[Callers] Colin Hume

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Looking for contact info for Colin.

Thanks
Mary Collins
QCCD
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[Callers] Possible new dance

[Mary Collins via Callers]

I was in the MRI tube yesterday and this dance asked to be written down.  To
any one's knowlege does it exists?

In the MRI. Imp.

A1- in ring bal. Petronella, repeat; N swing
A2- LLFwB; Ladies/Raven chain
B1- ladies/Raven chain; P swing
B2- in ring bal. Petronella, repeat; balance California twirl to new N.

In the B2 you can skip the courtesy turn and make a bit lonher swing with
your partner if you choose.

I really don't like a lot of turning and spinning due to a personal balance
issue but this felt fun.

Thanks all.
Mary Collins
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Re: [Callers] Gate vs Hand Cast

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Don,

I too have called dances with a "hand cast" which essentially is a "gate".
I believe I heard/learned it somewhere along the line and once taught ppl
either go "i know this" "Oh! like a gate" or something similar.  I too had
an English dancer tell me there was no such thing as a hand castI like
the term myself. I vote use it, I will continue to do so.

Mary Collins
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning
to dance in the rain!” ~ Unknown


On Mon, Oct 8, 2018 at 1:21 AM Don Veino via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> You may have seen my "Feeling Gravity's Pull" which I posted at the end of
> the recent Mad Robin teaching thread.
>
> In that dance, there's a move where partners are facing in side by side on
> the outside of the set (where the Gents have forward momentum and the
> Ladies neutral to backward momentum) and my intent was for them to rotate
> around their inside hand connection with the Gents going forward and Ladies
> backing up once around. (As opposed to the Gent walks a circle around the
> Lady.) So the net effect would be like a courtesy turn, in going around a
> central point between the dancers, just a little "wider."
>
> I believe the correct term for this would be "Hand Cast" but I had a
> dancer who was adamant about it being a "Gate" in ECD so when I posted the
> dance that's the term I used. I've again done some googling and found no
> ready reference to a "Hand Cast" in ECD and only the slightest in a contra
> context, yet the term sticks in my mind.
>
> What say ye? Is "Hand Cast" a thing and correct in this context?
>
> Thanks,
> Don
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Re: [Callers] Indecent Exposure - Bob Green

[Mary Collins via Callers]

THANKS!!!


On Sun, Sep 2, 2018, 5:14 PM Michael Dyck via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> On 2018-09-02 01:46 PM, Mary Collins via Callers wrote:
> > Anyone have a video or link for this Dance?
>
> Video, no. Link, yes:
>
> http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=14792
>
> which points to:
>
>
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/pipermail/callers-sharedweight.net/2018-May/003409.html
>
> from the author himself.
>
> -Michael
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[Callers] Indecent Exposure - Bob Green

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Anyone have a video or link for this Dance?
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Re: [Callers] 2 new contra dance compositions

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Lol Lisa...agreed need that bit bnb of id anchor there.

Perry love the real dance and will add both to my dance lists! Thanks,!

