dances and dance weekends in California and throughout the eastern U.S.
Susan Petrick started calling for contra dances in 2000 and teaching couple dances, including waltz, cross-step waltz, and hambo, shortly thereafter. Susan lives in Redwood City, CA and has become a regional treasure with national prominence, calling for dance weekends and festivals throughout the country. She is known for her clear teaching, efficient guidance, and expert pacing, making even complex dances accessible to all. By profession Susan is a cognitive psychologist who manages a team of User Experience researchers at Google in Mountain View, CA.
Emily Rush For me, contra dancing has always been about connection, inclusivity, joy, and play; as a caller I make that my goal for each gig. My beginner lessons are a mix of movement and cultural introduction, including everything from common dance moves to what to expect (you will mess up -- it's ok!, there's lots of eye contact -- here's why!, something feels off? -- these people are here for you!). Dancers appreciate my enthusiasm, energy, and my clear calling. I endeavor to throw in occasional Pro Tips during my dances, either flourishes or gentle reminders for best practices, but fundamentally I believe my role is to get the dance going and get out of the way of the music.
Andy Shore has been teaching & leading social dances in the LGBTQ community since 1989, and calling contras since 2007. He moved to the Palm Springs area in 2021, but before COVID, he called regularly around northern and central California as well as farther afield and had been a mainstay of our SF Bay Queer Contra Dance community for over a dozen years. With 30 years of calling experience, Andy loves everything from teaching beginners to satisfying seasoned dancers. Dancers enjoy Andy's clear and concise walk-throughs and his dry wit while he takes them on a journey through choreography and music.
Diane Silver is one of Asheville’s most sought-after dance callers. She has been a die-hard contra dancer, swing dancer, and kitchen flat-footer for over 20 years. With a penchant for hot modern contras and a few FUN squares, she loves sharing high-energy dancing that allows everyone to “play” with the band. Highly acclaimed for her clear, efficient teaching and calling, creative medleys, great positive energy, and spirit of community building, Diane provides a sizzling evening of dance in a friendly, welcoming tone.
The Janine Smith experience is what you get when you cross a howdy-ma'am-BBQ-and-beans Honky Tonk with Zoom contra and sprinkle on some twinkly lights for sass. She'll bring you a night of fun dances, from contras to squares, heck maybe a Singing Square, whether you're sitting, standing, or somewhere in between. Her teaching is clear and to-the-point, though she has been known to goof around a bit. She brings the party, whether it's to a local Barn Dance, or to a dance weekend in the US, or internationally.
Seth Tepfer teaches adults and children to dance in less than 60 seconds. He calls dances for adults and children like you've never seen before. Known for his infectious energy, his short walk-thru's, and his 'hash-contras', Seth's warm enthusiasm is contagious, and gets everyone moving, smiling, and having a great time. Whatever the dance, you can be certain that all involved - novices and experienced dancers alike - will go away happy and eager to dance more!