There is an interesting article on JSTOR entitled "Square Dance Calling: The African-American Connection":
https://www.jstor.org/stable/41446577?mag=the-slave-roots- of-square-dancing&seq=1#page_ scan_tab_contents
It suggests that:
"calling might have evolved in the black culture as an alternative to the formal instruction that white dancers received at dancing schools" with the earliest reference of someone calling a dance being a ball in New Orleans in 1819.
However back in England...
Thomas Wilson "The Complete System of English Country Dancing" 1816
Page 172.
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The persons who take upon themselves the
CALLING OF THE DANCE,
Should possess the necessary prerequisites for performing the duty they have to execute, in setting the company an example, and directing them (when required) in the performance of the Dance. Such a Dance should be called, as they thoroughly understand, and are able to perform with facility. When part of the company are indifferent Dancers, the persons forming the Dance should be selected and placed according to their talent and knowledge of Dancing; the best couples at and near the top, that by their performance the others may become instructed in the Figure, previous to their having to lead off, otherwise it frequently happens, that the Dance is obliged to be changed.
CROWDING TO THE TOP,
Is too frequently practised, and should be prevented by those whose province it may be to see that due respect if paid to the person calling the Dance; it being impossible to perform the Figure of the Dance with effect, or correctly, when the couples stand too near to each other.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
But what did Wilson's caller actually do? I doubt it was calling as we know it today, but it probably contained some of the elements of it.
I guess calling evolved in parallel in many places.
Does anyone have any other insights?
Happy dancing,
John
John Sweeney, Dancer, England john@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent