[Callers] The ongoing gypsy discussion

[Kalia Kliban via Callers]

Just out of curiosity, since I had a gig scheduled while this discussion 
was going on, I tried substituting the phrase "right/left shoulders 
around" for "gypsy."  I had not taught the move in the beginners 
session.  The first dance this came up in had a neighbors gypsy 1-1/2. 
I said "neighbors right shoulders around once and a half," the dancers 
all did it, easy peasy.  It's not too hard to remember to substitute the 
term, and will get easier as it goes along.


I called 2 dances today, the Sebastopol English dance and the Petaluma 
contra.  I had a few "gypsy halfway" moments at the English but no full 
gypsies.  Several at the contra and I found the different terminology to 
cause not the tiniest ripple on the floor.  It was seamless.


Kalia

Re: [Callers] Gypsy / "Redneck"

[Gary Shapiro via Callers]

They spell it with the y.

www.gypsy-association.co.uk

On Sun, Nov 1, 2015 at 12:30 PM, John Meechan via Callers
callers-at-lists.sharedweight.net |sharedweight-garyes| <
lc5ghe4...@sneakemail.com> wrote:

> We’ve had very few opinions, other than heresay, about gipsies in the UK.
> I have never heard the term gipsy used as a pejorative for Romany gipsies,
> in fact their national body is called the Gipsy Council.
>
> www.gipsy-association.co.uk
>
>
>

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Leslie Gotfrit via Callers]

Here is is one people have a lot of fun with and it's a scatter set that has a 
gypsy (which you can debate replacing with one of the many discussed 
alternatives.) 

Accretion Reel by Chris Page
(I'm very loose about numbers in a group. )
Groups of four (or 5 or 6 or whatever)

A1 balance the ring of four and scatter (balance in, out, in, kaboom)
A2 catch someone's eye, gypsy/gyre and swing
B1 promenade and find another couple ( or two or three)
B2 circle left, circle right

Leslie Gotfrit 

Re: [Callers] Gypsy perception

[Tom Hinds via Callers]

No Aahz my logic is broken.  Our perceptions and experiences are  
different.


You said,

The question isn't whether using "gypsy" generates negative  
stereotypes but whether using the word reminds people of existing  
negative stereotypes and whether the people referred to by the word  
have negative reactions to the use of the word.


Aahz, you can define the discussion in a narrow way but I prefer to  
keep it more open.


This may surprise you but I have a favorable view of the Romani.  In  
the '80s I danced Flamenco and developed a deep respect for them.   
More recently I saw a documentary on their culture that centered  
around a performance of them from various countries.  So my view of  
them has been positive!  Until this discussion.


To be honest, the more I read from those who don't want to use the  
word gypsy (in private from some), the less favorable these people  
are in my mind which I don't want.  I realize that your intentions  
are good but with me you've accomplished the opposite of what you  
want.  Perhaps you should consider not using their name in the same  
sentences with derogatory terms.  Don't underestimate the power of  
association.


Tom

Re: [Callers] Gypsy / "Redneck"/honky

[Jeremy Gmail via Callers]

Tom



Did you mean "self-deprecating" instead of "self-defecating"?  Or did you
really mean to sh*t on yourself?



Or is this an American usage I'm unaware of?



(Sorry, couldn't resist.)



Jeremy



From: Callers [mailto:callers-boun...@lists.sharedweight.net] On Behalf Of
Tom Hinds via Callers
Sent: 01 November 2015 22:41
To: Ron Blechner
Cc: callers
Subject: Re: [Callers] Gypsy / "Redneck"/honky







As a caller I've often used self-defecating humor to get dancers to relax.
It shows that we callers are human and can make mistakes etc.  It also takes
the focus off of them and on to me.

Re: [Callers] Gypsy

[Aahz Maruch via Callers]

On Sat, Oct 31, 2015, Tom Hinds via Callers wrote:
> 
> I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY WANT TO KNOW, who on this list believe that
> contra dancers have a negative view of the Romani people because of
> the word gypsy?  Anyone?

You've got broken logic.  The question isn't whether using "gypsy"
generates negative stereotypes but whether using the word reminds people
of existing negative stereotypes and whether the people referred to by
the word have negative reactions to the use of the word.

Using words such as "kike" and "nigger" and "spic" and "cunt" don't cause
negative views, either.  But try using those words when you're calling,
let us know how that works for you.

Regardless of whether "gypsy" as a figure refers to Romani, it's clear
that "dance gypsy" does refer to stereotypes about the Romani.  Using
"gypsy" for the figure is therefore much more likely to appear to be
referencing stereotypes, regardless of intent.
-- 
Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6http://rule6.info/
  <*>   <*>   <*>
Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html

Re: [Callers] Gypsy

[John Sweeney via Callers]

Hi Janet,
I agree entirely re "gypsy"!

But, please, not "Homo Sapien"!

"Homo Sapiens" is the singular.  The "s" on the end does not
indicate plural.  You can't take it off to make it singular.

The plural is "Homines Sapientes".

It hurts when I hear someone say it without the "s". :-(

Happy dancing,
John

John Sweeney, Dancer, England j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

Re: [Callers] Gypsy / "Redneck"

[Read Weaver via Callers]

In the season premiere of the U.S. tv show "Black-ish,” in an episode that 
tackles who can use what racial slurs, “negro” comes up and causes offense to 
Black characters. The following exchange occurs, between the protagonist’s 
consistently racist boss and the protagonist:

“Well, in that case, maybe I should put a stop payment on the half-million 
dollar check that I just wrote to the United Negro College Fund.”
“Come on, Mr. Stevens, be honest—you only wrote that check so you can say 
‘Negro.’”
“Well, I definitely don’t do it so I _can’t_ say it.”


