HARRISON KEELY

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Contra • Square • Cèilidh • Round • Regency

Harrison Keely is a North Carolina–based dance caller who brings lively, welcoming folk dances to weddings, parties, and community events across the southeast.Harrison creates joyful dance floors where guests of all ages can jump in and have fun, whether they’ve danced before or not.With clear teaching, good humor, and an easygoing style, he quickly gets everyone comfortable and moving—from seasoned dancers to complete beginners.Whether it’s a high-energy barn dance reception or an elegant Jane Austen–inspired ball, Harrison helps create unforgettable moments of connection on the dance floor.

Image courtesy Brian Gatti, John C. Campbell Folk School

"Harrison was easy to work with and communicate with. No one in our group knew what we were doing, and Harrison made it fun and easy. I highly recommend contracting with him. I will be recommending him to friends and family."

– Church party planner, Knoxville

"Harrison was absolutely wonderful. He was so patient with all of us. He took lots of time to walk through the calls and dance before we added the music. He knew just how to teach us. Everyone loved him and we can't wait for him to come back."

– Senior center event coordinator, Hiawassee

"Harrison is a top-notch caller, good with beginners, and full of enthusiasm. I love working with him. He enjoys calling for groups completely new to contra dance, but is equally skilled with experienced dancers. He explains the moves well and starts with easier dances to get beginners going. He has a super positive attitude. We will hire Harrison again for sure!"

– Community dance organizer, Franklin

"Harrison is one of the most versatile community dance callers in the area. It’s going to be a real treat for your dancers to experience his warm, welcoming, clear & fun calling."

– Dance programs coordinator, Brasstown

Barn dancing is a lively, welcoming style of social dancing that brings people together for traditional dances in circles, squares, lines, and other formations. No previous experience or fancy footwork needed! If you can walk – you can dance!I’ll teach you moves like do-si-dos, allemandes, and neighbor swings. I’ll guide everyone through the steps as the song plays so you can enjoy moving to the music without memorizing any complicated choreography.You don’t even need to bring a partner! It’s tradition for folks to switch partners between each dance – anyone can ask anyone to dance. Kids and families are always welcome to dance together.Unlike line dancing, which is typically performed individually in fixed lines to memorized choreography, barn dancing emphasizes interaction, connection, and dancing with the people around you! It's a great way to get a group of people dancing, laughing, and having fun together!

Benefits of dancing

Bands I've called with

Musicians I've called with

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Community dances I've called

Harrison began contra dancing in 2005. He studied calling under Diane Silver and is certified in dance calling from the John C. Campbell Folk School. His experience includes calling at more than 200 events, including Sautee (Georgia's largest contra dance) and community dances in Athens, Knoxville, Franklin, and Chattanooga.He's a regular on the schedule at the John C. Campbell Folk School (the largest folk school in the United States) and he guest calls at events there such as Fools Ball, Fall Festival, Winter Dance Week, and Little Middle. In 2025, he served as assistant instructor in Gaye Fifer's Folk School dance caller's course. In 2026, he was a staff caller for Cumberland Dance Week and taught a caller's course there.Harrison produced the documentaries about dance callers Bob Dalsemer, Charlotte Crittenden, and Carl Dreher. Dalsemer's documentary is included as part of the Square Dance History Project.Harrison is especially passionate about encouraging dancers — particularly young people — to try their hand at calling, and he enjoys mentoring them toward success.

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