On Thu, Aug 16, 2018, 5:23 PM Lisa Sieverts via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Andy, thanks for emphasizing the "ID your Shadow" and that you include the
> clue about which shadow.
>
> It's a pet peeve how many callers will call a shadow dance and never
> identity the shadow. It gives me the distinct impression that they don't
> even know they are calling a dance that has a shadow. Larry Jennings would
> be rolling over in his grave if he knew there were callers doing such
> things! :-)
>
> Best,
> Lisa
>
> On Thu, Aug 16, 2018 at 4:49 PM, Andy Shore via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Both of these have been road tested on tour with Polaris.
>>
>>
>> *Serving REELness*
>>
>> Andy Shore
>>
>> Type: Contra
>>
>> Formation: Duple-Improper
>>
>> Level: Intermediate
>>
>>
>> A1 ---
>>
>> (16) Neighbor balance and swing
>>
>> A2 ---
>>
>> (8) Revolving Door - Ladies in center by the right but**
>>
>> (8) 1/2 Hey, pass partner by left
>>
>> B1 ---
>>
>> (16) Partner balance and swing
>>
>> B2 ---
>>
>> (8) Circle Left 3/4 and pass through along the set
>>
>> (8) [Next] Neighbor Do-si-do
>>
>>
>> Notes: **release revolving door a little early so that Gents are in the
>> opposite Lady’s spot & have time to turn toward their right (tight loop) to
>> come in for the left shoulder pass
>>
>>
>> I'd introduce Revolving Doors with a simpler dance that goes into a
>> Swing. E.g., the RD variation of Bronwyn Wood's "The Missing Piece"
>>
>>
>>
>> The world premiere with walk thru & dance was captured on video by Doug
>> Plummer here: https://youtu.be/uAZCZzm1tI8
>> Not mentioned in that debut was the early release of the Gents from
>> Revolving Door and their tight loop to the right
>>
>> The title comes from the FX TV show "Pose".
>>
>>
>>
>> *Alpha Ursae Minoris*
>>
>> Andy Shore
>>
>> Type: Contra
>>
>> Formation: Becket-CCW  [no circle]
>>
>> Level: Advanced (Weekend/Challenging level)
>>
>>
>> * ID shadow beyond partner in becket
>>
>> A1 ---
>>
>> (8) Promenade across the Set (J hook to progress)
>>
>> (8) Mad Robin - ladies in front
>>
>> A2 ---
>>
>> (8) Neighbor RH Across - Balance & Box the Gnat (don't let go)
>>
>> (8) with N & Shadow, Square Thru 4 (no balances) - make the 4th hand an
>> Allemande Left 1/2 w/ Shadow
>>
>> [to long waves with Gents facing OUT, partner in RH, shadow in LH]
>>
>> B1 ---
>>
>> (4,4) Balance the Wave, Box Circulate
>>
>> (8)  Neighbor swing
>>
>> B2 ---
>>
>> (4,2) [1/4 ricochet hey] Gents go in and push back on diagonal, Ladies
>> Cross passing Left
>>
>> (10) Swing Partner
>>
>>
>> Notes: ** when out with partner, cross over & be ready for Balance & Box
>> the Gnat to be there for Square thru with Shadow & P
>>
>>
>> Take time to ID N & Shadow for square thru = the ONLY 2 people you
>> touch!  This is outside your minor set!
>>
>>
>> This is a high piece count dance with little chance for recovery. *Not
>> for the faint of heart! *Probably should introduce figures in other
>> dances first - Mad Robin, Square Thru, ricochet hey, Box Circulate
>>
>>
>> Named after Polaris (the band) who helped me finalize this dance. Alpha
>> Ursae Minoris is another name for Polaris, the pole star.
>>
>>
>>
>> Enjoy!
>>
>> /Andy Shore
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>
>
> --
>
> Lisa
> l...@lisasieverts.com
> 603-762-0235
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[Callers] Looking to DANCE!

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Will be in Jay Maine for a wedding on August 18th.  Looking for a contra
dance to dance (not call but could be coerced) nearby either Friday night
or Saturday night.  or Sunday afternoon somewhere between there and Albany
area.

Thanks!
Mary Collins
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning
to dance in the rain!” ~ Unknown


Virus-free.
www.avg.com

<#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
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Re: [Callers] Folk Festival - Easy Contra dances to teach Beginners

[Mary Collins via Callers]

I just called Rural Felicity at a family reunion (non dancers) they had a
blast

On Tue, Jul 24, 2018, 6:58 PM Martha Wild via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> John already mentioned Family Contra, which is my favorite because the
> progression happens so easily, and it is so obvious that you are facing new
> people. In addition, it has no obvious differences in gender role - doesn’t
> matter who dances on which side, so great with piles of kids and parents
> dancing together, yet it teaches the progression concept.
>
> Next after that I like Ellen’s Green Jig by Roy Dommett. Though it has a
> swing for the 1s, it really doesn’t matter if people open up on the “wrong”
> side, as long as they face their neighbors, all is well.
> A1) Do-si-do neighbor
> Ones do-si-do
> A2) Ones balance and swing (sometimes I have them balance twice because
> swinging is not very comfortable for new people, and sometimes I just have
> them two hand turn after the balance(s).
> B1) Circle left with neighbors
> Circle right back to place (the only time I’ve seen this go wrong was when
> people circled so they ended up doing the next move sideways to the set)
> B2) Duck for the oyster/dig/Dive on through (all keep hands after circle -
> 1s take a little peek under an arch formed by 2s, then back up, 2s do the
> same through 1s, finally 1s pop through to a new couple)
>
> If a whole pile of new people show up at the start of a dance, having
> missed the walkthrough, this is my go to dance to get things started and
> then into the regular program.
>
> Martha
>
>
> On Jul 24, 2018, at 7:48 AM, Lorraine Sutton via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> Hello All,
>
> I am calling a 2 hour Intro to Contra dance at an Ontario Canada
> Festival. ( more a music focus than a dance focus, at this festival)
>
> I would appreciate hearing from you as to contra dances ( lws proper
> & Improper) that you have found successful with very novice dancers and why
> you think those dances work for beginners.(I love Larry Jennings definition
> of easy vs complicated )
>
> I do plan on doing some non progressive lws as well as a both a circle and
> a Sicilian  circle in the program mix , to get the concept of progression.
>
> Thanks so much.
>
> Lorraine Sutton  ( lorrainesutt...@gmail.com )
>
>
> ...
>
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[Callers] Teaching Larks & Ravens

[Mary Collins via Callers]

I call in primarily a traditional dance community but am investigating
starting to call using larks and ravens. I am curious about what words you
use and how you teach larks and ravens positioning. Thanks.
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[Callers] Need caller July 21

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Buffalo. NY. Pay lousey, perks great! We'll feed you, put you up, be
grateful.