Read Weaver
Jamaica Plain, MA
http://lcfd.org

> On Nov 1, 2015, at 5:53 PM, Jeff Kaufman via Callers 
>  wrote:
> 
> On Nov 1, 2015 3:30 PM, "John Meechan via Callers" 
> > 
> wrote:
> >
> > I have never heard the term gipsy used as a pejorative for Romany gipsies, 
> > in fact their national body is called the Gipsy Council.
> >
> 
> That might just mean it's an old organization. In the US the NAACP is a big 
> national organization which stands for "national association for the 
> advancement of colored people" but "colored people" is definitely not OK to 
> use anymore.
> 

Re: [Callers] Gypsy / "Redneck"/honky

[Lindsay Morris via Callers]

Tom, my estimation of you has risen even higher!

> On Nov 1, 2015, at 5:41 PM, Tom Hinds via Callers 
>  wrote:
> 
> When this discussion started I decided to actually use honky instead of gypsy 
> the next time I called.   I would of course explain to the dancers this 
> extremely important and delicate issue that is now confronting the contra 
> dance community.   Why not get a chuckle from the floor?  I appreciate the 
> suggestion of red neck but I think honky flows better.  See the end of this 
> email for calling examples.
> 
> Several people have thanked me off list for what I said because they don't 
> want to be seen as insensitive.  Basically we think there's way too much 
> mental effort and concern based on 1 person's complaint.  That I'm actually 
> taking time at all on this topic is a bad reflection on my judgment.
> 
> Ron, I really want to know:   since you started dancing have you thought 
> badly of the Romani people because of the use of the word gypsy?  Is there 
> any caller or dancer out there who has thought badly about Romani people 
> because of this call?  
> 
> At the time that I wrote my last email, I also wrote the following but 
> decided not to send it because I didn't want to be seen as insensitive.  Here 
> it is.  Maybe you'll get a chuckle.  
> 
> 
> 
> As a caller I've often used self-defecating humor to get dancers to relax.  
> It shows that we callers are human and can make mistakes etc.  It also takes 
> the focus off of them and on to me.
> 
> With that said I was thinking that we, the white majority in the US, might 
> consider pointing the finger at ourselves in a joking way.  This  might show 
> minorities that we to can take a joke and perhaps communicate that, in some 
> situations,  it's important not to take things too seriously.
> 
> Let's do away with the call gypsy and replace it with honky.  Here are some 
> examples:
> 
> "Honky your partner"
> 
> or
> 
> "Honky 'round your neighbor"
> 
> or 
> 
> "ladies honky once and a half"
> 
> If a Romani person ever complains to you tell them this:  naming a move after 
> an ethnic group is one of the highest honors of our dance community.  The 
> only other people to be so honored are the Dosidoes.
> 
> Tom
> 
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Re: [Callers] Gypsy / "Redneck"

[Jeff Kaufman via Callers]

On Nov 1, 2015 3:30 PM, "John Meechan via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> I have never heard the term gipsy used as a pejorative for Romany
gipsies, in fact their national body is called the Gipsy Council.
>

That might just mean it's an old organization. In the US the NAACP is a big
national organization which stands for "national association for the
advancement of colored people" but "colored people" is definitely not OK to
use anymore.

Re: [Callers] Gypsy / "Redneck"/honky

[Ron Blechner via Callers]

Tom,

I find it humorous that we both had the same thought experiment. I read
"honky" as less offensive than "redneck", but that may be subjective and/or
semantic.

To be very plain:

The image we conjure up of a "gypsy" is a stereotype. "Gypsy" for many
invokes images of coin hip scarves and veils and brightly painted caravans.
Mysterious women. Homeless vagrants who are selling snake oil. Fire eaters.
Sellers of junk.

Even if we removed the negative ones, and "gypsy" made us just think of
"sexy mysterious woman", isn't that just objectifying women? Or sexualizing
a race of people? Is that any different than talking about which race has
bigger or smaller penises? Or saying that Asian women are "exotic" and
black men are "savage"?

So yeah, the more I've thought about this over the last few days - and the
last year or so ago, since I first suggested "spiral" - I've been realizing
that "gypsy" is a problem. Maybe it's not, at least in America, the slur
that it is in parts of Europe. But it's still a stereotype loaded word.

...

Why now?

The other objection is "very few are complaining, why not wait til more
people are complaining?"

Well, we can wait until it's a big problem, or we can acknowledge the
direction things are going, and head it off before it becomes less of an
accepted word. Would I rather be too PC, or like my grandma, who I had to
remind that "negro" is not an appropriate word anymore in the 2000s?  I'd
rather error on the side of PC, in this particular case.

For me, the tipping point, as I explained in my previous e-mail, has been
first and second hand accounts of people of actual Romani heritage having
issues. Yes, some do and some don't - but that's precisely the point I was
communicating when I came up with the "redneck" thought experiment. Some
wear "redneck" with honor. But definitely, *definitely* "redneck" is also
used as a slur to disparage people who are seen as inferior.

