In dieser Spezialfolge dreht sich alles um Musik! Peter und Martin stellen ihre Empfehlungen für einen kompletten Square Dance Clubabend vor und erklären, wie man mit dem Konzept der „Emotional Response Rate“ (1-4) einen spannenden Spannungsbogen über den Abend aufbaut.

Tanzbarkeit steht über allem

Mit der Musik arbeiten

Stilwechsel und Vielfalt

Mit Musik zu arbeiten bedeutet Aufwand zu betreiben, aber es lohnt sich! Die richtige Musikauswahl und deren bewusster Einsatz machen den Unterschied zwischen einem guten und einem großartigen Square Dance Abend.

Martins Auswahl

Real Madrid – TNT 157

Love Really Hurts Without You – SIR 22306

Choctaw Hayride – KDM 171

Tom Dooley – RYL 616

Dragon Fire – RIV 1282

We’re not here for a long time – TBT 135

Look for your corner – YRR 022

Make a little magic – RIV 1443

Gonna get along without you – SIR 21304

Unforgettable – KDM 133

Soul Limbo – RR 1340

Joy of my Life – RR 452

(Lonesome Road Blues – RYL 529)

Sun-Shine – SP 1053

I’m in love again – EUR 1806

Royal Mama Talking – RYL 462

Hey Ho Away We Go – RIV 1354

Peter

On Que (Patter) – Riverboat 292

Summer Sounds – Riverboat 1373

Dancing With Moose – Yellow Rock Records 034

I Can Help – Arrowhead 1141

Ricochet – ESP 450

Proud Mary – CREST 176

High Tide Hoedown – Solid Gold 108

You Ain’t Going Anywhere – Solid Gold 231

Groovy – Rhythm 1335

Barefootin – Rhythm 284

Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel – Royal 4013

Walking In Memphis – Royal 625

Caribbean Queen – Throw Back Tunes 928

Rose Garden – Throw Back Tunes 130

Tico Tico (Patter) – Arrowhead 929

Shut Up And Dance With Me – Crown 215

In this episode of The Caller Lounge, we sit down with Mike Seastrom, one of the most influential voices in modern square dance calling. With more than six decades of experience, Mike shares not only his personal journey, but also his perspective on how square dancing has evolved – and where it might be heading.

Mike talks about his early years in Los Angeles, the mentors who shaped him, and how the art and science of calling developed from memory and reading into modular and sight calling. He reflects on how callers grow over time, and how heroes can eventually become peers.

A major part of the conversation focuses on changes in teaching and programming. Mike explains how the shift from multiple beginner classes per year to fewer, more complex programs affected recruitment and retention. He shares historical insights into earlier reform attempts and why recent changes have gained much broader support within the square dance community.

Beyond structures and programs, Mike speaks passionately about what keeps him calling after all these years. For him, calling is about creating joy, strengthening social connections, and helping people feel good about themselves. He compares the role of callers to that of health professionals, emphasizing the emotional and social impact of music, movement, and cooperation on the dance floor.

The discussion also dives into the caller’s toolbox: how music, choreography, tempo, and difficulty can be adjusted to shape the energy in the room. Mike highlights the importance of singing calls, musical variety, and intentional pacing to support both learning and enjoyment.

Another key theme is shared responsibility. Mike explains why dancers are not just participants, but active contributors to the atmosphere of a dance. Courtesy, cooperation, styling, and mutual support all play a role in creating successful and enjoyable evenings.

The episode explores how social dynamics have changed over the decades, and how callers can help create unity when dancers arrive with stress from everyday life. Mike shares practical examples of humor, small rituals, and teaching strategies that bring people together.

A substantial part of the conversation is dedicated to recruitment and first experiences, including open houses and fun nights. Mike describes how clubs can welcome new dancers, integrate them early, and focus on excitement and social connection rather than pressure and lists of calls.

Mike also reflects on leadership, the Plus program, and the caller’s responsibility to ensure strong fundamentals. He explains why callers must actively lead, not just respond to demands for more complexity, and why solid basics remain essential at every program level.

Looking forward, Mike talks about events, festivals, and sustainability, the importance of rebuilding a strong base of dancers, and encouraging experienced dancers to support newcomers. He shares encouraging observations about younger dancers entering the scene and becoming new recruiters.

Finally, Mike discusses lifelong learning, mentoring new callers, staying curious, and the evolving caller community. He also shares a few of his current favorite singing calls before closing with an optimistic outlook on the future of square dancing.

This episode is both a reflection on the past and a strong, hopeful push forward – full of experience, clarity, and genuine love for square dancing.

Mike’s current Singing Call favorites:

Adam’s Singing Calls: