come square dance in Prince William County
Walt Peterman
1930-2013
Walt attended local square dances as a teen, he took lessons in the early 60's in the Philippines and again in the 80's in Virginia. He quickly became a self-taught caller when the club caller in the Philippines returned to the states. He called for the San Miguel Tropicades and called at several festivals including the American Embassy in Manila, and on a boat while travelling to the embassy. Upon returning to the states, square dancing went on hold. It wasn't until the mid 80's when Walt took up the mike again teaching classes at the First United Presbyterian Church in Woodbridge, initially. With his early classes, Walt and his wife, Jean, founded the Grand Squares, Prince William in 1988 and later a camping club, the Hitch N Go Squares. Walt was also instrumental in the founding of Do SA Do's With Grace (Springfield, VA) and a square dance group at the Mt Vernon (Alexandria) Recreation Center. Walt received the distinguished Cardinal Award from the Virginia State Callers Association. He called at the National Square Dance Conventions in Baltimore, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and St. Louis and served as Education Coordination Room Chair for the 49th National Square Dance Convention at Baltimore. He was a member of the American Caller's Association (ACA), the Virginia Square Dance Caller's Association (VASCA), where he served as chairman of the Northern Region for several years, and served for six years as president of the National Capital Area Square Dance Leader's Association (NCASDLA). Walt lost his fight with cancer in March of 2013.
Ron Dean
Ron and his wife, Kathy, began dancing in 1977 while stationed in England. As with most couples, dancing went on hold and it was 2004 before they began again. Ron became a caller a year later and took over the Grand Squares in 2012. He shares the calling duties with Dale Chase. Ron also calls for the Rawhide and Ruffles, Manassas, VA. He is a member of CALLERLAB, VASCA, and NCASDLA and has called at the National Square Dance Conventions in Louisville, Detroit, Springfield, MA, and Des Moines as well as several state conventions.
Dale Chase
Dale and his wife, Gillian, started dancing in the 1960's in Erie, PA. Dancing was put on hold for them as well in 1983. They got back into dancing in 2002 and Dale began calling with the Grand Squares in 2006. He shares the calling duties with Ron Dean. Dale is a member of CALLERLAB, VASCA, and NCASDLA. Dale and Gillian were also members of the Capitol Squares square dance demonstration team.