Welcome to the website of Patricia Campbell, Dance Caller, from southern Maine. Here you will find information about traditional social dancing, about my programs, and about The Reel Thing and other bands who provide live music for me.
Feel free to browse our pages to see video samples of various dance styles, resources to learn more about traditional and community dances, as well as our events calendar and more.
We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!
What People Are Saying…
Patricia is a fantastic teacher of community dance! Her years of experience combined with her breadth of knowledge and resources are invaluable! What’s more, her enthusiasm for building community through dance is contagious. She is careful to honor the dance traditions of world cultures, while sharing the joy they offer to all who participate. She makes complicated things effortless and easy to learn. I took a course with Patricia and was able to bring the joy of community dance to 75 people of all ages at a summer camp. She is patient and knows how to ‘read the room’ in order to meet any group of people with an experience that is joyful, social and I would add healing as well.
Anna S.
I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with Patricia Campbell. While I was on the East Coast to attend a dance camp, Patricia reached out to me to arrange a time to meet and discuss our favorite subject – folk dance.
Patricia showed me many of her resources. She allowed me to video her as she demonstrated some new dances that I then shared with my dance class. Patricia is knowledgeable about many genres of dance. She uses clear and concise language in her teaching.
Stacy R.
Patricia has taught my children a wide variety of dance styles in numerous classes over the years. They love her because of her gentle and friendly style. She is knowledgeable and makes learning fun for the kids. We have also attended public venues where Patricia has been the dance caller. The evenings are always fun. Patricia brings authenticity to her dances calls. She loves dancing, loves to teach it and makes it easy to learn new dances do all can participate. I highly recommend Patricia.
James E.
Our homeschooling group hired Patricia and The Reel Thing for our fall family barn dance. When I ran into Patricia at a networking event years later, I instantly recalled her by her warm and personable character.
During the dance, she was able to capture the attention of a diverse range of age groups (3-years-old through adult) and engage us all in learning and executing the dance steps. Laughter was heard throughout the evening as all who participated enjoyed the educational aspects of what Patricia does and the entertainment that dancing provides.
If you are seeking a knowledgeable and engaging professional to teach your group about traditional dance forms or to lead your next dance event, there is no one better than Patricia Campbell.
Tara A.
It is easy to see Patricia’s passion for traditional music and dance. She creates a fun and lively atmosphere and her experience as a teacher/caller makes it easy to learn the dances.
We have shared and learned dances together at two dance leader’s workshops. While in town, I joined one of her dance sessions with the Bethel Senior group and we all had a lot of fun.
Patricia is very versatile, being able to work with all ages from school children to older adults. I am impressed with her wide repertoire of music and dance.
Caren G. K.
Patricia is always well prepared to lead her dance sessions with a variety of dance traditions. She is gentle and patient with new dancers, while at the same time being interesting to more experienced dancers. Her extensive background, and her commitment to grow and improve as a leader, result in wonderful dances, such as the Barn Dance she recently led for us at Country Dance Stafford (CT). She works often with her seasoned band, The Reel Thing, You will not be disappointed.
Rich S.
It was a wonderful evening! So much great energy in that room. Thank you for managing our overflow crowd so nicely, and thanks, of course to the musicians. Thanks again for everything.
Nancy M.
Patricia’s energetic, clear, and authoritative dance instruction made our event come alive! Our guests were a bit tentative about participating in 100-year old dances at first, but shyness quickly fell away as Patricia took the mike. We all joined hands and had a great time with the lively and fun dances of the Victorian period. What a fun evening!
Ben T.
I offer my heartfelt thanks to The Reel Thing for offering a unique historical music entertainment, which offers one a rare glimpse of social grace during the 17th & 18th century. Your unique reenactment, period dress, dance and music enhance and add zest to history by making history come alive. You make history fun!