The Caller and Cuer are an integral part of the dance experience.
There would be no dance without them.
The Caller announces "square 'em up" and squares of eight are created by dancers then two dances occur - this is referred to as a Tip.  The first dance in the Tip is usually a "Patter Call" as the Caller speaks the moves that are set to music with no lyrics; the second dance is a "Singing Call" which is also set to music but this time the moves, sung by the Caller, are woven in to the song’s lyrics.  

The square dance Tip is then followed by two Round dances that are announced (guided) by the Cuer.  The dances are set to music which can be either an instrumental or a song with verse.  The styles of dance offered by the Cuer can be a 2-Step, Waltz, Cha Cha, Rumba, or a combination of dance styles.  

The Tip and Round dance pattern alternates throughout the evening.  Music that is offered by the Caller and Cuer does vary from dance to dance and is inspired by the theme of the evening's dance. 

Caller - A person who "calls" the square dance by speaking or singing out dance moves which the dancers then execute in a square of eight (four couples/pairs).  The Caller’s objective is to make sure the eight dancers in each square end the song or piece of music in the same square position in which they started.
Cuer - A person who “cues” a round dance by speaking out a set of dance maneuvers which has been choreographed to a particular piece of music or song for the dancers (couples/pairs/singles) to execute in a round formation.  The Cuer does not sing out calls but speaks the calls (moves).

Club Caller
 Instructor for mainstream

terry Halley

Terry has been square dancing for 23 years and has been calling for 13 of those years.

Terry began dancing in 1992, with the Country Cut-Ups' instructor, Joyce Buzzard, and caller, Jim Hattrick.  He, along with his former wife, found that square dancing was a good activity to do together, and by the third week, Terry was hooked.  This was not only because of the music, but also because the dancing was fun and instilled confidence.

Soon, Terry developed an interest in becoming a caller.  With Jim Hattrick's encouragement, Terry began helping the club with calling dance demos at community events and on the dance trailer in parades.  Terry's first dance as a caller was in April 2002, at the Oaky Doaks Club in Milwaukie, OR, where ten squares of dancers were in attendance.

Terry attended the Callers School at the Circle-8 Ranch in Washington where he learned to call basic and challenging dance choreography with music coordinators/instructors Bill Helms and Daryl Clendenin.  Terry has been privileged to attend two Wade Driver caller courses where he gained more music inspiration and instruction. 

Terry has been teaching square dance lessons for many years; has called in many parades including Portland's Starlight Parade; and was a founding member of the Northwest Callers Association (NWCA.  Terry enjoys Round dancing and has choreographed several rounds including the popular 2-step" Queen of Hearts."

In 2006, Terry, along with callers Mike Halley, KC Curtis, and Dean Still, formed the group "Wild Cards."  The Wild Cards have called may venues including the Seaside Sashay and Mid-Winter in Albany, OR.

Currently, Terry is full-time caller for Tri Squares.  Terry is also Tri Squares' Mainstream class instructor. 

Club Cuer
 instructor for Rounds

Sandra pinion

Sandra got into square and round dancing when she was 16 years old.

Her mother square danced when she was younger and suggested that it was something Sandra might enjoy.  Unwilling at first to go along, she was finally persuaded to attend a dance at the Braids & Braves Square Dance club in McMinnville, Oregon. 

As the story goes, it was not long before Sandra became hooked.  Sandra completed her lessons in square and round dance.  After about a year, Sandra became interested in learning to cue rounds. She got her first cue sheet from Jackie Gale (well-known cuer and former full-time cuer for Tri Squares).  Sandra learned to cue by watching and listening to Jackie while at the same time picking up Jackie’s cueing style and timing so enjoyed by many round dancers.  Sandra gained experience in cueing by traveling with Jackie and cueing a few rounds during evening dances.  

Sandra became Tri Squares’ full time cuer in May 2015, after a long search to fill the void left by Jackie’s departure (due to Jackie’s move to the Sweet Home, Oregon area).  Sandra also became the round dance class instructor for Tri Squares. 

In addition to cueing evening dances and teaching Round dance for Tri Squares on Sunday afternoons, Sandra cues for two other clubs.

Sandra graduated from Western Oregon University in 2016 and is now teaching at the elementary school grade level in Alsea, Oregon.