Best regards,
Ron

On Sun, Nov 1, 2015 at 5:41 PM, Tom Hinds  wrote:

> When this discussion started I decided to actually use honky instead of
> gypsy the next time I called.   I would of course explain to the dancers
> this extremely important and delicate issue that is now confronting the
> contra dance community.   Why not get a chuckle from the floor?  I
> appreciate the suggestion of red neck but I think honky flows better.  See
> the end of this email for calling examples.
>
> Several people have thanked me off list for what I said because they don't
> want to be seen as insensitive.  Basically we think there's way too much
> mental effort and concern based on 1 person's complaint.  That I'm actually
> taking time at all on this topic is a bad reflection on my judgment.
>
> Ron, I really want to know:   since you started dancing have you thought
> badly of the Romani people because of the use of the word gypsy?  Is there
> any caller or dancer out there who has thought badly about Romani people
> because of this call?
>
> At the time that I wrote my last email, I also wrote the following but
> decided not to send it because I didn't want to be seen as insensitive.
> Here it is.  Maybe you'll get a chuckle.
>
>
>
> As a caller I've often used self-defecating humor to get dancers to
> relax.  It shows that we callers are human and can make mistakes etc.  It
> also takes the focus off of them and on to me.
>
> With that said I was thinking that we, the white majority in the US, might
> consider pointing the finger at ourselves in a joking way.  This  might
> show minorities that we to can take a joke and perhaps communicate that, in
> some situations,  it's important not to take things too seriously.
>
> Let's do away with the call gypsy and replace it with honky.  Here are
> some examples:
>
> "Honky your partner"
>
> or
>
> "Honky 'round your neighbor"
>
> or
>
> "ladies honky once and a half"
>
> If a Romani person ever complains to you tell them this:  naming a move
> after an ethnic group is one of the highest honors of our dance community.
> The only other people to be so honored are the Dosidoes.
>
> Tom
>
>

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[James Saxe via Callers]

Another dance I haven't seen mentioned yet in this thread is the
six-couple circle dance "Thread the Needle", not to be confused
with various other, very different dances also titled "Thread the
Needle".  Here's a description:

 Thread the Needle
 Circle of six couples, numbered (in ccw order) 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3

 #1 ladies go out to the right and circle with that #2 couple
 until #1 ladies are facing ccw around the big circle.
 #2 couples arch and #1 ladies duck through to #3 couples while
 #2 gents follow up to form circles with #2 couples.
 All circle 3 once around.  #2 & #3 couples arch and #1 dancers
 duck to next couple ccw around the set.)
 Repeat circling and ducking to next two more times.  [At this point
 #1 ladies are again with their original #2 couples.]
 #3 couples with #1 gents circle left once while #2 couples with #1
 ladies circle just halfway.  #2 and #3 couples arch and #1
 dancers duck through to original home positions.
 All swing partners.

 The whole dance repeats with #2 ladies starting (and #2 gents
 following) and again with #3 dancers active.

When I've danced this, the callers have mixed the main figure described 
above with "break figures", typically involving a grand right and left
or some variation thereof.  There are lots of square-dance break figures
that you can easily adapt to work for a six-couple circle .  For one
example, see this video of "Thread the Needle" with calling by Phil
Jamison:

 http://squaredancehistory.org/items/show/297
 (also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_Ha27GDnSU )

--Jim

Re: [Callers] Gypsy / "Redneck"/honky

[Tom Hinds via Callers]

When this discussion started I decided to actually use honky instead  
of gypsy the next time I called.   I would of course explain to the  
dancers this extremely important and delicate issue that is now  
confronting the contra dance community.   Why not get a chuckle from  
the floor?  I appreciate the suggestion of red neck but I think honky  
flows better.  See the end of this email for calling examples.


Several people have thanked me off list for what I said because they  
don't want to be seen as insensitive.  Basically we think there's way  
too much mental effort and concern based on 1 person's complaint.   
That I'm actually taking time at all on this topic is a bad  
reflection on my judgment.


Ron, I really want to know:   since you started dancing have you  
thought badly of the Romani people because of the use of the word  
gypsy?  Is there any caller or dancer out there who has thought badly  
about Romani people because of this call?


At the time that I wrote my last email, I also wrote the following  
but decided not to send it because I didn't want to be seen as  
insensitive.  Here it is.  Maybe you'll get a chuckle.




As a caller I've often used self-defecating humor to get dancers to  
relax.  It shows that we callers are human and can make mistakes  
etc.  It also takes the focus off of them and on to me.


With that said I was thinking that we, the white majority in the US,  
might consider pointing the finger at ourselves in a joking way.   
This  might show minorities that we to can take a joke and perhaps  
communicate that, in some situations,  it's important not to take  
things too seriously.


Let's do away with the call gypsy and replace it with honky.  Here  
are some examples:


"Honky your partner"

or

"Honky 'round your neighbor"

or

"ladies honky once and a half"

If a Romani person ever complains to you tell them this:  naming a  
move after an ethnic group is one of the highest honors of our dance  
community.  The only other people to be so honored are the Dosidoes.


Tom

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[David Harding via Callers]

If the group can tolerate a little chaos, there is no reason to limit 
the sets to three couples.  The first time through everyone in a set 
with an odd number of couples gets a new partner in the same gender 
role, but in a set with an even number everyone gets a new partner of 
the same gender.  After that, it's a free-for-all.

