Dave Smith - Square Dance Caller - South Lyon, Michigan
Telephone: 248-486-0043
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does a one night square dance party cost?
Average Prices for one nite square dance parties:
Prices include music/caller/instruction, but not the hall (prices
my vary by date, but these are average prices). Prices are subject to change without notice.
Basic Rate: (Includes up to a 45 minute driving time, one way -
per mapquest- from South Lyon, MI.)
One night square dance party for church groups, private parties,
etc. : $250.00 (price is for a 2-4 hour square dance party, including old fashioned American square dances, mixers, country
line dances, and the Virginia Reel.)
Girl Scout Daddy Daughter Dances (special rate applies)
Extra - Travel engagements (for destinations beyond a 45 minute
drive from S. Lyon, MI:
add $2.50 per minute, according to Mapquest.
DJ Service: I am not a DJ. I can play a limitted selection of background music before or after the dance for an
additional fee.
How long do the parties last?
A good rule of thumb is two to four hours. You need to gage
how long your group will want to dance, how many breaks you want to take, how energetic the group is, etc. The average
square dance party is about 2.5 hours. The cost to hire a caller is not based on the length of the dance but on the
night and relative demand.
What is the difference between a square dance, a hoedown, and a
barn dance?
There is no difference, they are all ways of saying the same thing.
Can kids participate?
If they are paired with their parents, this works fine. Over
age 12, they can be paired with each other without problem. Young kids paired with other young kids generally does not
work well.
Should I hire a DJ too?
No! There is never a need to hire a DJ in addition to a square
dance caller. One of the major mistakes party planners make is planning to many activities, and therefore doing none
of them justice. Plan on the square dance taking up a minimum of a two hour block of the party without interuptions
(except breaks).
The only exception to this would be a wedding, where you might want to hire a DJ who specializes
in weddings for the non-square dance part of the evening. Generally, if a DJ is hired, he should have a separate table
to set up on, in a different area of the hall from where the caller will set up.
Does a square dance make a good surprise party?
No. It is always best to tell your guests that they are coming to
a country hoedown, a square dance, or a barn dance. To surprise them with this is asking for a low participation rate,
as they will not be mentally prepared to get out on the floor and try it.
Do you bring a demonstration group?
No. This is neither desirable or necessary. Your group
will be dancing within a few minutes of getting on the floor. The instructions are given in an easy and fun way, so
that no complication can arise. If you're group is only interested in watching square dancing and not participating,
then I am not the caller to hire.
Will we do the Virginia Reel?
Yes - always. The Virginia Reel is the oldest and most loved
of all American square dances and no square dance party would be complete without it.
What is your goal as a caller?
The most important thing to me is that everyone has great fun. Nobody goes to a square
dance party to learn to be a great square dancer, or to learn the "correct" way to do the dances. Rather they go to
dance, to socialize, and to try something new. If you want to learn the fine points of square dancing, take one
of the many year long classes which are offered by local clubs. If you want to have a great time square dancing for
just one night - hire me.
