Silver and Gold - Ted Sannella

Ted Sannella wrote this dance in 1952, specifically to accompany the tune of the same name. In Balance and Swing, Ted writes, "This simple dance is a favorite of mine, one that I use with any group that is able to do a right and left through. Sometimes I use it as a teaching aid after explaing that figure to beginners. This works out well because those dancers who fall behind in the right and left through will have time to catch up in the figures that follow. When I feel that the dancers are able to respond quickly (and anticipate as well), I change from a prompt to a singing call." This clip, recorded at a dance in 1958, illustrates that change in his calling style. Ted moves more into singing mode around 2:30. At 3:00, though, the recording comes to an end, and you can hear a short music-less moment while Ted keeps calling as he puts the needle back on the turntable!

Ted Sannella was one of New England's best known and respected callers of contras and traditional squares. He was also a prolific choreographer; this is one example. Biographical information can be found here; a list of additional Ted Sannella recordings and information on our website is here.

On the 25th anniversary of his death, a website of "Sannella Stories" was created by David Smukler and David Millstone; it includes dozens of remembrances, photographs, previously unpublished dances by Ted, and dances that were composed in his honor.