Re: [Callers] Politically Correct?
Very well put Ms. Hunt. If i may summarize what I understand from your message. A broader view of tolerance may be the answer. A tolerance of all people, cultures and lifestyles, along with tolerances for both change and tradition. I don't change roles often, but I do on occasion. I have danced with many that do, and I have danced with some that change roles with their partner in between progressions... The midstream progressions, along with other variety is part of what adds fun to contra dancing. On Mar 26, 2018 10:06 AM, "Donna Hunt via Callers" < callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: And here lies the minefield, a caller is never sure who in the audience will object, or what they will object to. And organizers rarely give a clear indication of what their vision is...so the callers take the heat. As callers we're d@mned if we do and d@mned if we don't Call a square (or other dance formation) or don't say gypsy or don't say men, women, he or she... or don't Social media is a very powerful tool and can be used for good and evil depending on which side you are on. It can be used to impact elections of major countries and impact our views of contra dancing terms. When I started dancing in the 80's it was the height of the Nicaraguan war and the Contras were the right wing rebels (supported and funded by the USA) fighting against the left wing socialist government. When I told people I contra danced I often got unusual looks and had to explain what it was. I wonder if there had been FB at the time would there have been a movement to change the name? The pendulum sways... In the 80's when I started dancing, Contra dancers used to Norwegian polka to the sound check, then dance DI contras, squares (2), circle mixers, , hambo/schottische, waltz and occasionally DI proper/triplet/triple minor dances, and a few callers were starting to use "Men and Women" rather than "Gents and Ladies" reflective of the feminist movement. (And yes, I personally enjoyed the DI contras the best) Fast forward to 2018 and most callers are using "Gents and Ladies" again (many dancers cringe at "Men and Women" and some are advocating for gender-free terms), most dance communities stopped doing a circle mixer and many stopped doing squares. AND most dancers can't dance a hambo or schottische and have no idea what a triplet or triple minor dance is unless they go to NEFFA or other large inclusive festival or dance ECD. Singing and patter squares are caught in this as the lyrics/patter are reflective of the words/lyrics used in the 40's, 50's (and sometimes you just use a word that rhymes). As Rich found out the 70-80 year olds love the lyrics (from their youth) and the millennials do not. I find that folks these days are very intolerant if things don't go their way...whichever way that is. And our dance traditions (and callers) are caught in the middle. BTW: I MWS in an LGBTQ group and we use "boys and girls" and no one cares and almost everyone switches...such a delight! Donna Hunt -Original Message- From: Rich Sbardella via Callers To: Bob Hofkin Cc: Caller's discussion list Sent: Sun, Mar 25, 2018 11:15 am Subject: Re: [Callers] Politically Correct? Yes Bob, You are correct, but the tag line for each verse remains the same. I would have to find a word to replace -young "thing". I think perhaps it is a generational thing. I have been calling this song to my seniors who are about 75% women in their 70's and 80s and they sing along. No objections. In fact many remember it as a child. There are certainly some contra venues where I would expect a similar response, but others that would cringe. "Such a sweet young thing" used to be a term of endearment for Ladies and Gents, but times change. In MWSD, boys and girls are the default role terms, and I called MWSD for 25 years. However, I remember accidentally using the term girls in a square for a contra community a few years back, and immediately after the square, I had a dancer approach me and voice her concerns. This is one of the reasons I posed the original question. Peace, Rich ___ List Name: Callers mailing list List Address: Callers@lists.sharedweight.net Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/ ___ List Name: Callers mailing list List Address: Callers@lists.sharedweight.net Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
Re: [Callers] Politically Correct?
