Bree,
I’ve done a few dances at a local residential facility which had
events for the clients and their families. My notes to myself after
doing it for the first time:
Spend some time re-writing dances so that there are almost no "single
person" moves. The crowd does best when connected moves, such that one
person in the pair is able to help direct the other. Casting down the
outside is about the extent of "single person" moves that are
possible.
I did dances like these:
## The Snake
Big circle, no partners needed
Any tune
Do a series of figures such as
- circle left for a while
- circle right for a while
- into the center and back (once, twice, a few times)
- Thread the Needle, lead the line and duck under the arch between 2
dancers (adults)
- Snake, lead the line around the room in various ways, possibly out
one door and in the other
- Spiral in and out, end with this followed by getting back into a
circle,
circling left for a while and then going into the center and back twice.
## Bow & Swing
Longways
Linda Leslie
A1 Bow to your Partner
2-hand turn your partner
A2 Top couple sashay down to the bottom
## Kingston Flyer
(4-couple longways). From Tony Parkes **FAMILY**
A1. Line 1 around Line 2 (let it take as long as it takes)
A2. Line 2 around Line 1
B1. top couple strut down the middle and back
B2. top couple (only) cast to the bottom and everyone do- si-do (I
skipped the do-si-do)
Once I settled into realizing what was possible, I found these dances to
be very rewarding. It was wonderful to watch everyone working together
and having fun together.
Best,
Lisa
Lisa Sieverts
603-762-0235
[email protected]
On 7 Oct 2023, at 21:37, Bree Kalb via Contra Callers wrote:
I've been asked if I will teach/lead a one hour long 'contra dance' at
a
day program for young adults with a variety of physical and cognitive
disabilities. (The staff probably would be happy for me to do more
than one
session, but I'm not willing to commit to that. At Least not now.)
My usual repertoire for a wedding or party of non-dancers seems tricky
for
many of the clients--especially those who are uncomfortable being
touched.
I did a similar event about 10 years ago--at a different program-- and
it
didn't seem many of them had a good time.
I'd like to figure out a way to make it fun for this group.
I have a couple of ideas and am looking for more. Have you ever led a
dance/music event with a similar population?
I'd appreciate any advice/suggestions.
Bree Kalb
Carrboro NC
_______________________________________________
Contra Callers mailing list -- [email protected]
To unsubscribe send an email to
[email protected]
_______________________________________________
Contra Callers mailing list -- [email protected]
To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected]