Caller scheduled has health problems, I think I've called the last 6
dances...we need a different voice for a reunion of Hey Diddle Diddle.

Message me if you can help a girl out.
Thank your band, thank your caller...

Mary Collins
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[Callers] Please ID this dance

[Mary Collins via Callers]

I just put this together as i wanted a dance with just right & left
through. I'm sure somebody already wrote this and I probably have
itsomewhere...thx in advance.

A1- N bal swg
A2- R thru (courtesy turn) O/B
B1- in the ring Bal & Petronella 2X
B2- P swg; pass thru to NN

Thanks everyone.
Mary Collins
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Re: [Callers] A Dance without Partner Swing

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Joyce Rossbach and I recently wrote a dance with no partner swing. Mr.
Cranky Pants. Becket
A1- cl 3/4; n swg
A2- star R 1x; ch. Ladies to p
B1- mad robin ladies in; ladies ale. L 1x
B2- cR 1x; ll slice/yearn left to nn

Written in honor of my "morning" cranky son.

Mary



On Sun, May 13, 2018, 3:55 PM Mac Mckeever via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> The tease has a partner swing.  If you want the ultimate non- partner
> dance - look at Snake River Reel by Petr LIppincott - it is a very nice
> dance - except you never have any contact with your partner (also a great
> tune with the same name - also from Peter)
>
> Mac McKeever
> St Louis
>
>
> On Sunday, May 13, 2018, 2:35:20 PM CDT, Rich Sbardella via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>
> I cannot recall dancing a modern contra in the last few years that does
> not include a Partner Swing, so I have a few questions.
>
> First, do you call any such modern dances without a partner swing?  Why or
> why not?
>
> Second, if you do, do you announce it before the preceding dance so as to
> inform those pairs of dancer that love to swing together?
>
> The Tease by Tom Hinds is one such creative dance that begs to be called.
>
> Rich Sbardella,
> Stafford, CT
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Re: [Callers] easy dance to Wizard's walk ?

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Swim at Round Pond - Stephanie Marie dup imp (2016?)

A1- ones gypsy & swing
A2- circle left 1x, N swing (end facing down ones on outside)
B1- Down the hall, turn alone, return,
B2- balance to N who gates ones around to new neighbor for mirror do-si-do

On Wed, Apr 11, 2018, 7:28 AM Mary Collins  wrote:

> Claire (sorry for prev. misspell),
>
> Surprise...my notes say good old Broken Sixpence by Don Armstrong worked
> well.
>
> Both have a DTH in the B1 and just fit so fluidly. Makes me smile
> everytime.
>
> If you need calls for "Swim" let me know.
>
> Mary
>
> On Wed, Apr 11, 2018, 7:08 AM Mary Collins  wrote:
>
>> Clare,
>>
>> Stephanie Marie wrote a dance Swim at Round Pond that I called and the
>> band had Wizzard's Walk in their set. It fit so beautifully, the dancers
>> beamed as did I. There is another too, done to it, I'll check my notes and
>> get back to you. Both have DTH moves.
>> Mary
>>
>> On Wed, Apr 11, 2018, 4:36 AM Claire Takemori via Callers <
>> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>>> Does someone have dance choreography for an easy contra that goes well
>>> with Wizard’s walk tune?
>>>
>>> I know there was a “Grumpy” longways family dance written to go with it.
>>>
>>> Thanks !
>>>
>>> Claire Takemori
>>> SF Bay Area
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>>
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Re: [Callers] easy dance to Wizard's walk ?

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Claire (sorry for prev. misspell),

Surprise...my notes say good old Broken Sixpence by Don Armstrong worked
well.

Both have a DTH in the B1 and just fit so fluidly. Makes me smile everytime.

If you need calls for "Swim" let me know.

Mary

On Wed, Apr 11, 2018, 7:08 AM Mary Collins  wrote:

> Clare,
>
> Stephanie Marie wrote a dance Swim at Round Pond that I called and the
> band had Wizzard's Walk in their set. It fit so beautifully, the dancers
> beamed as did I. There is another too, done to it, I'll check my notes and
> get back to you. Both have DTH moves.
> Mary
>
> On Wed, Apr 11, 2018, 4:36 AM Claire Takemori via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Does someone have dance choreography for an easy contra that goes well
>> with Wizard’s walk tune?
>>
>> I know there was a “Grumpy” longways family dance written to go with it.
>>
>> Thanks !
>>
>> Claire Takemori
>> SF Bay Area
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Re: [Callers] easy dance to Wizard's walk ?