If you are concerned about sexism alternate between she/her and he/his. 😎 On Sun, Mar 25, 2018, 1:39 AM Alexandra Deis-Lauby via Callers < callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > People are not things. I don’t think it’s appropriate for any crowd. > Try your hand at some new lyrics! > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Mar 25, 2018, at 1:12 AM, Rich Sbardella via Callers < > callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > > Hello folks, > > I have been calling singing squares for years, and there is one I love by > Dick Leger titled Billy Boy. The tag line that is sung during the > Promenade is "She's a young thing, that cannot leave her mother." > > Here is a link to a version of the full song, not within a square. > > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKRJuLHU3Qo > > My question is, is this song appropriate for the contra dance crowd with > the tag line above? (The tag line is the only line that is sung.) > > Any Thoughts? > > Rich > Stafford, CT > > ___ > List Name: Callers mailing list > List Address: Callers@lists.sharedweight.net > Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/ > > ___ > List Name: Callers mailing list > List Address: Callers@lists.sharedweight.net > Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/ > ___ List Name: Callers mailing list List Address: Callers@lists.sharedweight.net Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
Re: [Callers] More substitute terms for the g-word
I just heard a scientific term that I think would be a great, and concise, name to replace the g-word... There is a term for when celestial bodies orbit, and always have the same side facing the other. It is "tidal lock". It could be described in fun ways, and the word "lock" would be a built in reminder to lock eyes, which to me is a fun part of the movement. I must be honest, the term when both bodies stay facing each other it is technically a dual tidal lock, but surely scientists would forgive this inaccuracy to allow concise calls. :-) On Tue, Mar 13, 2018, 4:35 PM Martha Wild via Callers < callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > I don’t think right shoulder round is going to make the grade. It’s > descriptive, certainly, but it is long and unwieldy and can’t be easily > shortened to anything recognizable as you eliminate calls in the dance. So, > I’m sorry, but I’m not going to be using it. > Martha > > On Mar 13, 2018, at 12:53 PM, John W Gintell via Callers < > callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > > I think it would be best if only one term is used by callers at all > dances. I think this quite important for beginners (not necessarily just > the first time) who face enough confusion learning the terminology. One of > the reasons why beginners don’t return is that it is too confusing. > > And I too like hearing right shoulder round because it is descriptive. > > On Mar 13, 2018, at 3:41 PM, Perry Shafran via Callers < > callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > > I happen to *like* right shoulder round and have liked it ever since three > callers at a dance event used it and it went rather flawlessly. I like the > fact that it is actually descriptive in what you're doing. I think that > the more we try to invent made-up words to try to make it sound fun and > whimsey, the more we are likely to upset dancers who don't like that we're > changing terms as it is. It may *sound* like a boring descriptor, but I > feel my job as a caller is to describe the move and let the dancer decide > what the mood is going to be for that individual dancer, based on their own > feelings and their own connection to the music. So I plan to stick with > "right shoulder round". > > > ___ > List Name: Callers mailing list > List Address: Callers@lists.sharedweight.net > Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/ > > > ___ > List Name: Callers mailing list > List Address: Callers@lists.sharedweight.net > Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/ > ___ List Name: Callers mailing list List Address: Callers@lists.sharedweight.net Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
Re: [Callers] Nerdy dances
For historic nerdiness, how about an old dance from proper formation like Jackson Liberty? On Feb 7, 2018 11:44 AM, "DAVID HARDING via Callers" < callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: "Entangled in Monte Carlo" by Luke Donforth http://www.madrobincallers.org/2014/11/12/contra-with-a-swing-dance-move/ On February 7, 2018 at 8:58 AM Ron Blechner via Callers < callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: Hey callers, I'm looking for dances with nerdy inspirations to add a few more choices to an upcoming session. Skill level easy through intermediate+. This can be dances inspired by a nerdy reason (like Jurassic Redheads or Star Trek) or some kind of nerdy-choreography. Thanks! Ron Blechner ___ List Name: Callers mailing list List Address: Callers@lists.sharedweight.net Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/ ___ List Name: Callers mailing list List Address: Callers@lists.sharedweight.net Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/ ___ List Name: Callers mailing list List Address: Callers@lists.sharedweight.net Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
[Callers] Microphones and/or technique for a deep voice.
