Robert has been a square dance caller for nearly 20 years.
Starting his career in the Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan regions, he quickly expanded his calling to the bustling cities of Chicago and Detroit. With years of experience under his belt, he spent three years in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas imparting his expertise to local square dance clubs. Now residing in Kodak, Tennessee, he continues to call for the Three Rivers Ramblers in Kingston and is actively working on establishing a new square dance class in Sevierville.
Robert, affectionately known as “Mr. Enthusiasm,” brings a contagious energy and lively spirit to every lesson and dance. He is a master of taking individuals who initially believe they have two left feet and effortlessly transforms them into confident dancers, who by the end of the night, are thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Robert and Billie’s love affair with square dancing began shortly after they exchanged their vows in 1990. Robert’s passion for the dance was so strong that he soon made the decision to pursue calling, attending callers’ schools taught by esteemed instructors Ed Foote and Chapparal. More recently, he honed his skills at a callers’ school led by the renowned Tony Oxendine and Ted Lizzote in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 1992, Robert and Billie founded the Sunshine Twirlers Square Dance Club in Elkhart, Indiana. Under their guidance, the club flourished and remained highly active until they made the decision to become full-time RVers, spending their winters in South Texas.
During his time in the Rio Grande Valley, Robert served as a caller and instructor for five different 55+ RV parks. Despite his demanding schedule as an Activity Director, Robert still made time for his love of calling, until the demands of work forced him to take a brief hiatus. Despite this, he remained active in the community, serving as President of the Rio Grande Valley Activity Directors for a decade and serving as Master of Ceremonies and Director of their Entertainer Showcases for 16 years. In addition, he also created his own performance and entertained at local parks for a time.
In 2021, Robert and Billie made the decision to forgo their annual migration to Texas and instead make their home in Tennessee a permanent fixture. Today, Robert continues to call for the Three Rivers Ramblers in Kingston, while also working to establish a new square dance class in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Robert approaches everything he does with enthusiasm and zest, making every experience a joyful one. Whether he’s calling for a club or introducing square dancing to beginners at a party, he excels at igniting a love for the dance in others. He has a remarkable talent for taking even those who believe they lack rhythm and transforming them into confident dancers, who by the end of the night, are reveling in the fun of square dancing.