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Clare,

Stephanie Marie wrote a dance Swim at Round Pond that I called and the band
had Wizzard's Walk in their set. It fit so beautifully, the dancers beamed
as did I. There is another too, done to it, I'll check my notes and get
back to you. Both have DTH moves.
Mary

On Wed, Apr 11, 2018, 4:36 AM Claire Takemori via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Does someone have dance choreography for an easy contra that goes well
> with Wizard’s walk tune?
>
> I know there was a “Grumpy” longways family dance written to go with it.
>
> Thanks !
>
> Claire Takemori
> SF Bay Area
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Re: [Callers] Cinco deMayo dances

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Thanks everyone!!!

On Tue, Apr 10, 2018, 8:56 PM Michael Dyck via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> On 2018-04-10 12:49 PM, Mary Collins via Callers wrote:
> > Looking for dance ideas. Either with May or '5' idea in title. Thanks!
>
>
> http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/index/search.php?ti=May
> yields 49 hits (including "Cinco de Mayo" by Don Falherty)
>
> http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/index/search.php?ti=5
> yields 59 hits, though only about 19 where the '5' isn't part of a longer
> numeral.
>
> http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/index/search.php?ti=five
> yields 36 hits.
>
> So, lots to choose from there.
> -Michael
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[Callers] Cinco deMayo dances

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Looking for dance ideas. Either with May or '5' idea in title. Thanks!

Mary Collins
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Re: [Callers] Politically Correct?

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Well said Colin.

On Mon, Mar 26, 2018, 6:20 AM Colin Hume via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I'm going to be controversial, so please think hard about what I'm saying
> - and why you're reacting to it the way you
> are - before replying.
>
> I think "Political correctness" is mainly an American problem, though it
> seems to be spreading to England too.
>
> The word "nigger" was not originally a pejorative term, just a description
> - it's the Latin word for "black" with the
> "g" doubled. Since then it has become "black", "negro", "coloured", "of
> colour" and "African-American" (not much use in
> England, that last one), and possibly others that I don't know about.  But
> this "political correctness" is treating the
> symptom, not the disease.
>
> If we look down on black people, or women, or homosexuals, or gypsies, or
> people with mental or physical disabilities,
> then any word we choose to label them with eventually comes to mean "those
> people we look down on", and has to be
> replaced by another euphemism.  It wouldn't surprise me if in a few years'
> time the word "gay" was seen as
> "inappropriate" (a word I hate as much as "politically correct") and had
> to be replaced by another term.
>
> And different people like to refer to themselves in different ways.  Some
> women in the USA object to being called
> "ladies".  But some ladies in England object to being called "women"!
> Similarly some gypsies like being called
> "gypsies", and I'm guessing that they would object to the word
> "travellers" because that would include people who chose
> to follow a travelling way of life but were not real gypsies.
>
> So I'm with Tom Hinds - always be respectful, not intentionally
> disrespectful.
>
> Colin Hume
>
> Email co...@colinhume.com  Web site http://colinhume.com
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Re: [Callers] Politically Correct?

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Rich,
I agree with Tom. This is one of the most traditional tunes I grew up with.
Isn't one of CDSS' objectives to promote and continue TRADITIONAL song...

I say leave it alone.

Mary

On Sun, Mar 25, 2018, 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
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Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

[Mary Collins via Callers]

I should addend my previous response to say I approach a dance preparation
as I do a horse show. That's  how my mind works. There is a plan and steps
to it.

Mary

On Mar 13, 2018 6:15 PM, "Mary Collins"  wrote:

I usually start thinking about the program as soon as I book. Then as far
out as two weeks I pull and practice dances, determine suitable music,
refine a day or two before and then once at the dance change the whole
program. Lol.  Not really but once I get there I end up changing order or
some dances. I've been pulling my similar yet substituting dances itn
advance lately too.

On Mar 13, 2018 6:04 PM, "Bob Peterson via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> As a new caller I spend way too many hours preparing. I used to start
> weeks in advance, just so I could read all the choreography books I have.
> Now I’m down to 1 or 2 weeks. LOL. Where I’m spending most of my time
> nowadays is developing a sense of “story” and “biorhythm” to the program,
> and not just a logical progression of complexity. I look forward to getting
> it down to an hour!
>
> By now I have been through my library enough and called enough that I have
> a couple special folders of fallback easy/fun/low-turnout dances to rely on
> when I need them. Having fallbacks makes programming simpler (thus faster)
> so I don’t need an absurd flowchart. (Yes, I tried that once.)
>
> On Mar 13, 2018, at 17:28, Jean Gibson-Gorrindo via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> My calling took a big leap forward when I started paying more attention to
> what I would say during the walk-thru, and practicing saying it out loud as
> concisely as possible (Lisa Greenleaf influence!).
>
>
> I do this as well. Saying the teaching aloud, alone, helps me test and
> pare the words down. Walking a couple positions as well helps me aware of
> the dancer perspectives as well.
>
> \Bob Peterson
> http://contracorner.com/caller/
>
>
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Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

[Mary Collins via Callers]

I usually start thinking about the program as soon as I book. Then as far
out as two weeks I pull and practice dances, determine suitable music,
refine a day or two before and then once at the dance change the whole
program. Lol.  Not really but once I get there I end up changing order or
some dances. I've been pulling my similar yet substituting dances itn
advance lately too.