I am a new caller, and I have called two dances. The first, I completely blew the microphone part. Since then, I practiced holding the mic close to my mouth like was suggested to me. The second dnce, I was told that my voice was too deep for the microphone, and I was overpowering it. It was suggested that I hold the microphone further away and project, which I tried, but again, not something I practiced. Someone afterwards suggested that it could have been dealt with by the sound board. Although, the sound guy was sitting there and I'm sure would have done something if it would have helped. So, any advice? Is there a particular mic or mic type that is good for deep voices? Any techniques to practice? Sound guy/gal need to be on the ball? Any advice welcome. ... Darwin
Re: [Callers] here it is - sorry
While I am relatively new to contra, and just called my first dance this weekend, The Baby Rose... I'll have never considered gypsy a term related to a race of people, nor did I know it was applied today to a group of people called Romas. However, my general position on terms that have both discriminatory and non-discriminatory meanings is that the meaning needs to be derived by context. Before reading the discussions here, I had only considered the meaning of gypsy as related to wandering dancers... Not a particular ethnic group. Perhaps my view has been naive. While I am sensitive to cultural issues, until someone comes up with a term that captures not only the physics of the move, but also the flirtatious nature of it, I will probably grimace any time someone uses a different term. Orbit, no handed swing, whatever... Until something emphasizes the flirtatious eye contact it will fall short in my mind. It is more than a figure, it is a figure with an attitude. :) I am not necessarily arguing for the use of gypsy, but I hope someone comes up with a better term than what I have heard so far. On Apr 4, 2016 11:36 AM, "Aahz Maruch via Callers" < callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > On Mon, Apr 04, 2016, Michael Fuerst via Callers wrote: > > Ron Blechner: > >> > >> 3. That perhaps the use of "gypsy" as a term isn't as bad as non-Roma > >> self-identitying as "dance gypsies". Roma wander because they are > >> persecuted or can't find work. When we talk about "dance gypsies" > >> beig wandering from place to place, we're comparing our having fun > >> traveling to various dances to the widespread persecution of an > >> ethnicity (the worst being the Holocaust). > > > > Maybe you do. No one else uses such bizarre logic. > > You happen to be wrong about that. Any time you're tempted to use > "nobody" or "everyone" when talking about people, you're almost certainly > wrong. > -- > Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6 > http://rule6.info/ > <*> <*> <*> > Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html > ___ > Callers mailing list > Callers@lists.sharedweight.net > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net >
Re: [Callers] New dance?
There is some precedent for political dances Jefferson & Liberty along with its derivatives are still danced in some places. I'm sure there must be others, but as an aspiring caller I don't know of any recent examples. On Mar 28, 2016 10:21 AM, "Ron Blechner via Callers" < callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > I have another question to pose: > > Is there precedent for naming a dance after a politician? > > While I may have voted for Bernie, I'm careful to not inject my political > view into my calling / choreography. (Though, on the other hand, if Bernie > doesn't win the nomination, in 5 years dancers will just hear "feel the > burn".) > > In Dance, > Ron Blechner > On Mar 27, 2016 8:24 AM, "Pat Hoekje via Callers" < > callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > >> I am trying to visualize the circle R to star R with new neighbor from >> the women's place and I have to turn around (or drop from the circle right >> a bit early to star right with the next neighbor. What am I not seeing >> correctly or is that true? >> >> Thanks, >> Pat >> >> >> On Sunday, March 27, 2016 4:22 AM, Amy Wimmer via Callers < >> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: >> >> >> Tom and Erik are quite right about that swing. It lasts FOREVER, which >> is a little too long. I took Michael's suggestion and started at A2. >> I also took Michael's suggestion of turning the allemande into a >> two-eyed turn (an "eye-lemande" as my friend Matthew coined). Thank >> you for the suggestions for changing that bit. >> >> Two callers danced it tonight. One (my husband, Tom) thought the flow >> was good, but the swing was definitely too long. The other caller said >> she really liked that the mad robin wasn't with your partner, which >> she said tends to make a dance seem very partner-only-centric, >> ignoring the neighbors. She agreed with me that I need to figure out a >> better way to teach it. One of the band members noticed the long swing >> and said it needs some other element to break it up. >> >> This particular dance community has lots of beginners and folks who >> just don't dance very well. It took them a while to get the circle >> right-to star right transition. Tom thought that part was simple. He >> noticed that when one is out at the ends one should not cross over, >> but should stand "proper." >> >> I very much appreciate your input, guys. Next time I'll try some more >> of your ideas. >> >> -Amy >> >> > On Mar 26, 2016, at 5:50 PM, Tom Hinds wrote: >> > >> > Nice dance Amy. I really like the sequence of moves. >> > I'm trying to imagine this in my head and assume that the allemande >> right is once around which takes less than 8 beats to do. >> > >> > Hope you don't mind suggesting a change. I would change the allemande >> right to once and a half. That would give us: >> > >> > B2neighbor allemande right 1 1/2 >> >ladies ric. men pass left >> > >> > T >> > >> ___ >> Callers mailing list >> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net >> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net >> >> >> >> ___ >> Callers mailing list >> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net >> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net >> >> > ___ > Callers mailing list > Callers@lists.sharedweight.net > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net > >
