Brian Hotchkies
8 Kato Close Kanwal, NSW, 2259
Austrailia
+61 (0) 2 4392-0336
Australia’s "FUN" Caller
Brian is an exciting, and dedicated Square Dance Caller, who is able to make the simplest
basics interesting, and fun to dance – for even experienced dancers. He started square dancing in Newcastle, Australia during February 1960, and in November that year, entered an amateur callers contest which sparked an enthusiasm for square dance calling which would last forever.At the beginning of May 1961, Brian commenced calling for the local YMCA Square Dance Club. In 1967 the club changed it’s name to the B-bar-H Square Dance Club, and although now in a different venue, Brian still calls for this club today. His
home program consists of calling for three weekly clubs, and four monthly clubs, with standards ranging from Basic through to A2.1968 saw Brian record his first vinyl recording, and he has since recorded over 100 vocals for various square dance labels, including instructional material used throughout the Australian School Education system.
During the next few years Brian’s experience grew, and he was often asked by other callers to ‘teach’ them to call. Brian started running Caller Schools, and Clinics in 1967 and still runs 1-2 in Australia, and New Zealand each year. He has served on panels at, and attended 3 Callerlab Conventions in the United States, and Mini-Labs in Australia.
In 1978 Brian decided to resign from his "day job" as a Computer Programmer, and became Australia’s first "full time" Square Dance Caller. He quickly became known as Australia’s "FUN Caller". He earned this title, not only from the comic things he would do on the stage, (such as wearing a yellow polka dot bikini when calling the number by the same title, or continuing to call when someone placed an empty garbage bin over his head..!!) but also from the amazing formations he would call. Brian is famous for his
Progressive & Exploding Squares, moving whole squares from one side of the hall to the other whilst interacting with other squares along the way. He is also known for his Tandem Squares, where one set dances inside another, and for calling to sets with 6-couples. Square Dancing to Brian Hotchkies calling is smooth, exciting, and fun, but never dull..!Brian has been involved with the sound management, and programming for a number of State, and National Square Dance Conventions throughout Australia. He has contributed to the success of these events through his dedicated support, & technical knowledge, and with his
cult like popularity with the dancers. Brian has been recognised by the New South Wales Square Dance Callers Association with "Life Membership", for his outstanding support, and work with callers.Brian has regular weekend engagements each year throughout Australia, NZ, and the UK. He is proud of his achievements, and grateful for the opportunities he has been given throughout his calling career. Brian has been a ‘staff caller’ for the "2000 International Square Dance Convention" held in Perth, Australia, and the "Aloha State Square Dance Convention" in Hawaii. He has been the sole feature caller for the Mid Winter Festival in Oregon, and for regular weekend festivals in England, and New Zealand.
In addition to the above, Brian also regularly calls in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic. He’s also called on a cruise liner in the South Pacific, and of course in every Australian state. One of the highlights of Brian’s career was when he called in the Sydney Opera House during a visit from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth of England.
Dancers from around the world make positive comments about Brian’s calling. They frequently remark on the clarity of his voice, and how smooth, well timed, interesting, and flowing his choreography is.
Brian is an extremely well liked, and respected caller, both here in Australia, and throughout the world. He always looks forward to meeting new people who share his passion for square dancing.