On Mar 13, 2018 6:04 PM, "Bob Peterson via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> As a new caller I spend way too many hours preparing. I used to start
> weeks in advance, just so I could read all the choreography books I have.
> Now I’m down to 1 or 2 weeks. LOL. Where I’m spending most of my time
> nowadays is developing a sense of “story” and “biorhythm” to the program,
> and not just a logical progression of complexity. I look forward to getting
> it down to an hour!
>
> By now I have been through my library enough and called enough that I have
> a couple special folders of fallback easy/fun/low-turnout dances to rely on
> when I need them. Having fallbacks makes programming simpler (thus faster)
> so I don’t need an absurd flowchart. (Yes, I tried that once.)
>
> On Mar 13, 2018, at 17:28, Jean Gibson-Gorrindo via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> My calling took a big leap forward when I started paying more attention to
> what I would say during the walk-thru, and practicing saying it out loud as
> concisely as possible (Lisa Greenleaf influence!).
>
>
> I do this as well. Saying the teaching aloud, alone, helps me test and
> pare the words down. Walking a couple positions as well helps me aware of
> the dancer perspectives as well.
>
> \Bob Peterson
> http://contracorner.com/caller/
>
>
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Re: [Callers] ONS contract

[Mary Collins via Callers]

I like the "hold up" late start clause. And, the overtime bit. Really
wonder about other wording, hold harmless etc. I have a standard contract
for horse training and riding lessons but I don't think either will
translate well.

Thanks
Mary

On Feb 23, 2018 8:47 PM, "Martha Wild" <maw...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> Great idea. Wish we’d known that from the start!
> Martha
>
> > On Feb 23, 2018, at 3:36 PM, Jim McKinney <string...@charter.net> wrote:
> >
> > My contract specifies that I will perform from this time to that time.
> My “overtime” clause say that if the client requests me to perform after
> that time, they agree to pay me $100 per hour, in cash, in advance. I’ve
> never had to invoke the overtime clause, possibly because it’s spelled out
> clearly up front.
> >
> > Jim
> >
> >> On Feb 23, 2018, at 6:20 PM, Martha Wild via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> >>
> >> Just make sure that if it is a wedding, you have some sort of clause
> that adds money for every half hour you are delayed by the hirers from
> performing! Too many weddings have asked us to start incredibly late with
> no additional payment.
> >> Martha
> >>
> >>> On Feb 23, 2018, at 3:10 PM, Mary Collins via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Anyone have a general contract for one night stands that they would
> care to share? Thanks!
> >>> Mary Collins
> >>> ___
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[Callers] ONS contract

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Anyone have a general contract for one night stands that they would care to
share? Thanks!
Mary Collins
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Re: [Callers] Etiquette of refusing an offer to dance

[Mary Collins via Callers]

coming late also here, Dale, so stealing your "lesson" comments.  We
usually don't directly address the refusal part of the equation as we are
so short of dancers, it's usually exhaustion that sits us out! lol...saying
that...we do encourage new dancers to ask anyone (esp. those that look like
they know what they are doing) to dance.  Our regular dancers are always
eager to bring them into the experience for which I am grateful.  The "old"
rule used to apply and several years ago, we had a very upset dancer who
left and never returned because someone turned him down and then danced
with someone else.  This particular dancer it was found, had some mental
health issues, along with size and ability issues as well and took the
refusal very personally.

In the CDSS callers' course we discussed this and it was mentioned that
saying no, needs no explanation.  Now, as a large woman (who,it has been
noted by another dancer as"...very light on your feet") I often get no's.
I try to ignore this and not take it personally, however, it often comes to
mind as I sit out more and more.  Age and size do matter, unfortunately.
As we become more inclusive in our dance culture we tend to forget those of
us who raised you and brought you into this wonderful world of dance and
community.  So if there is a kind, gentle way to remind dancers to ask
ANYone to dance, and to accept the invitation (if so desired) regardless of
dancer appearance or possible experience then I am all for it.  Please note
this happens to me more at festivals and dances where I am less known as
organizer, dancer, caller.

Ok way to get off on a tangent but I feel it is relevant.

