It depends on the dance event. For typical contra dances I usually put together a set of dances a few days in advance and run through them the day before. I practice both the walk through and calling to recorded music. Unless there is something special that usually is sufficient. When I first started I would put together multiple lists of dances in case they were needed, but I have found that last minute substitutions are easy enough to do without having to formally make an alternate list.
For English dances I try to get my dance list together well in advance so that I can get the list to the band to give them time to prepare the music. At least a couple of weeks and often as much as a month. This depends on the band so check with them. For One Night Stands, and similar events, I'm usually doing dances that I have done many, many times so I usually don't feel the need to prepare a long way in advance. The day before I'll get my stuff together and go over any dances that are new or that I haven't done as often. For a dance weekend, or other more involved event, I will usually try to be prepared at least a few weeks in advance. This depends on the type of dancing and how much calling I'm scheduled to do. I've been calling for around 30 years. Jonathan On 1/1/2024 9:12 AM, Mary Collins via Contra Callers wrote:
Researching a discussion I had with a fellow organizer. As a caller, newbie, experienced, old hat experienced: 1. how often do you practice calling dances, esp new to you dances? 2. Do you practice to music? 3. How far in advance do you set and work through your program? Thanks for any and all input. Mary Collins Fanklinville/Olean NY _______________________________________________ Contra Callers mailing list -- [email protected] To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected]
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