I'm not a historian of dance, but I believe "calling a dance" had a different meaning in 1816 in England. As far as I know, the very first lady at the top of the set had the privilege (and responsibility) of "calling the dance," which meant instructing the musician(s) about what music to play and choosing the dance sequence. Then the dance began with just the very top minor set dancing, and the top couple teaching it through their dancing. As the top couple worked its way down the set, others began to dance until finally all were dancing. And, if it worked well, each couple could then lead the dance when they became active at the top. Again, as far as I know, there was no prompting, no walk-thru's, etc.

On Aug 14, 2017, at 6:29 AM, john@modernjive.com [trad-dance-callers] <trad-dance-callers@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

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.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

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 ca lled, 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