Mary Collins

“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning
to dance in the rain!” ~ Unknown

On Mon, Dec 18, 2017 at 10:54 AM, Luke Donforth via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> At the dances I've seen/called in and around VT, we don't address this
> directly (with signs or such).
>
> I've heard of the practice of sitting after declining, but I don't think
> it's a common practice for most folks these days. I'd say it's mostly
> fallen by the wayside.
>
> The one time I've seen it come up at a dance was more than a decade ago
> when an older male dancer castigated a young female dancer for turning him
> down and then dancing with someone else instead of sitting out. Several
> folks told her afterwards that he was rude and impertinent and she hadn't
> been in the wrong. I wish we'd taken a stronger line with him directly too
> though. I don't know if she offered an excuse or just a no, thank you.
>
> I like CD*NY's etiquette list that Alexandra linked to (
> http://cdny.org/what-is-contra/contra-etiquette/), especially the bit
> that addresses this:
>
> *You are always free to say no when someone asks you to dance.  You don’t
> have to give a reason; you can just say “No, thank you.” If you ask someone
> to dance and they say “No,” take it gracefully and move on. If someone has
> declined to dance with you, the etiquette in our community is not to ask
> that person again that same night. If they would like to dance with you,
> they can come ask you—it’s their turn to do the asking.*
>
> Adding that you shouldn't ask someone multiple times, but have put the
> ball in their court seems a polite nudge to folks on both sides
>
> Incorporating some of the other strong suggestions that have come up on
> this discussion, I might advocate our group putting up something like:
> You are always free to say no when someone asks you to dance.  No reasons
> are required; a short "No, thank you.” gives that person more time to find
> a different partner. If you ask someone...
>
> Thanks for starting this discussion Kalia! It seems like one that could
> have gone on the organizers shared-weight instead of callers; but this one
> does seem to be most people's default.
>
> --
> Luke Donforth
> luke.donfo...@gmail.com 
>
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Re: [Callers] Put Your Red Hand In

[Mary Collins via Callers]

dale - left out! lolsorry it's early here.
Mary


Virus-free.
www.avg.com

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to dance in the rain!” ~ Unknown

On Fri, Nov 10, 2017 at 12:59 PM, Dale Wilson via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Great idea. What did you call the other hand?
>
> Dale
>
> On Nov 9, 2017 8:52 PM, "David Harding via Callers" <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> This evening I mentioned the brilliant idea to my Tai Ji instructor.  She
>> loved it and plans to try it with her senior classes, where some of the
>> participants can get a little confused.  This will be especially useful for
>> her, since she sometimes has trouble with left and right herself.
>>
>> David
>>
>> On 11/6/2017 6:19 PM, Rich Sbardella via Callers wrote:
>>
>> I had a Girl Scout Dance coming up Sunday and I was thinking how I would
>> get 150 six to nine year old girls to know which hand was right and which
>> hand is left.  On the way to my contra calling gig on Saturday, the thought
>> arose that right hand sounds very close to red hand.  On the way to the
>> Scout Dance, I stopped and purchased scissors and some red ribbon (the
>> store did not carry yarn) and asked that the leaders tie a red ribbon
>> bracelet around each scout as they entered the hall.  When I called dances
>> with arm turns I called, "Turn your partner with your red hand, change
>> hands, other way back."  It worked so well that I know I will do it again.
>>
>> I thought I would share this trick, and then ask if anyone has useful
>> methods when working with only children.  Please share some trade secrets.
>>
>> Rich Sbardella
>> Stafford, CT
>>
>>
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>>
>>
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>>
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Re: [Callers] Put Your Red Hand In

[Mary Collins via Callers]

I have my first public family dance Sundaystealing this idea

Thanks Rich

On Nov 6, 2017 7:19 PM, "Rich Sbardella via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I had a Girl Scout Dance coming up Sunday and I was thinking how I would
> get 150 six to nine year old girls to know which hand was right and which
> hand is left.  On the way to my contra calling gig on Saturday, the thought
> arose that right hand sounds very close to red hand.  On the way to the
> Scout Dance, I stopped and purchased scissors and some red ribbon (the
> store did not carry yarn) and asked that the leaders tie a red ribbon
> bracelet around each scout as they entered the hall.  When I called dances
> with arm turns I called, "Turn your partner with your red hand, change
> hands, other way back."  It worked so well that I know I will do it again.
>
> I thought I would share this trick, and then ask if anyone has useful
> methods when working with only children.  Please share some trade secrets.
>
> Rich Sbardella
> Stafford, CT
>
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Re: [Callers] Moving past self-flagellation

[Mary Collins via Callers]

First LET me say thanks to all who posted in this thread. There are many
useful tips here, some new and different things to look at, digest and try,
some are repeats of advice received over the years and good reminders.

I believe it was Lisa G. (or maybe it was David K. or both) who said get a
trusted, strong dancer friend to talk about your evening. I find that
having that person as a travelling companion helps relax me prior to
calling as well as help in dissecting the evening after. This person does
this in a non judgemental way and is supportive and encouraging while
giving me a dancer's perspective.

