I began calling singing squares and traditional squares while taking Modern Western Style square dancing in Connecticut. This was in the dance hall called the Powder Mill Barn, with the help of my good friend and teacher, Mr. Ralph Sweet. Shortly thereafter I started calling Modern Western Style square dancing.
In my early years, I’ve done many fun-nights for churches, civic organizations and private parties. I also established several teen clubs also in Connecticut. I have called in Connecticut, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Virginia and of course, Vermont. Between 1988 and 1994 I’ve called many fun-night square dances, contras, taught two-step, swing, and country western line dancing as well as old fashioned squares.
Since 1998 I have been the caller of the Lake Champlain Squares. In that time I’ve begun to sing old country songs at various venues in Northern Vermont. In January 2002 I began to also call for North Country Swingers in Newport, Vermont.
An avid fan of the history of contra/traditional dancing as well as Modern Western Style square dancing, I hope to become involved with groups and associations to help promote and foster an appreciation of traditional dancing. Selfishly, I want my son and future generations to be able to enjoy these activities that have brought me so much joy.
Ray
Sam Pettorini Contact: Sam@countrycaller.net
Sam is the musician of this family and is accomplished in piano, guitar (rock and classical), flute, trombone, penny whistle, ocarina and working towards his goal of being able to play all instruments.
Besides leaving me behind in musicianship he is also a great dancer and loves the contra dance scene especially.
Holding a Masters Degree in Mathematics and a minor in Music, Sam is presently pursuing his Masters with hopes of achieving his Doctorate Degree in the future.
Thus, leaving me with only one skill left to offer him which is my years of experience in calling, prompting and instructing. However, like in music, I suspect that with a little time I’ll be left behind again.
A great son, scholar, teacher, student, athlete, dancer and musician, Sam will assist in all things musical.
As he takes on the art of calling, Sam will be our contact on all things musical for our website and blog on music and bands. I hope to add audio files for musicians/bands to access older or rare tunes, specialty dance melodies and arrangements for special dance programs.
It has always been my belief that a caller who can play an instrument and read and write music has an advantage when teaching and calling dances which is passed on to the dancers. This is, of course, as long as the dancer remains the main focus.
So as we start this website (a multi-year project), I cherish the thought of working with my son on the music and dance activity that we both love.
