About
Carl Ballou, aka CBDanceman, has been a dance leader for over 25 years, MC-ing Folk and Square Dance programs for Churches, Schools, Scout Troupes, YMCA groups, youth organizations, and other functions from California to Missouri.
Carl's specialty is taking a group with little or no dance experience and introduce them to the joy of dancing. His programs (about 2 hours long) consist of fun, easy dances from America's Heritage that everyone can do - with brief instruction from the floor.
Carl has worked with groups of all ages, from school kids to seniors, a wide range of abilities, including troubled youth and handicapped, and even a young adult church group where half the dancers were deaf.
Carl is also available for private and small group instruction in Basic Ballroom Dance, and DJ services for Special Events and Weddings. Let Carl show the fun he can bring to your group/organization/event.
Square Dance Caller - Barn Dance Leader - Ballroom Dance Instructor - I love sharing the joys of dancing, especially to those with little or no dance experience.
For couples looking to "Step Out" for their First Dance, I offer instruction and custom choreography to the song of their choice.
For Local Schools, Church Groups, Youth Organizations, and Social Clubs, an Old-Fashioned Barn Dance can be a great social activity and fun for all ages!
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Joan M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For couples desiring to learn Ballroom dances, I start with basic steps and styling, keeping it simple and fun. I provide step instruction sheets and encourage them to video the lessons to provide a visual reference for practicing on their own.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I learned from some of the best Folk Dance Leaders and Square Dances Callers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their guidance and inspiration help me develop the popular Barn Dance program I lead for groups of all ages.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For my Ballroom Dance lessons, I charge an hourly rate plus travel. Whether the lessons are for one couple or a group, the rate stays the same. Of course, a group class has less one-to-one instruction
How did you get started teaching?
I began as a Square Dance Caller in college for the Spartan Spinners at San Jose State University. For many years I was a guest and fill-in caller for clubs in the South Bay Area, and had two Senior Citizen Clubs and one group of mentally-impaired youths. Over the years I gradually combined simple folk dances with basic square and contra dances and popular novelty dances to develop my Barn Dance Program.