Frank Francalanza
has been leading/calling social set dance for more than 15 years. From beginner-oriented community dances to contra-focused dance weekends, Frank’s inviting style inspires and energizes dancers of any experience level.
Frank draws from a repertoire of New England contra dances in longways sets, old time squares, circle mixers, Québécois and Irish sets and other fun and playful frolics.
Known for his skillful and varied programming, Frank aims to satisfy both beginners and long time dancers. A dance player himself, Frank loves conferring with musicians to match tune sets with dances to maximize the fun factor. He also teaches a variety of couples dances – waltz, Schottische, swing, polka and Balfolk.
Frank and Scatter the Cats have brought social dance to many public and private celebrations throughout Ontario, from Community Fundraisers to folk festivals, weddings, birthdays and any other celebration.
Frank is a regular caller for Fiddlefern Country Dancers (Owen Sound), Toronto Contra Dancers, and Drumlin Dancers (Fergus) and has called in Halifax, Ottawa, Wingham, Kincardine and Creemore, and at festival dance tents for many Ontario Folk Festivals – Summerfolk, Goderich Celtic Roots, Mariposa and Home County. He has worked with Scatter The Cats, Genticorum, De Temps Antan, Great Bear Trio, Hot Point, Domino, The O’Shraves, The Old Sod Band, Crowfoot, Super Trad, Bruce Molsky, Ian Bell, Anne Lederman and Emilyn Stam.