If you're going to start calling squares, Martha, I suggest you do
what is comfortable for you. Unless of course this challenge is
like, "how many beers can you drink", and you're a real risk taker.
I think that if you call contras, New England squares would be the
next logical type of square to call.
No matter what kind of square you call, you should have (or develop)
good skills in watching the dancers. That means no cards. For
example, when you call an allemande left, grand right and left, you
should be able to follow a couple around the set. While you are
calling a square you need to be constantly watching. Your mind will
be working much harder calling a square than when calling a contra.
If you're interested in checking out the various styles of square
dancing, I suggest reading Ralph Sweet's book, Let's Create Old Tyme
Dancing. Don't know if it's still in print.
For many non New England squares, calling in fours is the way to go.
You can start on one or start on 5. But I would suggest to be
prepared to abandon that from time to time as things happen on the
dance floor.
Tom
- Re: [Callers] calling squares Tom Hinds
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