The Callers Collective is currently active! If you have any interest in learning to Call please contact us using our Contact Form and specify Callers Collective.
Our vision is to build a stronger sense of caller community in New Mexico. The NMCC focuses on a range of caller skills each month, as well as how to collectively improve our community skills at attracting and retaining new dancers while continuing to encourage excitement in our experienced dancers. We see community as key, a community of callers (and musicians and organizers) in support of the community of dancers. We are focusing on using gender-free methods of calling.
Join the New Mexico Callers Collective (NMCC) for Monthly Workshops!
Are you a budding caller ready to take the mic? A seasoned caller eager to share your tips and tricks? A dancer who loves to help new callers find their groove? Or a musician looking to build up the local dance scene? Then, be part of our lively, learning-focused community!
What We’re About
- Hands-On Practice: Each month, we spotlight skills—from non-gendered calling methods to community-building strategies—and practice calling dances in a supportive environment.
- Community Support: We value all levels of experience! Generous “dance angels” help us experiment, learn, and refine our calling, playing, and dancing.
- Inclusive & Fun: We welcome everyone who enjoys music, dance, and community, whether you’re an organizer, caller, dancer, or musician.
Why Join?
- Sharpen Your Calling Skills: Learn to craft dance programs, deliver clear walkthroughs, and call with confidence.
- Retain & Attract Dancers: Collaborate on ways to grow our dance family, keep events exciting, and highlight inclusivity.
- Exchange Musical Insights: Musicians, share your rhythmic expertise and get folks twirling!
- Build a Network: Connect with others passionate about the dance tradition while shaping a more vibrant community.
How to Get Involved
- Monthly Workshops: Check out our schedule and plan to bring your curiosity and enthusiasm.
- Practice Dances: Put theory into action with real dancers on the floor.
- Contact Us: Fill out our Contact Form (select Callers Collective from the drop down!)
- Join our Mailing List: Fill out our Mailing list form (select Callers Collective).
Ready to dance to a new tune—or call one? We’d love to welcome you at our next workshop! Contact us today, and let’s keep the music playing, the dancers whirling, and the calling thriving in New Mexico.
- Sun 2/2, 2-4 PM
- Sun 3/16, 2-4 PM
- Sat 4/12, 2-4 PM
- Sat 5/10, 2-4 PM
- Sun 6/1, 2-4 PM
All events will be at Erik’s house; please contact Erik for the location (select Callers Collective from the drop down). Please note that Erik moved recently, so be sure to contact us for his new address.
We will use Erik’s NMCC Callers Handbook, available below.
History
The NM Callers Collective was organized by Erik Erhardt to help develop new callers and to enhance the skills of those already established in the area. We are supported each month by generous dance angels who provide helpful feedback and are patient with us as we struggle and learn together.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the Callers Collective please contact us!
A few resources
- Erik Erhardt’s NMCC Callers Handbook.
- Seth Tepfer’s Dance Rhapsody.
- William Watson’s internet resources.
- David Kaynor’s writings.
- Cary Ravitz calling notes.
- St. Louis’s Childgrove mentorship Hatchlings.
- Ralph Page Legacy Weekend, syllabi.
- The Callers Box
- Contra Database