Ralph Page

Ralph George Page (January 28, 1903 – February 21, 1985) was an American contra dance caller. He was influential in spreading it from New Hampshire to the rest of the United States and other countries, and was recognized as an authority on American folk dance overall.

Life and career Page was born on January 28, 1903, in Munsonville, New Hampshire. He grew up in Nelson, New Hampshire, where his Scottish-Irish American family had lived for several generations as farmers. He took five days off per year from his work. In 1966, Page toured England and led workshops with the English Folk Dance and Song Society.

Page died at age 82 on February 21, 1985, at the Cheshire County Hospital.

Page was a bibliophile. He especially enjoyed history and mystery novels, and wrote an unpublished mystery novel himself.

Recognition and legacy As an early American contra dance caller, Page is credited with sustaining and spreading the tradition, keeping it alive until the 1960s, when it experienced a revival due to the countercultural revolution. In 1977, Page received the Granite State Award. In 1980, he was given Callerlab's Milestone Award.

Publications Page published Northern Junket magazine from 1949 to 1984. It contained calling instructions, folk tunes, and other folk culture, and an editorial. His other works include: