It would help tremendously if we could have a discussion on what "global
terminology" is and an example of choreography that is called with such
terminology. The concept is one I have not heard of before.
Perry
From: Linda Leslie via Callers <[email protected]>
To: Andrea Nettleton <[email protected]>
Cc: Caller's discussion list <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 1, 2015 10:33 AM
Subject: [Callers] Global terminology in contra dances
In Jamaica Plain, MA, the ECD dancers use Window Wall and Clock Wall, rather
than left/right file. It is different global terminology, but works very well.
I don’t know the history of why these words were chosen, but I could probably
find out. The dancers also line up without identifying a partner, as discussed
at Brooke’s site. This tradition is really quite lovely. I have had the
opportunity to call this dance many times, so the terminology is very second
nature to me.
For me, the major challenge with incorporating global language into contra
dances has to do with ending the swing. So many contra dances depend on the
dancers having learned that the lady/lark/barearm/ruby/right file end on the
right. How do we help completely new dancers learn this? Do we say “swing your
Neighbor and change places”? Swing your Partner and change places”? I recognize
that experienced dancers will know this instinctively; just as many dancers
line up and automatically form improper lines at many contra dances.
But I am curious about how callers out there see us helping the new folks,
without using any role language at all.
Thanks!Linda
On Jun 1, 2015, at 11:59 AM, Andrea Nettleton via Callers
<[email protected]> wrote:
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
<[email protected]> 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, [email protected]. Thanks,Jim Hemphill
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