American  Dances

As soon as he was tall enough to be a dance
partner, Tim started attending dances with his
parents at a local dance hall.   There he
became proficient at old-time round and circle
dances.   His family also often held square
dances at home, and he learned the basics of
square dancing, too.
After he could play the fiddle, he often played
for barn dances, sometimes with a band,
sometimes solo.   His repertoire and styling for
Contra dances comes from his connections with
New England players.

    Contra Dances
Before each dance, Tim consults
with the caller to find out what
movements the dancers will be
making.   He then chooses a
medley of tunes that will be
appropriate for the footwork -  
sprightly jigs for skipping dances,
driving reels for rapid walking, etc.

      Square Dances
Modern square dancing has
departed much from its origins. Tim
is accustomed to playing for the
old-time style of square dancing -  
the caller calls the pattern, and the
fiddler plays an appropriate tune.

Couple and Circle Dances
Included in this group are the
waltz, two-step, schottische, polka,
as well as Varsouvienne, Paul
Jones, and the Heel-and-Toe
Polka.   Tim has a big enough
repertoire to keep a dance going
all night.