-David

On 11/1/2015 3:14 PM, James Saxe via Callers wrote:

Jacob Bloom mentioned this dance:

Borrowdale Exchange - Scatter mixer
Formation: three couples in circle

Circle left, Circle right
Forward and Back, partner dosido
Hands-across right hand star.  Starting with the two people whose hands are 
lowest, each pair pulls their partner to them for a swing
Promenade with your new partner to make new sets

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[James Saxe via Callers]

A dance I don't think anyone has mentioned yet is "Pride of
Dingle" (originally "Pride of Pingle") by Ken Alexander.  You
can find various slightly differing versions here:

 
http://www.izaak.unh.edu/dlp/NorthernJunket/pages/NJv14/NJv14-02/NJv.14.02.p24.htm
 http://www.dancerhapsody.com/handouts/DancesForNonDancers.pdf
 
http://archives.mvfolkdancers.com/0_Other%20Items%20of%20Interest/0_Dance%20Instructions/pride%20of%20dingle%202.pdf
 
http://www.barndances.org.uk/dance-detail.php?danceNameParam=pride-of-dingle
 https://www.library.unh.edu/special/forms/rpdlw/syllabus2005.pdf

The first version listed above (as published in _Northern Junket_)
seems closest to the way I remember learning it.  I don't know
which is closest to the Ken Alexander originally wrote it.

--Jim

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[James Saxe via Callers]

Jacob Bloom mentioned this dance:


> Borrowdale Exchange - Scatter mixer
> Formation: three couples in circle
> 
> Circle left, Circle right
> Forward and Back, partner dosido
> Hands-across right hand star.  Starting with the two people whose hands are 
> lowest, each pair pulls their partner to them for a swing
> Promenade with your new partner to make new sets

I've also seen something similar where dancers mix only
within their group of three couples (eventually getting
original partners back) and throughout the whole hall.
You can see a version called by Phil Jamison (under the
name "Pull the Lady Through") here:

 http://squaredancehistory.org/items/show/301
 (also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm5KTs-yTI8 )

And here's an archived message where I described (as best I
remembered it) a version I danced to the calling of Dolores
Heagy:

 
http://lists.sharedweight.net/pipermail/callers-sharedweight.net/2014-March/007599.html


Jacob also mentioned:

> Billingsdale Pattern - Chip Hendrickson
> Two couples in line, women back to back
> 
> Hey for four
> Dosido partner, Swing
> Right hand star, Left hand star
> Ladies Allemande R once and a half, Allemande L Neighbor.  Start with Ladies 
> back to back first two times, Gents back to back second two times.

On page 81 of _Zesty Contras_, Larry Jennings describes both
"Billingsdale Pattern" and his own variant of it, titled
"Chippendal Ornament".)

--Jim

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Jacob or Nancy Bloom via Callers]

Here's some of the dances I've done which haven't already been mentioned.


Set a Crochet - Traditional French Canadian

Couples scatter on floor, then find another couple
As couples, hook left elbows and turn
Circle left
Swing Neighbor, Swing Partner


Borrowdale Exchange - Scatter mixer
Formation: three couples in circle

Circle left, Circle right
Forward and Back, partner dosido
Hands-across right hand star.  Starting with the two people whose hands are
lowest, each pair pulls their partner to them for a swing
Promenade with your new partner to make new sets


Billingsdale Pattern - Chip Hendrickson
Two couples in line, women back to back

Hey for four
Dosido partner, Swing
Right hand star, Left hand star
Ladies Allemande R once and a half, Allemande L Neighbor.  Start with
Ladies back to back first two times, Gents back to back second two times.


Squeeze the Wheel - Rich Blazej
Circle of threesome facing threesome

Middles turn contra corners
All balance and swing opposite, end facing center of big circle
Four steps in, balance, four steps out, balance
Circle 6 once around, pass through


Space Debris - Jenkins
Individuals facing any direction

Promenade alone, find a partner, promenade any direction, find another
couple
Circle L, circle R
Dosido partner, dosido opposite
RH star, take L hands as well, buzz step swing for 8, explode the star and
promenade off alone


Luck of the Morris - Jacob Bloom
Circle of three couples.  Each person's partner is diagonally across the
circle of them.  I have sets form up as for a triplet, then say, "Second
couple change places with your partner, first and third ladies change
places with each other."  Each couple is active in turn.

Actives lead Forward 6 and Back (the actives take the people on each side
of them and lead towards their partner diagonally across from them), all
swing opposite, Actives end their swing facing one of the end couples and
the others end facing the middle
Actives with one end couple Ladies chain over, chain back, actives do an
extra half turn
Half Right and Left with the other end couple, Actives go between them,
cast off with next couple
Circle 6 to the left, all into center and back.  (The next time through, a
different couple leads the Forward 6 and Back.)


Cornwall 6 Hand Reel, Walpole Cottage, General Dummer's Reel, Levi Jackson
Rag, and The Weevil have already been mentioned.  A word about The Weevil:
I've found it important to emphasize to the dancers that they are NOT
standing across from any other dancer.  Instead, the three dancers on one
side are standing across from the spaces between the four dancers on the
other side.  If they stand across from another dancer, they will get
confused when they try to change places with the dancers on the right and
left diagonals.

