Jacob Bloom

Jacob Bloom

Arlington, MA

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Travels up to 2.5 hours

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Sudbury Minutemen Twelfth Night Ball

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MIT Contra Dance 2018

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Small Community Dance 2019

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Overview

I specialize in leading dance events that get everyone moving and enjoying the music, whether they think they can dance or not. My dances get people moving together, let them enjoy being together, and leave everyone smiling at the end.

I will work with you to create an event that fits your needs, budget, and time requirements. I can provide a live band of experienced dance musicians for your event, or use recorded music if you prefer.

I would be delighted to talk to you about how a Contra Dance (Square Dance, Barn Dance), or a Revolutionary-War-era-reenactment dance, can fill your need for an event that everyone can enjoy.


Reviews

13 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Bill S.

Bill S.

June 30, 2025
Verified review

Jacob and Nancy did a great job making dancers out of our family and friends at my wife's 60th birthday party. We had people from 22 to 82, including many who were apprehensive to dance. They did a great job putting people at ease and getting everyone comfortable with the steps, having fun and laughing. This was the first event at our party and I believe it set the tone for people to relax, get comfortable with each other and enjoy the whole day. They adapted quickly since we had to host this inside due to weather. I would highly recommend them for a social event. Square/contra dancing is a great ice breaker for people to get comfortable with each other.

Hired as: Square Dance Caller


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Hope L.

Hope L.

August 13, 2023
Verified review

Great experience, it was very fun and appropriate for the crowd we had. Jacob did a nice job of giving just the right special attention to the guests of honor to make it special for them.

Hired as: Square Dance Caller


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Rebekah L.

Rebekah L.

July 15, 2023
Verified review

Mr. Bloom was the perfect emcee, dj and square dance caller for my Wedding reception. He was kind and polite. All ages enjoyed dancing from the youngest of 3 years old up to the oldest in their 60s. Everyone had a great time and I would definitely use Mr. Bloom again for another event.

Hired as: Square Dance Caller


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Dawn G.

Dawn G.

May 29, 2022
Verified review

Our event had guests who had varying levels of experience with square dancing and Jacob and Nancy made every comfortable. We had a good number of people but not everyone was able to dance so Jacob did several "seated" dances so everyone felt included. Thank you!

Hired as: Square Dance Caller


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Haley B.

Haley B.

October 17, 2021
Verified review

Jacob and his wife Nancy were an excellent team! We hired this couple to teach during our elementary school's Physical Education classes as an enrichment program and then attend our Fall Festival, an outdoor PTO fundraising event on Saturday. They have a welcoming attitude that lends for even the shyest of student to jump in and start dancing. Smiles all around! They showed up early for set up, brought all their own sound equipment, and had a high level of energy throughout the 4 hours they were at the event. It was such an excellent program!

Thank you Jacob and Nancy!
From the Nixon Elementary School, Parent Teacher Organization in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

Hired as: Dance Instructor, Educational Entertainment, Square Dance Caller

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Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes

Insurance: Yes

What to expect

I realize that people are not there to learn dancing, but to enjoy spending time with each other. I start people moving immediately, and keep the dances simple and fun.

For most occasions, many of the dances would be done in longways sets, a line of couples, starting with each person facing their partner. I would alternate these with dances done by four couples in a square, dances done in a circle, and couple dances - whichever seems like it would be the most fun at the moment.

I can also come in colonial costume and lead dancing based on authentic dances of the American Colonial and Revolutionary War periods, with the level of difficulty suitable to the ages, abilities, and level of interest of the dancers.

I can provide a live band of experienced dance musicians, or use recorded music. I can provide a full sound system.

About

I have been leading dancing for more than 40 years. Dances I have written have been published by the New England Folk Festival Association and the Country Dance and Song Society of America. I regularly call dances at the New England Folk Festival, and have performed in Europe with the Black Jokers Morris and the Green Mountain Volunteers. I have been teaching dancing of the American Colonial and Revolutionary War periods for 20 years, and currently teach the Wayside Inn Steppers, a Colonial dance group which dances weekly at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts. I frequently call for groups of beginners, and have been called "The best caller for beginners in the Boston area."

Upcoming booked events

December 2026

31

Wednesday

New Year's Party

6:00pm - 10:30pm

Worcester, MA

Past booked events

June 2025

28

Saturday

Birthday Party

3:00pm - 4:00pm

Milford, MA

January 2025

25

Saturday

Bridgewater Community Dance

7:00pm - 9:00pm

September 2024

08

Sunday

Campus Event

12:30pm - 2:00pm

Andover, MA

August 2024

16

Friday

Hampstead NH Colonial Dance

7:00pm - 9:00pm

June 2024

03

Monday

History Day on Boston Common

9:00am - 12:00pm

April 2024

20

Saturday

Calling at New England Folk Festival

1:00pm - 8:00pm

20

Saturday

New England Folk Festival

All-day event

August 2023

11

Friday

Anniversary Party

6:30pm - 7:30pm

Uxbridge, MA

June 2023

24

Saturday

Wedding Reception

1:00pm - 4:00pm

East Bridgewater, MA

August 2022

07

Sunday

Birthday Party

2:30pm - 3:30pm

Uxbridge, MA

May 2022

28

Saturday

Corporate Event

2:30pm - 4:30pm

Quincy, MA

October 2021

16

Saturday

Festival

12:00pm - 4:00pm

Sudbury, MA

May 2021

22

Saturday

Birthday Party

7:00pm - 8:00pm

Melrose, MA

April 2021

29

Thursday

Corporate Event

2:30pm - 3:30pm

Brighton, MA

October 2019

26

Saturday

Halloween Party

9:00pm - 10:00pm

Wrentham, MA

September 2019

07

Saturday

Anniversary Party

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Brooklyn, CT

June 2019

01

Saturday

Personal Occasion

12:00pm - 1:30pm

Pawtucket, RI

November 2018

17

Saturday

Fundraiser

7:30pm - 9:30pm

Stoughton, MA

October 2018

13

Saturday

Personal Occasion

6:30pm - 10:00pm

Somerville, MA

November 2017

05

Sunday

Nonprofit Event

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Norwood, MA

October 2017

14

Saturday

Dinner Party

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Peabody, MA

February 2017

17

Friday

Birthday (Adult)

7:30pm - 8:00pm

Cambridge, MA

November 2016

19

Saturday

Holiday Party (Other)

7:00pm - 9:30pm

Wakefield, MA

August 2015

07

Friday

Nonprofit Event

10:00am - 1:00pm

Salem, MA

August 2014

16

Saturday

Retreat

8:30pm - 11:00pm

Cambridge, MA

Setup requirements

If I am providing the sound system, I need a table and access to electricity.