Monkey in the Middle and Spiral barn dance called by Harrison Keely at the Folk School

Harrison Keely calls the barn dance “Monkey in the Middle” followed by a serpentine spiral at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. Video courtesy Kathy Dudek. Live music by band members David Liden, Martha Owen, Emolyn Liden, Meg Dedolf, Jonathan Whitall, and Wendy Graham. Harrison Keely is a dance caller from western North Carolina who specializes in contra dances and barn dances. A regular on the John C. Campbell Folk School schedule, he studied calling under Diane Silver and has called at more than 150 events in the region. His experience includes calling at Sautee – Georgia's largest contra dance – and community dances in Athens, Knoxville, Franklin, and Chattanooga, as well as guest calling at Folk School events such as Fools Ball, Fall Festival, Winter Dance Week, and Little Middle, along with camps and private celebrations. In 2025, he served as assistant to Gaye Fifer for the Folk School’s Dance Caller’s Course. He also calls some English and square dances. Harrison is especially passionate about encouraging dancers — particularly young people — to try their hand at calling, and he enjoys mentoring them toward success. Known for his welcoming energy, he is committed to creating joyful dance floors where everyone feels confident and connected. For inquiries, contact [email protected]. Follow Harrison on Facebook:   / harrisonkeelydance   Visit his website at: https://contra.dance/keely