Jacob


On Sun, Nov 1, 2015 at 12:10 AM, Donna Hunt via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

>
>
>
>
> Hi
> I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or
> contras).
> Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the
> criteria?
>
> I have Tom Hinds "Hexitation" and several triplets, a Zia and a Tempest,
> and have looked through the Ralph Page weekend glossary, but I'm wondering
> if you were doing a workshop like this, what would be your top pick of a
> dance?
>
> Thanks
> Donna Hunt
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>

Re: [Callers] Gypsy / "Redneck"

[John Meechan via Callers]

We’ve had very few opinions, other than heresay, about gipsies in the UK. I 
have never heard the term gipsy used as a pejorative for Romany gipsies, in 
fact their national body is called the Gipsy Council.
www.gipsy-association.co.uk


John Meechan

Sent from Mail for Windows 10



From: Ron Blechner via Callers
Sent: 01 November 2015 19:38
To: Tom Hinds
Cc: callers
Subject: Re: [Callers] Gypsy / "Redneck"


"who on this list believe that contra dancers have a negative view of the 
Romani people because of the word gypsy?"
Over the last few days, as this conversation has spilled out onto a few forms 
of social media, I have now heard specific stories about people who are Roma 
and/or have Roma heritage who are folk dancers in dance forms that use "gypsy" 
as a term, and are offended directly.
As to your question, do you consider "negative" to include "reinforcing 
stereotypes"?  Maybe?
What if we had a dance move called "redneck". Sure, there's plenty of find 
country folks in America who proudly self-describe as a "redneck". There are 
songs written about them. There are people who dress up for Halloween as them. 
etc. Does that mean that there aren't also plenty of people who have been 
called "redneck" as a slur against the stereotype of "dumb, rural, ignorant 
yokels"?  I find the parallels compelling enough where I'm now seriously 
leaning off the fence...
-Ron Blechner

On Sat, Oct 31, 2015 at 10:37 AM, Tom Hinds via Callers 
 wrote:
In my opinion the offended women actually helped spread a stereotype she didn't 
like.  Who on this list knew that Romani women had a reputation for being (I 
can't remember, was it) sexual?  Not me.  Okay, it was the caller she 
complained to who put it out there, but she started it.   Should the caller 
feel defensive or should the caller turn the issue around if it's appropriate?

I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY WANT TO KNOW, who on this list believe that contra 
dancers have a negative view of the Romani people because of the word gypsy?  
Anyone?

For me the more important issue is education.  I learned another tidbit about 
the Romani people.  Yes I understand how people can be sensitive, but perhaps 
this woman needs to learn something about us before jumping to conclusions.

Tom

___
Callers mailing list
Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net





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Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Jacob or Nancy Bloom via Callers]

I've found You Married My Daughter But Yet You Didn't to be a good
alternative tune for Levi Jackson Rag.

Jacob

On Sun, Nov 1, 2015 at 7:17 AM, Bree Kalb via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Levi Jackson Rag is a favorite of mine but not all bands know the tune.
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Donna Hunt via Callers
> Sent: Nov 1, 2015 12:10 AM
> To: call...@sharedweight.net
> Subject: [Callers] dances in unusual formations
>
>
>
> Hi
> I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or
> contras).
> Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the
> criteria?
>
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>

Re: [Callers] Gypsy / "Redneck"

[Ron Blechner via Callers]

"who on this list believe that contra dancers have a negative view of the
Romani people because of the word gypsy?"

Over the last few days, as this conversation has spilled out onto a few
forms of social media, I have now heard specific stories about people who
are Roma and/or have Roma heritage who are folk dancers in dance forms that
use "gypsy" as a term, and are offended directly.

As to your question, do you consider "negative" to include "reinforcing
stereotypes"?  Maybe?

What if we had a dance move called "redneck". Sure, there's plenty of find
country folks in America who proudly self-describe as a "redneck". There
are songs written about them. There are people who dress up for Halloween
as them. etc. Does that mean that there aren't also plenty of people who
have been called "redneck" as a slur against the stereotype of "dumb,
rural, ignorant yokels"?  I find the parallels compelling enough where I'm
now seriously leaning off the fence...

-Ron Blechner

On Sat, Oct 31, 2015 at 10:37 AM, Tom Hinds via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> In my opinion the offended women actually helped spread a stereotype she
> didn't like.  Who on this list knew that Romani women had a reputation for
> being (I can't remember, was it) sexual?  Not me.  Okay, it was the caller
> she complained to who put it out there, but she started it.   Should the
> caller feel defensive or should the caller turn the issue around if it's
> appropriate?
>
> I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY WANT TO KNOW, who on this list believe that
> contra dancers have a negative view of the Romani people because of the
> word gypsy?  Anyone?
>
> For me the more important issue is education.  I learned another tidbit
> about the Romani people.  Yes I understand how people can be sensitive, but
> perhaps this woman needs to learn something about us before jumping to
> conclusions.
>
> Tom
>
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>

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Liz and Bill via Callers]

Hi David and all,

Those links are part of a playlist with a few more dances for five to seven 
which weve done here at our NZ house dance.

http://youtu.be/iW8fjgZV2Jk?list=PLFp1up9ZoGxhevcz7leTScc1XfgpjOF2Q

Cheers, Bill

> On 2/11/2015, at 6:54, David Harding via Callers 
>  wrote:
> 
> After finding The Weevil (4 facing 3) on YouTube
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM1vr2-QK_Q
> I stumbled on a 3 facing 2 dance "inspired by 'The Weevil'"
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GAAf-9unRg
> 

[Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Playford1651 via Callers]

You could try the contra modified version of Wendy Crouch's Winter Solstice
(square with an extra couple). Renamed Swinging Solstice for the other side
of the Pond. Features a grand square for 5 couples! Progression is
clockwise.

