Stan Russell, Square Dance Caller Extraoridinaire
Stan Russell has been calling square dances for the past 28 years. He recalls that he even had the urge to do so when he first started square dance classes at the tender age of 14. When I asked what it was that fascinated him about calling, he said that in his youth he was not particularly athletic, but calling was something that he could do and do well he has done!
He says his biggest challenge was learning to sing. While still in high school he joined various chorales and worked his way up to concert choir. He took voice lessons to polish his singing skills and it was many years before he really felt comfortable.
Stan is married to Brenda who often accompanies him to the dances and is an exemplary dancer in her own right. Their daughter Emily attended our square dance classes whe she was 12. This young lady has mastered square dancing and won the hearts of everyone who has danced with her!
What else does Stan do? He tried his hand at real estate for a number of years. He now works for radio station WKDY 1400 in the Spartanburg area. He says he loves his job, which is in the area of sales and production. He also writes and records commercials for the station. In his spare time, he loves to cook and does most of the cooking at home. His favorite dishes involve Cajun and Creole.
His advice to square dancers who want to improve: Go to lots of dances. Treat it as a vocation instead of a hobby. Seek out opportunities to attend workshops. Go back through the classes several times. Read the manual several times and review the challenging calls till you really know them well.
When asked what it is about square dancing that he likes best, Stan replied that it’s the feeling of being part of a great big family no matter where you go. It’s the expression of affection through hugs and good times that makes square dancers a special bunch of people.
