Primo Fiore
Primo Fiore was born in Brooklyn on September 6, 1930 but raised his family in Deer Park, New York, while working as a physical education instructor in West Islip. His gifted speaking voice, combined with a curriculum involving lessons in square dancing, led him on a path to a prolific side career that took him all over the Island. He wound up calling square dances at campgrounds, churches, and school halls and, most notably, at the Bandshell at Jones Beach for decades.
Primo’s son Mario contacted the coordinators of the Long Island History Project, resulting this deep dive into Primo’s life, including his days as a drill sergeant and his association with Dan Durlacher, noted caller and son of New York square dancing legend Ed Durlacher. Mario also helps us understand the place that square dancing held in gym class, the art and science of square dance calling, and the state of Jones Beach in the 1970s.
After Don Durlacher died, Primo continued the square dance tradition, calling squares twice a week with the Top Hands bands who had worked with both Durlachers and recorded with Ed Durlacher.
The events at Jones Beach were similar to those that Ed Durlacher had called in Central Park.
A related interview with Glenn Durlacher (son of Don, grandson of Ed) looks at the Durlachers' involvement with the Jones beach dances.
Subjects: Person, Northeast - general, General - Dance and Culture
Tags: Don Durlacher, Jamaica Farewell, Jones Beach, Primo Fiore, Top Hands
Item Relations
This Item | is related to | Item: Ed Durlacher - Central Park, photos |
This Item | is related to | Item: Ed Durlacher - Central Park Newsreel |
Item: Don Durlacher - Jones Beach photo | is related to | This Item |
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Primo Fiore was born in Brooklyn on September 6, 1930 but raised his family in Deer Park, New York, while working as a physical education instructor in West Islip. His gifted speaking voice, combined with a curriculum involving lessons in square dancing, led him on a path to a prolific side career that took him all over the Island. He wound up calling square dances at campgrounds, churches, and school halls and, most notably, at the Bandshell at Jones Beach for decades.
Primo’s son Mario contacted the coordinators of the Long Island History Project, resulting this deep dive into Primo’s life, including his days as a drill sergeant and his association with Dan Durlacher, noted caller and son of New York square dancing legend Ed Durlacher. Mario also helps us understand the place that square dancing held in gym class, the art and science of square dance calling, and the state of Jones Beach in the 1970s.
After Don Durlacher died, Primo continued the square dance tradition, calling squares twice a week with the Top Hands bands who had worked with both Durlachers and recorded with Ed Durlacher.
The events at Jones Beach were similar to those that Ed Durlacher had called in Central Park.
A related interview with Glenn Durlacher (son of Don, grandson of Ed) looks at the Durlachers' involvement with the Jones beach dances.