Although they do not feature swings she has Silver Thread ( 3 couples in a
line), which can be prove a challenge even for experienced ECD dancer; and
Sussex Martlets (3 couples in a delta formation).

Graham Knight

[Callers] Fwd: Itty-bitty dances, triplets, odd numbers

[Paul Wilde via Callers]

Donna,

Here are the figures for the three suggestions I sent.


David's Triplet # 5 (David Smuckler).  It has a lovely hey for 6 w/ a P
Gyre & Swing  to finish.

A-1 1s cast to bottom, ret up inside and cast around w/ same gender 2s
   All face P, dsd 1 1/4 to wavy line of 6, P in RH
A-2 Bal wave,  P Al R 1/2 reform (luv it) wave, Bal pull by P by RH into
  (Hands may help at first)

B-1 Hey for 6, when next you see your P
B-2 P Gyre & Gimble, end facing up to be proper, new top cpl.


Levi Jackson for 5 cpls. 1 top cpl and 2 pairs of sides, horseshoe shaped.

A-1  Sides R & L across set, ones walk to center slot btw 2 prs of sides
(traffic island)
   Sides R & L back, ones  finish walking to bottom of set and cast out
back to top

A-2  While top cpl is walking back to place, sides circle left (hands 4) 1X
   All face P and Do Si Do 1X

B-1  5 Ladies Star R (Leave 1, pass 1, turn w/ the next, guys NEED to help
out here)
   Again, 5 Ladies Star R (leave 1, pass 1, turn the next)  Set needs
to tighten up for B-1

B-2  Prom your new P 1 pl CCW & (balance if time) and swing your new P.
New Tops.


Square Line Special  Octet by Gary Roodman  starts w/ 2 hands 4 DI not too
far apart.

A-1  Lines of 4 at side F & B
   Trade places w/ person across in a very leisurely R Sh Gyre (lots of
time on this 1)

A-2  Face same person and RH balance, pull by, pull by L w/ N w/in your
hands 4
   Swing the next you meet (now you have broken out of hands 4) end in
a sq.

B-1  Heads F & B
   Head Ladies Chain

B-2  Heads go out to R and Circle L 1X w/ Sides, til heads are bk to bk in
ctr.
   Sides arch, heads pop thru, go around nearest side to from lines at
side.

With the right group, you can have lots of fun w/ this.  If the Sides go
out to R to circle w/ Heads, Heads arch, sides pop, and you have turned the
set 90 degrees (surprise) and lines at head go F-B.  You can basically call
whatever you want in the B-1 to make things fun, but use your best
judgment, it can get confusing dancing this the first time.  I'm still
looking at ways to get the entire set to mix Ps.  As presently written, not
everyone gets to be a P to all 4 dancing the opposite roll.  Would love
some insights how to make this happen in a simple fashion (at least at
first).

Paul

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Aahz Maruch via Callers]

On Sun, Nov 01, 2015, Donna Hunt via Callers wrote:
> 
> I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or contras).
> Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the criteria?  

Levi Jackson Rag would've been my first suggestion.  I only skimmed the
thread, but I didn't notice anyone mentioning circle dance mixers such as
Jiffy Mixer, Arnold's Circle, or La Bastringue (last one is a personal
favorite).  Salty Dog Rag isn't a mixer, although you could probably
change the figure easily enough if you wanted.
-- 
Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6http://rule6.info/
  <*>   <*>   <*>
Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[David Harding via Callers]

After finding The Weevil (4 facing 3) on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM1vr2-QK_Q
I stumbled on a 3 facing 2 dance "inspired by 'The Weevil'"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GAAf-9unRg

At Squirrel Moon this September Carol Ormand did an enjoyable workshop 
on this theme.  I don't remember the names of most of the dances, but we 
worked our way up in dancers per set.  First one with five dancer sets, 
then a triplet with six dancer sets, "The Weevil" with seven dancer 
sets.  A square with two couples on each side that was sort of a toned 
down Dutch Crossing, though she said that the dance antedated Dutch 
Crossing.  Levi Jackson Rag.


David

On 11/1/2015 11:25 AM, Karin Neils via Callers wrote:

The Weevil is a great dance - - see it on You Tube.
Karin

On 11/1/15 8:38 AM, Jeremy Gmail via Callers wrote:


The Weevil (line of 4 facing line of 3)

The Weaving Way (Square inside another square)

Square 5 (a square with another couple in it)

Square 6 (a square with two other couples in it)

Dummer Reel (5 people in a circle)

Horse’s Bransle (8 people in a horseshoe shape)

Cornish 6 Hand Reel (3 couples in a line facing down the room)

Twelve Meet (4 lots of 3 in a square – not the original name for the 
dance but I can’t remember what it is)


From the barn dance side, Scatter Promenade always goes down well, as 
does Dashing White Sergeant (3 facing 3).


If you don’t count them as contras, Sicilian Circles feel like contra 
but without the end effects.


Hope this helps.

Jeremy

*From:*Callers [mailto:callers-boun...@lists.sharedweight.net] *On 
Behalf Of *Donna Hunt via Callers

*Sent:* 01 November 2015 04:11
*To:* call...@sharedweight.net
*Subject:* [Callers] dances in unusual formations



Hi
I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or 
contras).
Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the 
criteria?


