This thread is making my heart sing! I have called squares for years, but was actually booed at a contra dance once when I set up a square dance. Dancers have become more respectful since that time (20 years ago) but I don’t get to call squares too much these days. However, at my local dance, the organizer, Sherry Nevins, is also a square dance caller and always suggests that I call a square during the evening. So I do, and people actually have fun!
I have found that calling phrased squares, such as the New England quadrilles, or other western squares that have phrased moves, are best for calling for contra dancers. It’s a bit more in their comfort zone. And I second Tony’s suggestion to look at the Square Dance History project for lots of great ideas and amazing callers (including Tony!). Suzanne Girardot Seattle, WA From: Tony Parkes via Contra Callers <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2023 10:49 AM To: Maia McCormick <[email protected]>; Shared Weight Contra Callers <[email protected]> Subject: [Callers] Re: Starting to call squares at contra dances A resource definitely worth exploring is David Millstone’s Square Dance History Project. I didn’t mention it in my first response because it may not be the easiest place to find specific types of dance video quickly, but it’s a must for anyone who loves squares and has a bit of free time to peruse. www.squaredancehistory.org <http://www.squaredancehistory.org> Tony Parkes Billerica, Mass. www.hands4.com <http://www.hands4.com/> New book! Square Dance Calling: An Old Art for a New Century (available now) From: Maia McCormick via Contra Callers <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2023 12:21 PM To: Shared Weight Contra Callers <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > Subject: [Callers] Starting to call squares at contra dances After dancing to some of Lisa's Greenleaf's 🔥 squares at Beantown Stomp last weekend, I'm feeling inspired to add some to my repertoire. (To be clear, I'm looking for squares-for-contra-dancers, not MWSD squares.) 1. Any resources to recommend for someone learning to call squares? 2. Any advice to share, techniques to look into, things you wish you'd known when starting out / wish contra callers knew about squares? 3. Suggestions for callers to look up on YouTube (besides Lisa ofc) / fave videos? 4. Favorite dances that I should add to my box? Thanks in advance, Maia -- Maia McCormick (she/her) 917.279.8194
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