There’s a certain time and place when it’s socially acceptable to shout out “Do se do your partner” — and it takes a certain confidence to say it without hesitation.

This type of confidence can only be attained through rigorous training in the art of barn dance calling.

Whether it’s a polka, square dance or a jig, all barn dance callers have to be well-schooled in the ways of barn dancing.

Roger Alexander, an Iowa State associate professor of math and acclaimed barn dance caller, said barn dance calling is a talent acquired through years of training.

After calling dances for over 15 years, he should know.

Alexander plays keyboards and calls for The Pretty Good Band, who will be appearing tonight at Boheme, formerly The Long Shot.

The band plays traditional dance tunes from American and Celtic traditions, which includes music to go with everything from the waltz to the hoe down.

Alexander first became interested in dancing when he moved to Ames in 1982. It wasn’t long after that he decided he wanted to do more than just participate in the dancing.

“People had lots of community dances,” he said. “I learned to call dances when I started going to Onion Creek Cloggers.”

By 1992, Alexander had collaborated with a group of fellow barn dance enthusiasts to form the Barn Dance Association.

“We’re now in our seventh season,” Alexander said. “We have a regular monthly dance that we put on at the First Baptist Church.”

Part of the reason the dances have been so successful is due to the association’s extended invitation to absolutely anyone who is interested, regardless of previous experiences.

Alexander said people who attend the dances don’t need lessons or a partner.

“Anyone can ask anyone else to dance,” he said.

This open invitation requires that Alexander be on his toes.

“[Experience] fluctuates from one time to another,” he said. “The caller always has to be prepared so that people who come in can enjoy it and not get lost or get bored.”

Although most dances allow for flexibility on the part of the caller, Alexander said there are a few types of dancing that require the caller to call a specific pattern.

“The square dance has a pattern of figures that dancers must follow,” Alexander said. “The caller’s task is to coordinate the people to get them to move together in time with the music.”

And the style of music that’s played at a typical barn dance isn’t necessarily what many may think.

Although the phrase “barn dance” tends to leave most thinking “country music,” Alexander describes the tunes much differently.

“[The music] is a style that predates country music,” Alexander said. “We play old time American tunes and also some Irish tunes.”

Sometimes, when the music moves him, Alexander himself is inspired to join in.

“I dance when I’m not calling or playing in the band,” he said.

Alexander and The Pretty Good Band will play at a Barn Dance tonight at Boheme international cafe and bar, 2900 West St. Admission is $2 at the door, and the dance starts at 8 p.m.