I have Tom Hinds "Hexitation" and several triplets, a Zia and a 
Tempest, and have looked through the Ralph Page weekend glossary, but 
I'm wondering if you were doing a workshop like this, what would be 
your top pick of a dance?


Thanks

Donna Hunt



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Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Martha Wild via Callers]

Levi Jackson can be done perfectly well to other tunes, though of course it is 
best with it's own tune. Ragtime Annie (A and B parts only) is a nice 
compromise that some bands know.
Martha

On Nov 1, 2015, at 4:17 AM, Bree Kalb via Callers wrote:

> Levi Jackson Rag is a favorite of mine but not all bands know the tune.
> 
> -Original Message- 
> From: Donna Hunt via Callers 
> Sent: Nov 1, 2015 12:10 AM 
> To: call...@sharedweight.net 
> Subject: [Callers] dances in unusual formations
> 
> 
> 
> Hi
> I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or contras).
> Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the criteria?  
> 
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> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Don Veino via Callers]

Chris' dance "Happy Ending", it's in the video description text if you
expand it.

On Nov 1, 2015 12:37 PM, "Kalia Kliban via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>
>

>
> This video has the tune being used for a contra:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp_pKOpn0mA
>
> Chris Weiler, if you're reading, or anyone else with a searchable
database, what was the dance?
> Becket
> Balance ring and spin to the R
> N allemande L 1-1/2
> Whole hey (WR)
> New N balance and swing
> Circle L 3/4
> P swing
>
> Kalia
>
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Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Kalia Kliban via Callers]

On 11/1/2015 5:12 AM, Donna Hunt via Callers wrote:

Thanks everyone for great ideas.
It was late when I posted my request and I should mention that this is
an English/Contra crossover weekend (Princeton Country Dancers Head for
the Hills).

I'm definitely looking for dances that don't fit a genre and appeal to
contra dancers (ie swings and not too much inactivity).  Am open to
"barn" dances if there's something unusual (but not too much sashaying).


Check out "Banjo In A Bear Suit" by Brooke Friendly and Chris Sackett. 
It's a square set ECD, set to a challenging rag tune (definitely give 
the tune to the band in advance).  Contra dancers would have plenty to 
chew on in that dance.  It's in Impropriety vol IV, available from 
CDSS,, and the companion CD has a great recording of the tune.


This video has the tune being used for a contra:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp_pKOpn0mA

Chris Weiler, if you're reading, or anyone else with a searchable 
database, what was the dance?

Becket
Balance ring and spin to the R
N allemande L 1-1/2
Whole hey (WR)
New N balance and swing
Circle L 3/4
P swing

Kalia

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Karin Neils via Callers]

The Weevil is a great dance - - see it on You Tube.
Karin

On 11/1/15 8:38 AM, Jeremy Gmail via Callers wrote:


The Weevil (line of 4 facing line of 3)

The Weaving Way (Square inside another square)

Square 5 (a square with another couple in it)

Square 6 (a square with two other couples in it)

Dummer Reel (5 people in a circle)

Horse’s Bransle (8 people in a horseshoe shape)

Cornish 6 Hand Reel (3 couples in a line facing down the room)

Twelve Meet (4 lots of 3 in a square – not the original name for the 
dance but I can’t remember what it is)


From the barn dance side, Scatter Promenade always goes down well, as 
does Dashing White Sergeant (3 facing 3).


If you don’t count them as contras, Sicilian Circles feel like contra 
but without the end effects.


Hope this helps.

Jeremy

*From:*Callers [mailto:callers-boun...@lists.sharedweight.net] *On 
Behalf Of *Donna Hunt via Callers

*Sent:* 01 November 2015 04:11
*To:* call...@sharedweight.net
*Subject:* [Callers] dances in unusual formations



Hi
I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or 
contras).
Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the 
criteria?


I have Tom Hinds "Hexitation" and several triplets, a Zia and a 
Tempest, and have looked through the Ralph Page weekend glossary, but 
I'm wondering if you were doing a workshop like this, what would be 
your top pick of a dance?


Thanks

Donna Hunt



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Re: [Callers] Gypsy Synopsis

[Luke Donforth via Callers]

Hello all,

I had the pleasure of calling last night, to a mostly experienced crowd of
dancers (although I didn't recognize everyone in their costumes).

The third dance of the evening was the first one with a gypsy; and I took
30 seconds to explain I was deliberately replacing the word gypsy with gyre
because it was seen as a pejorative term by some people. I got some nods,
and one person clapped. No one seemed thrown off, or flummoxed in the dance
by the new word.

During the break one person (not the clapper), a long time dancer who had
never complained to me about the word gypsy; came up to me and thanked me
for using a different term and said that as a person with Romani heritage
the word had always bothered her.

I asked several people directly at the end of the evening what their
impression was; and the responses ranged from neutral to positive over the
shift.

So from my own limited sample size, there are folks out there bothered by
it even if they've never raised the issue. When given an opportunity, no
one complained about the new term.

Gyre may not be what I settle on as a replacement; and I leave it to others
to decide what and how they want to call. But for me, replacing gypsy seems
like a small positive step.

