Romney
Tannehill 
Romney
Tannehill
Romney was born April 17, 1965 in Jefferson City,
Missouri. He grew up in the neighboring town of Eldon. At age 8, he began
square dancing with the Ozark Whirlers. From the beginning Romney was
fascinated with square dance calling. When only 9, Romney was persuaded by
caller Ron Parry to practice the singing call "You Ring My Bell." Within one
week Romney memorized the call and performed it at an Ozark Whirlers class. From
then on, he pursued calling with single-minded dedication.
At age 14, Romney became a charter member of a clogging demonstration club and
soon after became club caller. By age15, he began booking dances with many of
the area clubs. Square dance calling had become his all-consuming interest.
As happens with many professionals, fortune eventually handed Romney his "big
break." In 1979, the famous air traffic controller’s strike occurred. Then
Ozark Whirler caller, Bill Owsley had to return to his "real job" of guiding
planes in and out of Will Rogers International Airport rather than directing
dancers around the floor.
The club voted Romney in as their new caller. With that, he pulled together
funds to buy new equipment. His direction in life was now firmly set.
Though now a club caller, Romney was still faced with the challenge of finishing
high school. He gave his classes the attention they required. His true focus,
however, was his weekly engagement with the Whirlers and guest calling at other
square dance events. His schedule included many visits to Kirkwood Lodge, a
sizable square dance resort only 15 miles from his home. Resort owner Marshall
Flippo kindly allowed Romney to visit weekly. At Kirkwood, Romney met and
learned from top national callers, allowing him to hone his skills and cultivate
his calling style.
By his late teens, Romney was conducting three weekly workshops in St. Louis,
Missouri, over 120 miles from his home. Finally, at age 21, he moved to St.
Louis. His ever growing number of calling engagements gave him the opportunity
to travel extensively and establish himself in his unique profession.
In 1993, Romney took the major step of relocating to Southern California, a long
way from family and friends in Missouri. California offered Romney great
opportunity to further establish himself as a caller. California is Romney’s
home to this day. And, of course, he is still calling full time. He hopes to
bring the joy of square dancing to people for many years to come.