Welcome to Jonathan Sivier's Dance Page

calling


Calling/leading/teaching Dances

I've been involved in traditional dance since 1987 and have been leading dances since 1992. I am active with the Urbana Country Dancers and am one of the leaders of the Central Illinois English Country Dancers. I regularly lead contra, English and square dances in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois and elsewhere. I serve as one of the English country dance editors for the Country Dance and Song Society Newsletter. One of my ongoing projects is the reconstuction of music and dances from New Harmony, Indiana circa 1826. I've led contra and English dances at various locations in Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and West Virginia. Contact me at 217/359-8225 or jsivier@illinois.edu about calling at your dance.

In addition to calling for evenings of dancing I have experience leading a number of different types of workshops and classes. Possible class/workshop topics include:

  • Contra Dance
  • Square Dance
  • English Country Dance
  • Early American Dance (1700's and 1800's)
  • Civil War Era Dances
  • Dances from New Harmony, Indiana, 1826
  • Cotilions, Quadrilles and Squares: The Evolution of the Square Dance
  • Classic Contras: Early American and Chestnut Contra Dances from 1800 to the 1950's
  • Dances from Abraham Lincoln's Lifetime
  • Couple dances such as the waltz, polka, schottische and hambo
  • Irish Ceili Dances
  • Unusual Formations (not your typical contra dance)
  • Basics of contra dance
  • Becoming a better contra dancer (and a sought after partner)
  • Challenging contra dances
  • Basics of dance calling
  • Contra and English country dancing for seniors
 
Some dances I've written
 
Dances from New Harmony, Indiana
 
Notes on dance calling
 
What makes a good dancer?
 
Tips on dancing with beginners


lining up calling

Here I am calling at a Halloween family dance.


ACE Award Poster

I received a 2010 ACE Award from the Champaign County Arts, Culture and Entertainment Council for leadership in the local dance community.
Click here for more information on the award.
Download the poster.


Send me a message at:
jsivier@illinois.edu


last updated on March 14, 2012