From New South Wales – Inducted in 2026
For more than five decades, Brian Hotchkies has been a tireless advocate, mentor, and leader
within the Australian square dancing community, leaving a legacy that spans generations,
borders, and disciplines.
Since 1975, Brian has travelled extensively throughout Australia, calling at major square dance
events in every state and contributing to countless special occasions.
His commitment to
education and excellence began even earlier. According to his biography for the 56th Australian
National Square Dance Convention, Brian commenced running Caller Schools and Clinics as
early as 1967.
These schools became a cornerstone of caller development, providing guidance,
inspiration, and practical skills to aspiring and experienced callers alike.
Brian’s influence extends well beyond Australia.
He has attended and served on panels at three CALLERLAB Conventions in the United States, and his caller education work reached New Zealand as early as 1984.
In 1985, at the request of Wilma Flannery, Brian established a two to three day caller school, followed by an intensive five-day school that continued in northern New South Wales for decades, only pausing when Covid-19 struck.
Even then, Brian continued to run a few caller training sessions for SARDA NSW, ensuring knowledge and standards were not lost as a result of the pandemic years.
His contribution to major events has been equally significant. Since 1976, Brian has been
deeply involved in sound management and programming for numerous State and National
Square Dance Conventions across Australia. He served as Technical Officer for the NSW Callers
Association for six years, where his expertise and reliability were widely respected. In
recognition of this sustained service and outstanding contribution, Brian was awarded Life
Membership of the New South Wales Callers Association in 1997.
Brian’s dedication to square dancing is truly international in scope. Until recently, he travelled
overseas annually to fulfil engagements in New Zealand, Germany, England, Austria, France,
Switzerland, and the United States, representing Australian square dancing with
professionalism and pride. Remarkably, he taught more than 2,000 students to square dance at
Benguet State University in Baguio, Philippines, introducing the joy of square dancing to an
entirely new audience.
A pioneer in recorded material, Brian produced his first vinyl recording in 1968 and has since
recorded over 100 vocal tracks for various square dance labels.
His instructional recordings
were widely used throughout the Australian school education system, further cementing his
role as an educator and innovator.
Despite his extensive commitments and achievements, Brian has always remained connected
to grassroots dancing. His home program continues to include calling for a weekly club and,
until recently, two monthly clubs, covering standards from Mainstream through to A2. This
ongoing involvement reflects his belief that strong communities are built not only on leadership,
but on consistent presence and personal connection.
Brian Hotchkies’ contribution to square dancing is extraordinary in both breadth and depth.
Through education, technical expertise, international representation, and unwavering service,
he has assisted in shaping the direction of square dancing in Australia and beyond.
His lifelong dedication makes him a most worthy and deserving nominee for the Roll of Honour.
