CBDanceman

about CBDanceman

Barn Dance Leader, Square Dance Caller, Special events DJ, Ballroom Dance Instructor

Carl Ballou, AKA CBDanceman, has been a dance leader for over 35 years, as MC/instructor of Folk and Square Dance programs for Churches, Schools, Scout Troupes, YMCA groups, youth organizations, and other functions from California to Missouri. Carl’s specialty is introducing a group with limited dance experience to the joys of dancing. His Family Barn Dance programs consist of fun, easy dances from America’s Heritage that everyone can do – with brief instruction from the floor.

Carl has worked with groups of all ages, from school kids to seniors, a wide range of abilities, including troubled youth and handicapped, and even a young adult church group where half the dancers were deaf.

Carl also creates customized “Sparkle on Your Wedding Day” First Dance choreography for Bridal Couples, conducts private and small group instruction in Basic Ballroom Dances, and provides professional DJ services for Special Events and Weddings.

Let Carl show the fun he can bring to your group, organization, or event.

YOUR LEADER, CARL BALLOU

Carl grew up in a folk dancing family. Born & raised in San Jose, California, he was dragged out onto the floor at a YMCA family folk dance camp at age 5 and introduced to fun dances such as Hokey Pokey and the Virginia Reel. Returning to the camp each Labor Day Weekend with his family, by 14 he had learned waltzes, polkas, schottisches, contras, quadrilles, and square dances, as well as other folk dances from around the world. In high school, Carl and his family were taking weekly classes and attending folk and square dance festivals in the San Francisco Bay Area. By college, he was a popular square dance caller. His love of dance and his enthusiasm for fun, inter-generational activities led him to develop his Family Barn Dance programs for groups that have no previous dance experience. Over the next two decades, Carl was a Dance Leader / Emcee for schools, churches, YMCA, company parties, and youth and senior citizen groups throughout the Bay Area, and featured Square Dance Caller for California State Folk Dance Festivals. When he moved to the Midwest, he briefly opened the Branson Dance Barn in Branson, MO. In early 2010, he started CBDanceman in NW Arkansas, expanding his services to include Basic Ballroom Dance Instruction and Professional DJ Services for Weddings & Special Events. Returning to the West Coast in 2019. Carl’s goal continues to be introducing everyone in Southern Oregon and Northern California to social dancing – a fun, old-time, family-oriented experience that America grew up with.
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questions

Your Questions Answered!

How early should I book a dance event or lesson?

I recommend booking as early as possible, especially for large events or during peak seasons, to ensure you secure the date and time that best fits your schedule.

Can I request a specific song or playlist from the DJ?

Absolutely! You are encouraged to share your music preferences or specific song requests. I will customize the music to suit your event’s atmosphere and taste.

What do I need to bring to a dance lesson?

Please wear comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes for dancing. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact me before your lesson for more specific advice based on the type of dance.