In previous discussions here, on FB, and privately with organizers at Hampshire over the last two years, I have discussed the possible use of global terminology for gender free contra. I would contend that if used, everyone would become more aware of the structure of dances. Only the most unusual figures/sequences would be unable to be called. The addition of first and second corner positions to the arsenal makes it possible for same role dancers to also be called upon to dance together without reference to gender. Second corners chain, or first corners allemande L 1 1/2 for example. It would have to be agreed that this refers to those standing in those positions at that moment. In ECD we use first and second corners to refer to the people, first and second diagonals for the positions. But since we use diagonal to refer to those across and over one set, this seems unhelpful. Simply corner positions works better. I'm glad some folks are trying it out at last. I had hoped for an opportunity myself before now. Cheers, Andrea
Sent from my iOnlypretendtomultitask > On Jun 1, 2015, at 8:37 AM, Jim Hemphill via Callers > <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > > The recent discussions on this topic inspired me to try an experiment in > gender free calling. Last night I called the contra dance in St. Louis using > gender free calling without telling anyone. The experiment was a great > success. I received lots of positive feedback on the evenings dance. At > the break and after the dance I made a point to ask several dancers, some > were callers as well, if they noticed anything different or unusual about the > dances or how I taught them. One person noticed that there were more dances > that included a swing in the center for couple 2 than usual. No one I talked > to noticed that the calls and teaching were gender free. > > It took some extra time to construct a fun, diverse 3 hour program, but it is > certainly possible. Re-labeling the dancers is not the only way to call > gender free. > > If you are interested in the program I used or the larger collection of > gender free dances I chose the program from, send me an email, > arcadia...@gmail.com. > > Thanks, > Jim Hemphill > > > _______________________________________________ > Callers mailing list > Callers@lists.sharedweight.net > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
