“Circle Left! An old cowboy went ridin’ out one dark and windy day.”
For many dancers, those words immediately bring to mind Mike Sikorsky. Because even if every caller can sing this song. It definitely belonged to the one and only Mike Sikorsky (and the Ghost Rider Square Dance Band) This week there was a mournful cry heard through the square dance community.
Mike wasn’t just a caller. He was a teacher, entertainer, mentor, and an ambassador for square dancing. For decades, dancers around the world have been impacted by his contribution to our dances.
As a matter of fact, this author has been studying his Plus Teaching Guide in preparation for teaching it to the new generation of dancers.
Mike had a rare talent of helping dancers feel comfortable while still challenging them to become better. His influence will still be felt for generations by both callers and dancers.
One of my favorite traits of Mike was during some dances he would call with a headset and play around with the dancers while calling. He would place his hands on another dancer’s shoulders and steer them around the square. It was a bit of personality that really makes people come alive.
We know that activities like square dancing survive because of people willing to dedicate their lives to them. Mike was one of those people. He left the square dance world better than he found it, and that’s a legacy well worth claiming.
It feels fitting that one of Mike’s signature singing calls was Ghost Riders in the Sky. The song tells of riders who continue their journey across the sky long after they’ve disappeared from sight. In many ways, that’s how legacies work. The voice may fall silent, but the influence keeps moving forward, carried by every caller he mentored and every dancer who experienced his calling.
So the next time you hear those familiar opening words, think of Mike. Think of the laughter, the lessons, the miles traveled, and the countless dancers who found joy because he picked up a microphone and shared his gift.
I like to change the words to the song.
“Circle Left! A good caller went ridin’ out one dark and windy day. Upon the stage, he stood as he called along his way.”
And somewhere in the sky, we hope there is plenty of square dancing for our callers and dancers alike.
Click here to listen to Mike Sikorsky sing with the Ghost Rider Square Dance Band
I remember the first time dancing to Mike and he jumped off the stage into my square and danced with us!! Then trying to listen, dance and watch him!!! Will be sorely missed.
I’ve known Mike since the late 1980’s when I got involved in square dancing. I even dabbled a little bit of calling back then. I had quit the activity in 1989 due to work changing my schedule but made a comeback in 2017.
But back in the late 80’s I remember going to Mike Senior’s house (he was a distributor of square dance records back then) and purchase records. Every so often I would see Mike Junior (the one we all know) there.
He was very down to earth back then as well. He helped me find music for myself and gave me tricks of the trade in regards to calling.
I can go on and on about him. He was just so awesome