Tony has been calling and teaching square dances since 1964. He learned from many of the finest callers of the time, who impressed on him how important it was to keep his dances simple and accessible, and to preserve square dancing as an activity that everyone could learn and enjoy. Over the years, he added New England contra dances and the folk dances of other countries to his repertoire, and has written dance routines of his own – always with the goal of providing the most fun to the greatest number of people. Tony is the author of a standard text on calling and has appeared on many recordings as caller, pianist, or both. Although he has led dances and workshops for experienced hobbyists in 35 states, Canada, and Europe, one of his greatest joys is working with complete beginners – watching their faces light up as they say “Hey! I can do this!”
Photo: Doug Plummer
Beth began calling in 1975, and was well established as a dance leader in the Cleveland area when she moved to Boston in 1986. Over the past 30 years she has called at hundreds of parties around New England for beginners and experienced dancers. While Beth, like Tony, has a wide repertoire of dances at every degree of difficulty, she also loves to work with people who are new to the wonderful world of traditional dancing. A former Girl Scout, she particularly enjoys calling at father-daughter dances for Brownie and Girl Scout troops.