Square Dance Caller & Teacher
Over the years the Square Dance movement has relied on the dedication of individuals to sustain and nourish the activity. This involvement and dedication is exemplified by Jim and JoAnn Mayo.
Jim started calling in 1949 with the traditional New England style of dancing. During the 1950’s, Jim made the transition to our current form of dancing with its contemporary figures and styling. He has been the caller/teacher for several clubs and is currently the club caller for the Fairtown Squares in Topsfield, Ma.
Jim has made a significant contribution to the future of square dancing by his involvement in leadership.
Jim was one of the originators of the Tri-State Callers Association, NECCA and CALLERLAB. CALLERLAB chose Jim as their first Chairman of the Board of Governors and he has been a member of the Board of Directors ever since.
Jim is known nationally and internationally as a caller and educator, having served as a staff member at many caller schools and has conducted clinics for callers throughout the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Germany.
Jim has authored a series of handbooks on various aspects of square dancing and is a contributing editor to the Northeast Square Dancer Magazine.
Jim is a recording artist, having been featured on MacGregor, Dance Ranch and the SIOASDS documentary albums.
Jim was inducted into the Sets in Order Hall of Fame in 1979. In 1984, he received Callerlab’s highest honor, the Milestone Award. In 1992, Jim and JoAnn were inducted into the Square Dance Foundation of New England’s Hall of Fame.
In making this award the Square and Round Dance Community gratefully acknowledge Jim and JoAnn Mayo’s contribution to the Square Dance Activity.
35th NEW ENGLAND SQUARE & ROUND DANCE CONVENTION APRIL 24, 1993, MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE