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About me
Valerie at Feet Retreat 2010
Dancing: I have been dancing for over 30 years, having started as a child when my parents discovered contra in the 1980s. I continue to dance regularly because I love it, and because I believe that the best callers are dancers or musicians too. Being involved in more than one aspect of contra helps to keep me grounded and in touch with the community as a whole. (To learn more, see the Dancing tab above.)
Calling: One of my favorite things about calling is seeing new dancers go from not knowing anything about Contra dance to having the time of their lives in the span of half an evening!
I have been calling for about 7 years. My experience is varied in those years. I've called at small community dances and at Glen Echo, for K-4 elementary students and their families at a private school and for international participants in a graduate program, at dance weekends and at private parties. In all cases, I seek to make dancing accessible and enjoyable for all. (To learn more, see the Calling tab above. If you'd like to book me for your event, check my Schedule tab and/or send me a note through the Contact tab.)
Calling: One of my favorite things about calling is seeing new dancers go from not knowing anything about Contra dance to having the time of their lives in the span of half an evening!
I have been calling for about 7 years. My experience is varied in those years. I've called at small community dances and at Glen Echo, for K-4 elementary students and their families at a private school and for international participants in a graduate program, at dance weekends and at private parties. In all cases, I seek to make dancing accessible and enjoyable for all. (To learn more, see the Calling tab above. If you'd like to book me for your event, check my Schedule tab and/or send me a note through the Contact tab.)
More about me
photo by Doug Plummer
When I'm not on the road calling, I live in Durham, North Carolina with my life partner, David Prins. Yes, we met dancing (at Feet Retreat) and continue to enjoy dance as a big part of our joint life. We are blessed to live in the midst of a wonderful, vibrant dance community and can dance every weekend if we wish.
Since 2015 I have also been working as a staff member at the Duke Divinity School's Center for Reconciliation. David and I also bought a "fixer-upper" house in January 2017 and are working on it in our spare time.
Since 2015 I have also been working as a staff member at the Duke Divinity School's Center for Reconciliation. David and I also bought a "fixer-upper" house in January 2017 and are working on it in our spare time.
