On 2016-02-18 2252, Claire Takemori via Callers wrote:
Hi Everyone,
In preparation for calling my first family dance on March 6, I’d like to find
some family-friendly dances that are for very small groups, like 3-9 people.
Ideally NOT proper triplets, or 3x3s (already have a few of those) and NO
gender roles.
I’ve got a good collection of simple dances for 10++ people, circles, lines,
etc.
I’m preparing for a crowd of up to 100 but if it dwindles down to 1-2 families
or starts slow, I’d like something for small groups too.
Thanks!
Claire Takemori
Sounds like fun.
Gender/lack of gender needn't be inherent in the dance structure, it's
how we choose to present it. In ONS most once-and-to-the-bottom dances
may be set up simply as "Line up across from your partner." A penny
dropped for me the time David Kaynor opened with that at a workshop.
Part of the keep it simple (for all), and have fun, philosophy.
Really most whole-set dances may be used. It's only if we fuss about
even numbers/pairs where we let ourselves get in the way, like choosing
to identify gender, . . . or not. Tack an extra person on somewhere and
have fun. Admittedly dances designed for an "extra" are handy as this
has been considered. <g>
Anderson Ferry Reel
Pride of the Pingle
are both for odd numbers and are fun and useful.
You'll find these on-line, the second on many of the barn dance sites.
Barn dance, community dance, eCeilidh, Bush dance sites/listings are
really handy in this regard.
If there is effectively the one set I'll join someone, anyone, to make a
pairing and call from within the set. Having a band member keep an eye
out for signals is useful.
Have a blast.
Cheers, John
--
J.D. Erskine
Victoria, BC
Island Dance - Folk & Country
dance info - site & mail list
Vancouver Island & BC islands
http://members.shaw.ca/island.dance/