Recently I had a dance near the end of the evening that did not work too
well and substituted a somewhat easier dance as the final dance of the
evening, that dance failed in places as well. Aaarrr...the
supportive comments of dancers, the band and the organizers certainly
helped this very non-perfect perfectionist to leave feeling better about
the end of a mostly wonderful evening. Getting home and finding an
invitation to rebook was also a great balm for my self-flagellation.

As an imperfect perfectionist, calling has helped me come to terms with
thatthat nothing is perfect, and it's ok to not be. Doing so with humor
and shouldering the blame is certainly the way to go. Of all the things
I've done (ask me for my whole resume) calling has been and continues to be
the most humbling, uplifting, challenging and rewarding endeavor yet.

Thank you all for your continued loving support.

Mary Collins


On Nov 7, 2017 10:28 AM, "Martha Wild via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

And about switching to another dance when there is trouble with one:

Sometimes, this is necessary. Sometimes, you have misjudged the difficulty
level of the dance for the dancers, or the dance doesn’t work as written
down (oops). Hopefully you notice that before teaching or during, but
things happen.  However, one thing I have seen and felt as a dancer is that
if a dance just needs one more walkthrough to orient people in the move
that is messing them up, and then the dancers can do it (even if it starts
rocky), they are so happy at the end that they met the challenge and did
it. So if I feel that I can salvage the dance, I don’t toss it for an
easier one, because the reward for the dancers is high.

Martha

On Nov 6, 2017, at 9:27 AM, Rich Sbardella via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

I have learned that owning my mistakes publicly is an important part of
moving forward.  Sometimes I use humor to soften the blow.  Another very
important thing I have learned is to make the next dance a great dance.
Something fun, with guaranteed success.  Our mistakes bother us more that
they bother most dancers.

My belief is that we are hired to help the dancers have a good time.  One
or two little mistakes will not destroy our efforts, and even a major
mistake need not be taken out of the context of an overall successful
evening.  (BTW, these are truths that I am still learning)

Rich Sbardella
Stafford, CT


On Mon, Nov 6, 2017 at 11:10 AM, Maia McCormick via Callers <
call...@listssharedweight.net > wrote:

> So after a gig, I find myself haunted by one or two missteps from an
> evening — the rolling start that was a little muddy, the thing I didn’t
> teach clearly enough so the dancers never quite got it — even though the
> dancers adjusted and all had a good time, and I still had the hall’s trust
> and goodwill at the end of the evening.
>
> Is this a familiar experience for anyone? Assuming you’ve already learned
> the lesson to be learned there, how do you move past it and stop
> self-flagellating?Would love to hear some people’s thoughts!
>
> Cheers,
> Maia
>
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Re: [Callers] Publishing dances on the web

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Ok my tablet just rewrote some of my post lolons became one and it did
something weird to my authorship statement...resist.

On Nov 5, 2017 3:46 PM, "Mary Collins"  wrote:

> Hi Luke and others - I'm guessing that Luke's query my stem from my recent
> question regarding the authorship not gone of his dances. So, this is how I
> have been collecting dances. I dance them, mostly, then ask for the calls.
> Or, I observe or dance one, get the name and Google it. Failing that I ask
> caller friends for the calls and author.  Sometimes I may look for a theme
> (i.e. tax day). Being relatively new at calling I guess I lean toward what
> I like more than anything. Being older, I can resist succumbing to calling
> beyond my current comfort level, or writing impossible dances.
>
> Now having said that ...I resist technology and color code everything,
> easy, one, advanced, waves, hens etc. Old school but it is what works for
> me.
>
> Btw Luke, Valimont's dance worked well and all loved it, thanks.
> Mary
>
> On Nov 4, 2017 11:26 PM, "Luke Donforth via Callers" <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Hi Folks,
>>
>> I currently have a terrible system for publishing dances I've written on
>> the web (blog-esque thing in wordpress; really hard to search through).
>> There's been talk on and off of a big database of dances, but that doesn't
>> seem to be happening so I thought I should do something for mine.
>>
>> I'm contemplating better ways of making dances my compositions more
>> accessible; and since that would be for other people, I'm curious what's
>> useful for other people.
>>
>> I'm envisioning four categories of dances; and then just lists of dances
>> (title & sequence) on those pages. The categories I had in mind:
>> Family dances
>> Glossary contras
>> Unique contras
>> Odd formations
>>
>> Are there separate things you'd want to see in a list of dances when
>> you're going through? Beckets, Closing dances, bouncy/smooth, etc.
>>
>> I've gotten really attached to Callers Companion (
>> http://callerscompanion.com/), and really like how it lets searches
>> happen on dances. Anyone have a good way to incorporate that, or the type
>> of element checklist/flag it provides, into a web-based interface for
>> dances?
>>
>> It might also be that most folks don't collect dances from websites; and
>> this is wasted time. But it does seem like I've obfuscated finding my
>> compositions, and I regret not making them more available.
>>
>> Thoughts, opinions, experience, and advice appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> --
>> Luke Donforth
>> luke.donfo...@gmail.com 
>>
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Re: [Callers] Publishing dances on the web

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Hi Luke and others - I'm guessing that Luke's query my stem from my recent
question regarding the authorship not gone of his dances. So, this is how I
have been collecting dances. I dance them, mostly, then ask for the calls.
Or, I observe or dance one, get the name and Google it. Failing that I ask
caller friends for the calls and author.  Sometimes I may look for a theme
(i.e. tax day). Being relatively new at calling I guess I lean toward what
I like more than anything. Being older, I can resist succumbing to calling
beyond my current comfort level, or writing impossible dances.

