Square Dance Caller & Teacher
Ed and Judy Ross Smith started dancing contras, folk dances and squares in 1954 at the P.T.A. in North Hampton, NH. In 1955 they visited one of the first modern Western square dance clubs in New England, Downeast Westerners of Kittery, ME, where they learned under the tutelage of Joe Casey.
In 1958 they organized and Ed called for the “Wenham Shindiggers.” Ed subsequently became club/class caller for many clubs, including the Acton Square Wheelers, Border City Squares, Yankee Twirlers and Partners in Progress.
Ed and Judy early on assumed leadership roles in the activity. Ed was Chairman of NECCA in 1969, while Judy began a long career as “Needle Notes” Editor in the New England Caller in 1968 and became renowned for her beautiful and elegant square dance ensembles. Together they were delegates and treasurer of CO-OP and first treasurer of the SDFNE, for which they were instrumental in obtaining non-profit status. They were constant attendees at the New England Square and Round Dance Convention, with Ed calling and, through his involvement as a principal in Yak Stack, Inc., helping to ensure maximum audibility on the dance floor. Judy gave of her expertise at Pattern Exchanges, panel discussions and Fashion Shows.
Ed will be remembered for his emphasis on styling, fun dances and warm down-home humor. Both Ed and Judy have given unstintingly of their time, energy and expertise to enhance the New England square and round dance scene, and their induction to the Hall of Fame recognizes many years of tireless and irreplaceable dedication to our activity.
