A weekend of old-time US square dancing, flatfooting, music, history and more, with Phil Jamison – dance caller, old-time musician, flatfoot dancer, author, scholar of traditional Appalachian dance and music (USA).
Friday 10th April – Sunday 12th April, 2026
Nipaluna/Hobart, Lutruwita/Tasmania, Australia
Details to be confirmed soon
Phil Jamison, a highly acclaimed and accomplished Southern Appalachian dance caller, musician, dancer and published author is coming to Tasmania. He calls square dances of all sorts – most aren’t square! Not to be confused with Mid-Western Square Dancing (big ruffled petticoats and skirts), Appalachian square dancing is more akin to Australian bushdancing – fun and accessible for all to learn easily and join in straight away. We’ve had a number of American-style square dances in Hobart over the years, most recently played for by Ross Smithard and Up Jumped Trouble. The dances are always heaps of fun and the tunes are fabulous. We’re yet to work out the details of a weekend with Phil as he’s so versatile. In addition to some dances and/or dance workshops, Phil may also hold some music workshops or sessions, teach some flat-footing (that relaxed sort of clogging that they do – not line-dancing – more dancing on the spot with funky footwork), and give a slide show of the real and fascinating history of Appalachian dance. Our dance organisers Cathy and David spent a weekend with Phil at a dance camp in Maryland and found his calling and his talk fascinating and inspiring.
Phil’s the real deal when it comes to the Appalachian music and dance. He’s done extensive research in the area of Appalachian dance, and his book Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance tells the story behind the square dances, step dances, reels, and other forms of dance practiced in southern Appalachia. Experiencing a Southern US dance and music aficionado like this really in an immensely special opportunity that doesn’t come round often so don’t miss it!
Folk Federation of Tasmania Inc
folktas.org/daretobesquare
Facebook: Dance Folk Tasmania
Instagram: folktas
03 6273 2127
folkdancetas@gmail.com