My husband and I began square dancing in 1995, the year our daughter was an exchange student. We saw the writing on the wall: it wasn’t going to be too long before both children were gone from home. What were we going to do? We started square dancing to see if it was an activity that we would enjoy doing together.
We fell in love with it. We were spending lots of time together. We were learning something new. We were meeting lots of really really nice people. And most of all...WE WERE HAVING FUN!!!!!
Shortly after we learned to dance, I began to learn how to call. I call and teach Modern Western Square Dancing in the Puget Sound region. I also call contra dances and community dances (a mix of squares, contras, lines and other formations). I teach square dance lessons for two clubs, Happy Hoppers (Marysville), Samena Squares (Kirkland) I am member of the following professional associations:
- Callerlab, International Association of Square Dance Callers
- Contralab
- Lloyd Shaw Foundation
- Mt. Baker Teachers, Callers, and Cuers Association
I have supplemented my square dance calling skills by taking some classes in improvisation. I would encourage you all to give it a try if you have the opportunity. It is a great opportunity to play.
On a more personal note, my husband and I, both grew up in the Mid-West. However, we have lived in Redmond for 30 years. Our daughter is married and currently is an over-the-road trucker with her husband. Our son lives and works in New York City.
Square dance pictures on this site
by Lee Barnhart, Samena Squares, Kirkland, WA