6th CALLERLAB Convention
Milestone Award
Involved in square dancing since 1946, Lee is one of those rare individuals whose background in the field of recreation provided him with an established foundation in the square dance activity. Having held highly responsible positions in local and California state agencies, made it possible for Lee to inject a realistic approach to the true values of square dancing.
Starting his calling career in the late 1940’s as a home-club caller, Lee traveled and guest-called in virtually every state, in many Canadian Provinces, and in 1960 was sent by the Air Force to Germany, and other countries in Europe and North Africa to help formalize square dance programs overseas.
Together with his wife, Mary, Lee played an important role in caller and leadership training, serving on staff for callers schools and clinics. Although a popular figure in some of the nation’s great square dance events and vacation institutes, the Helsels put their home club and class calling and teaching at the top of their priorities.
A recording artist on the Sets in Order label and author of many published articles on square dancing, Lee has truly been a pioneer in the contemporary phases of the activity. In October 1973, Lee was inducted into the Square Dance Hall of Fame and in February 1971, was presented as one of the founding members of CALLERLAB and was author of the original CALLERLAB organizational document including the constitution and by-laws. He served as a member of the Board Of Governors and Executive Committee. In the years that followed, Lee played a key role in the development of this organization. Lee retired from calling in June of 1980.