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Once Over LightlyI've been dancing since 1990 and calling since 1991. I call for four groups in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I've called weekends and dances throughout the western United States. I regularly call Mainstream through C2. I'm a member of CALLERLAB, and a past president of both the Gay Callers Association, and the New Mexico Central District Callers Association. |
Square Dancing
- In 1990, my (not yet) life partner, Turtle-Bear, dragged me to a Wilde Bunch party. I started Basic lessons in May 1990, and attended my first fly-in in October 1990, where I struggled with Mainstream to my first "foreign" caller, Rusty Fennell of San Antonio, and caught the calling bug from Ett McAtee.
- By 1997, I was dancing C2. I try to get as much floor time as I can, but it seems like I have to go out of town to do it.
- In 2000, I learned C3A at a killer weekend in April. Since then, I've danced it about three times a year. I might be the only C3A dancer (using the word loosely) in Albuquerque.
Calling
- I started calling in 1991 under the tutelage of Bill Eyler, the Wilde Bunch's caller.
- I've attended a bunch of callers schools. (I think they're fun and I always learn something.) My first was SuperSchool West, with Herb Egender, John Kaltenthaler, Jim Mayo, and Bill Peters. I've studied with Anne Uebelacker, Mike Jacobs, Ed Foote, Betsy Gotta, Ken Ritucci, Deborah Parnell, Frank Lescrinier, Jerry Junck, John Kwaiser, and Tony Oxendine. My latest was in 2002, with Jon Jones, Deborah Carroll-Jones, Tony Oxendine and Jerry Story.
- I've called at several fly-ins, including San Diego, Harper's Ferry, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Ghost Ranch, Rehoboth Beach, Eugene, and, of course, Albuquerque.
- Two big thrills: calling in the Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco, and the chance to call at the IAGSDC convention in Baltimore.
Other Dancing
- I started international folk dancing in 1967 and I've danced off and on since then. I still like Rumanian and Bulgarian dances; it's just that square dancing gets in the way.
- Turtle-Bear and I met two-stepping and we really enjoy country and swing.
- I occasionally go contra dancing in Albuquerque. I enjoy the chance to get into the groove of the music.