Happy dancing,

-- 
Luke Donforth
luke.donfo...@gmail.com 

[Callers] Fw: dances in unusual formations

[Mac Mckeever via Callers]

How abut 'turn back jack'  for 5 dancers - no couples - it is a little tricky 
but fun
Mac McKeever
- Forwarded Message -
  From: Keith Wood via Callers 
 To: callers@lists.sharedweight.net 
 Sent: Sunday, November 1, 2015 3:35 AM
 Subject: Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations
   
 You could try a couple of my dances:
 
 Rubigold - 5 couples in a horseshoe - 
http://keith-wood.name/mydances.html#Rubigold
 
 Crossroads - 5 people in a diamond - 
http://keith-wood.name/mydances.html#Crossroads
 
 Cheers
 
 Keith
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
   Hi
 I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or contras).
 Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the criteria?  
 
 I have Tom Hinds "Hexitation" and several triplets, a Zia and a Tempest, and 
have looked through the Ralph Page weekend glossary, but I'm wondering if you 
were doing a workshop like this, what would be your top pick of a dance? 
   
   Thanks
  Donna Hunt
 
  
 ___
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Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
 
 
 
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Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Jeremy Gmail via Callers]

The Weevil (line of 4 facing line of 3)

The Weaving Way (Square inside another square)

Square 5 (a square with another couple in it)

Square 6 (a square with two other couples in it)

Dummer Reel (5 people in a circle)

Horse’s Bransle (8 people in a horseshoe shape)

Cornish 6 Hand Reel (3 couples in a line facing down the room)

Twelve Meet (4 lots of 3 in a square – not the original name for the dance but 
I can’t remember what it is)

 

>From the barn dance side, Scatter Promenade always goes down well, as does 
>Dashing White Sergeant (3 facing 3).

If you don’t count them as contras, Sicilian Circles feel like contra but 
without the end effects.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Jeremy

 

From: Callers [mailto:callers-boun...@lists.sharedweight.net] On Behalf Of 
Donna Hunt via Callers
Sent: 01 November 2015 04:11
To: call...@sharedweight.net
Subject: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

 

 





Hi
I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or contras).
Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the criteria?  

I have Tom Hinds "Hexitation" and several triplets, a Zia and a Tempest, and 
have looked through the Ralph Page weekend glossary, but I'm wondering if you 
were doing a workshop like this, what would be your top pick of a dance? 

 

Thanks

Donna Hunt

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Richard Fischer via Callers]

Hi Donna,

There's a lively circle mixer (from England, I believe) called Nervous 
Breakdown, with a balance and swing each time thru. I can send it to you if 
you're not familiar with it. I think people at HftH would enjoy it.

I second the recommendations for Levi Jackson Rag and Walpole Cottage. There's 
also Levi Jackson Rose for five couple sets.

Richard

On Nov 1, 2015, at 8:12 AM, Donna Hunt via Callers wrote:

> Thanks everyone for great ideas.  
> It was late when I posted my request and I should mention that this is an 
> English/Contra crossover weekend (Princeton Country Dancers Head for the 
> Hills).  
> 
> I'm definitely looking for dances that don't fit a genre and appeal to contra 
> dancers (ie swings and not too much inactivity).  Am open to "barn" dances if 
> there's something unusual (but not too much sashaying).  
> 
> 
> 
> Donna
> Web Site:  donnahuntcaller.com
> Email: dhuntdan...@aol.com
> Cell:  215-565-6050
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Bree Kalb 
> To: Donna Hunt ; callers 
> Sent: Sun, Nov 1, 2015 7:18 am
> Subject: Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations
> 
> Levi Jackson Rag is a favorite of mine but not all bands know the tune.
> 
> -Original Message- 
> From: Donna Hunt via Callers 
> Sent: Nov 1, 2015 12:10 AM 
> To: call...@sharedweight.net 
> Subject: [Callers] dances in unusual formations
> 
> 
> 
> Hi
> I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or contras).
> Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the criteria?  
> 
> ___
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> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Donna Hunt via Callers]

 Thanks everyone for great ideas.  
It was late when I posted my request and I should mention that this is an 
English/Contra crossover weekend (Princeton Country Dancers Head for the 
Hills).  

I'm definitely looking for dances that don't fit a genre and appeal to contra 
dancers (ie swings and not too much inactivity).  Am open to "barn" dances if 
there's something unusual (but not too much sashaying).  





Donna
Web Site:  donnahuntcaller.com
Email: dhuntdan...@aol.com
Cell:  215-565-6050







-Original Message-
From: Bree Kalb 
To: Donna Hunt ; callers 
Sent: Sun, Nov 1, 2015 7:18 am
Subject: Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations



Levi Jackson Rag is a favorite of mine but not all bands know the tune.


-Original Message-
From: Donna Hunt via Callers 
Sent: Nov 1, 2015 12:10 AM
To: call...@sharedweight.net
Subject: [Callers] dances in unusual formations





 Hi
I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or contras).
Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the criteria?  

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

[Keith Wood via Callers]

You could try a couple of my dances:

Rubigold - 5 couples in a horseshoe - 
http://keith-wood.name/mydances.html#Rubigold


Crossroads - 5 people in a diamond - 
http://keith-wood.name/mydances.html#Crossroads


Cheers

Keith






Hi
I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or 
contras).
Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the 
criteria?


I have Tom Hinds "Hexitation" and several triplets, a Zia and a 
Tempest, and have looked through the Ralph Page weekend glossary, but 
I'm wondering if you were doing a workshop like this, what would be 
your top pick of a dance?


Thanks
Donna Hunt


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