Longtime Square Dance Caller Brings Do-Si-Do’s to Greenspring

Butch Adams started square dancing and calling in 1960, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy.  He's brought his expertise to the residents of .

Square dance callers are often tasked with choreographing dance sequences, calling out instructions to dancers and pairing couples.  Adams began calling for the square dance club at Greenspring in 2012.  “I’ve known some of the folks for over 20 years,” said Adams of many of the Greenspring club members. Adams now visits Greenspring weekly to work with the square dance club.

The nearly two dozen residents who participate in the square dancing club at Greenspring are a blend of past dancers and newcomers.  Greenspring resident Fred Griffin, who has been square dancing since high school, met Adams while he was volunteering for a square dancing group at a nearby senior center.  “At this time in my life, square dancing is the most enjoyable exercise activity as well as the most consuming mind and body activity that I participate in,” said Griffin.

Adams is a member of several associations including the Virginia State Callers Association and The Senior Council on Aging in Virginia.  He's been a member of  the National Capital Area Square Dance Leaders Association since moving to Virginia in the mid-1960s.

Adams continues to call and choreograph for a variety of organizations.  His expertise includes conducting classes and seminars in choreography, digital music applications, square dancing for seniors and youth programs for schools.  “My favorite part of calling is the challenge of teaching, and watching the smiles on people’s faces when they accomplish something new,” said Adams.

About Greenspring:  Greenspring, one of 16 Erickson Living full-service retirement communities, is situated on a scenic 108-acre campus in Springfield, Virginia.  The community is home to nearly 2000 residents, many of which reside in the 1405 independent living apartment-style homes.  At Greenspring, over 200 resident-driven clubs and programs promote an engaged, fulfilling lifestyle that is reflected in resident satisfaction levels that exceed the industry average.  Additional information about Greenspring can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.