Easy, joyful barn dances –
for any crowd.
Harrison Keely
Contra • Set • Square • Round • Regency
Harrison Keely is a North Carolina–based dance caller who brings lively, welcoming folk dances to weddings, parties, and community events across the southeast.Harrison creates joyful dance floors where guests of all ages can jump in and have fun, whether they’ve danced before or not.With clear teaching, good humor, and an easygoing style, he quickly gets everyone comfortable and moving—from seasoned dancers to complete beginners.Whether it’s a high-energy barn dance reception or an elegant Jane Austen–inspired ball, Harrison helps create unforgettable moments of connection on the dance floor.
Community dances
Weddings
Camps
Homeschool groups
Festivals
Corporate events
Library programs
Fundraisers
Family reunions
Park events
Private celebrations
Rates vary depending on travel and event type –
get in touch for a quick quote.
"Harrison was easy to work with and communicate with. No one in our group knew what we were doing, and Harrison made it fun and easy. I highly recommend contracting with him. I will be recommending him to friends and family."
– Church party planner, Knoxville
"Harrison was absolutely wonderful. He was so patient with all of us. He took lots of time to walk through the calls and dance before we added the music. He knew just how to teach us. Everyone loved him and we can't wait for him to come back."
– Senior center event coordinator, Hiawassee
"Harrison did a GREAT job: he explains the moves well, we can hear his voice well, he has a variety of dances to share and always starts with easier dancers to get beginners going. Most importantly, he has a super positive attitude. I am very impressed with how natural he is at calling dances. We will hire Harrison again for sure!"
– Community dance organizer, Franklin
"Harrison is one of the most versatile community dance callers in the area. It’s going to be a real treat for your dancers to experience his warm, welcoming, clear & fun calling."
– Dance programs coordinator, Brasstown
Clear, beginner-friendly teaching
A welcoming atmosphere
High-energy flow that keeps people engaged
Professional communication and planning
Flexible programming for your crowd
Adaptable setup: recorded or live band
Upcoming gigs
| Date | Venue | Band |
|---|---|---|
| 5/29/26 | Highlands, NC | Private event |
| 6/7/26 | English Country Dance in Brasstown, NC | Mist of the Glen |
| 6/13/26 | Jefferson, NC | Private event |
| 6/14/26 | Brevard, NC Private event | Blue Ridge Rounders |
| 6/16/26 | John C. Campbell Folk School | House Band |
| 6/18/26 | Blairsville, GA | Private event |
| 6/19/26 | Monteagle, TN | Cumberland Mountain Music Makers |
| 6/25/26 | Blairsville, GA | Private event |
| 6/28-7/3 | Cumberland Dance Week | Various musicians |
| 7/9/26 | Blairsville, GA | Private event |
| 7/12/26 | English Country Dance in Brasstown, NC | Mist of the Glen |
| 7/16/26 | Blairsville, GA | Private event |
| 7/19/26 | Franklin, NC | Paddy's Return |
| 7/28/26 | John C. Campbell Folk School | The Extries |
| 8/2/26 | English Country Dance in Brasstown, NC | Mist of the Glen |
| 8/3/26 | Knoxville, TN | Laurel Theatre |
| 8/6/26 | Bascom Center | Highlands, NC |
| 8/18/26 | John C. Campbell Folk School | Al & Alice White |
| 9/6/26 | English Country Dance in Brasstown, NC | Mist of the Glen |
| 9/22/26 | John C. Campbell Folk School | Michael Ismerio, Ben Nelson |
| 10/11/26 | English Country Dance in Brasstown, NC | Mist of the Glen |
| 11/1/26 | English Country Dance in Brasstown, NC | Mist of the Glen |
| 11/10/26 | John C. Campbell Folk School | House band |
| 12/6/26 | English Country Dance in Brasstown, NC | Mist of the Glen |
| 12/12/26 | John C. Campbell Folk School | The Mountain Creek Boys |
Recent gigs
| Date | Venue | Band |
|---|---|---|
| 5/22/26 | Sylva, NC | Shawn Hardman |
| 5/19/26 | John C. Campbell Folk School | Junior Appalachian Musicians |
| 5/15/26 | Sylva, NC | Wildflower Pickers |
| 5/10/26 | Sylva, NC | Knob Creek |
| 4/22/26 | Young Harris College | Wildflower Pickers |
| 4/5/26 | Brasstown, NC | Mist of the Glen |
| 4/3/26 | Private Fundraiser | Wildflower Pickers |
| 3/24/26 | John C. Campbell Folk School | Paddy's Return |
| 3/21/26 | Athens, GA | String Theory |
| 3/19/26 | Franklin, NC | George Paul & Amelia Morgan |
| 3/1/26 | Brasstown, NC | Mist of the Glen |
| 2/28/26 | Sautee, GA | Wolf Moon String Band |
| 2/23/26 | Knoxville, TN | Spring Lizards |
| 1/10/26 | John C. Campbell Folk School | Paddy's Return |
About Harrison
Harrison began contra dancing in 2005. He studied calling under Diane Silver and is certified in dance calling from the John C. Campbell Folk School. His experience includes calling at more than 150 events, including Sautee (Georgia's largest contra dance) and community dances in Athens, Knoxville, Franklin, and Chattanooga.He's a regular on the schedule at the John C. Campbell Folk School (the largest folk school in the United States) and he guest calls at events there such as Fools Ball, Fall Festival, Winter Dance Week, and Little Middle. In 2025, he served as assistant instructor in Gaye Fifer's Folk School dance caller's course.Harrison produced the documentaries about dance callers Bob Dalsemer, Charlotte Crittenden, and Carl Dreher. Dalsemer's documentary is included as part of the Square Dance History Project.Harrison is especially passionate about encouraging dancers — particularly young people — to try their hand at calling, and he enjoys mentoring them toward success.