Brooklyn Contra’s

Caller Development Program

 
 

From New Caller to Dance Caller

In 2023 Brooklyn Contra and its partners are launching a comprehensive Contra Caller Development Program to meet our regional dances’ need for more local callers.

This program will provide a 10-month-long learning opportunity for new callers to move from learning to call to calling full dances.

The program includes:

  • 4 in-person workshops in NYC

  • Online coaching meetings

  • Arranged guest caller spots at BK Contra and Other Local Dances

Callers workshops will be hosted by Brooklyn Contra and taught by our program leader, Alexandra Deis-Lauby with guest teaching by Will Mentor. 

Program Dates:

  • Workshop 1: March 19th- 11am to 4pm at South Oxford Space (138 S Oxford St Suite 1C, Brooklyn, NY 11217)

  • Workshop 2: April 16th w/Will Mentor- 10am to 2pm at South Oxford Space (138 S Oxford St Suite 1C, Brooklyn, NY 11217)

  • Workshop 3: May 7th- 12pm to 4pm at BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange (421 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215)

  • Workshop 4: June 18th- 10 am to 2 pm at BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange (421 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215)

  • Online coaching: May to December with Alexandra Deis-Lauby

    All workshops are on the same day as Brooklyn Contra dances, so come for a workshop, stay for a dance!

Program Cost:

  • $200 for the whole program

  • $30 per workshop

  • Scholarships available

Registration form at the bottom of this page.


For scholarship information or for questions, please write: admin@brooklyncontra.org

Teacher Biographies:

Alexandra Deis-Lauby

Alexandra Deis-Lauby is a NYC-based folk dancer, caller, teacher, and organizer who calls weekends and festivals all over the country for both contra and English Country Dance. In NYC, she teaches barn dance to 4th graders and kindergarteners in visiting school residencies. She also calls community, teen, and family dances as well as weddings. Her clear teaching, smooth voice, and fun dance selection delight dancers from coast to coast. Alex is excellent with all levels of dancers whether they just walked in the door or have been dancing since before she was born. When she is not calling or dancing, she can be found singing in choirs, playing the piano, dance organizing and teaching art to kids.



Will Mentor

Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He has been calling dances and teaching new callers for over 20 years. Will is one of a few callers who travels nationally and internationally to call and teach at weekend and week-long contra dance events. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: “It’s about the dancers!”

When not calling, Will is associate professor of fine arts/art and the Ruth FabianFine assistant professor of biology and neuroscience at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, with an impressive modern art career including numerous gallery shows and art in the permanent collections of a number of museums including the Whitney.



 
 

Brooklyn Contra is a 501c3 non-profit registered in NY State as Traditions Unlimited

Brooklyn Contra Programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

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