Now having said that ...I resist technology and color code everything,
easy, one, advanced, waves, hens etc. Old school but it is what works for
me.

Btw Luke, Valimont's dance worked well and all loved it, thanks.
Mary

On Nov 4, 2017 11:26 PM, "Luke Donforth via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hi Folks,
>
> I currently have a terrible system for publishing dances I've written on
> the web (blog-esque thing in wordpress; really hard to search through).
> There's been talk on and off of a big database of dances, but that doesn't
> seem to be happening so I thought I should do something for mine.
>
> I'm contemplating better ways of making dances my compositions more
> accessible; and since that would be for other people, I'm curious what's
> useful for other people.
>
> I'm envisioning four categories of dances; and then just lists of dances
> (title & sequence) on those pages. The categories I had in mind:
> Family dances
> Glossary contras
> Unique contras
> Odd formations
>
> Are there separate things you'd want to see in a list of dances when
> you're going through? Beckets, Closing dances, bouncy/smooth, etc.
>
> I've gotten really attached to Callers Companion (
> http://callerscompanion.com/), and really like how it lets searches
> happen on dances. Anyone have a good way to incorporate that, or the type
> of element checklist/flag it provides, into a web-based interface for
> dances?
>
> It might also be that most folks don't collect dances from websites; and
> this is wasted time. But it does seem like I've obfuscated finding my
> compositions, and I regret not making them more available.
>
> Thoughts, opinions, experience, and advice appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
>
> --
> Luke Donforth
> luke.donfo...@gmail.com 
>
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Re: [Callers] Vallimont's Silver Hammer

[Mary Collins via Callers]

thanks all, for your input.  I'm off to call one of these dances...stay
tuned!
Mary "24"

“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning
to dance in the rain!” ~ Unknown

On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 4:02 PM, Luke Donforth via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> Vallimont's Silver Hammer came out in May of 2016. The dance came out of a
> conversation with the talented musician Julie Vallimont about closing sets;
> and how callers like dances that end with swings but bands often have
> something that builds to a big hit at the A to B transition in the music. I
> was trying to put a balance at the top of the B1 & B2, and ending with a
> partner swing. Yes, the Beatles reference is deliberate.
>
> The dance that I call Vallimont's Silver Hammer is
>
>
> *Vallimont's Silver Hammer*
> *by Luke Donforth*
> Becket
> A1
> Circle Left
> Neighbor Swing
> A2
> Promenade across with neighbor
> Ladies chain to partner
> B1
> Right to neighbor, balance and pull by; pull by partner left
> shadow DSD 1x
> B2
> Partner Balance and Swing
> slide left
>
> Note, I'd originally posited another dance as Vallimont's Silver Hammer;
> but it turned out that Bob Isaacs had already written and named that one;
> so I wrote Julie a different one. That dance:
>
>
> *Return 2 Sender*
> *by Bob Isaacs*Becket
> A1
> Circle left 3/4
> Neighbor swing
> A2
> Gents start hey for 4 by left
> B1
> Right to neighbor (women back to back in middle), balance and box gnat
> Pull by right, women allemande left 1 1/2
> B2
> Partner balance and swing
> Slide left
>
> So Mary Collins, please make sure that the dance you have isn't actually
> Bob's with a different name; since I may have caused some confusion over
> the names back then.
>
> Both my dance and Chris Weiler's Vallimont's Steamboat pay homage to the
> same Julie Vallimont (I don't know how many there are out there, but it's
> the same one). His happens to have a long lines at the top of B1 (which
> Julie also considers acceptable for closing sets) and ends with a partner
> swing. Some day we may put together a whole set of Vallimont :-)
>
> And what I've gotten from this thread is I've got to get around to making
> a better website for listing my dances. My Mad Robin blog is fun for
> discussion, but terrible for finding things.
>
> Happy Dancing!
>
> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 1:25 PM, Don Heinold via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Hi Friends,
>>
>> "Vallimont's Steamboat" is a fine dance and was written by Chris Weiler
>> and you can find it on his site here..
>> http://caller.chrisweiler.ws/dances.htm#vallimonts
>>
>> Don Heinold, RI Caller
>>
>>
>> --
>> *From:* Angela DeCarlis via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net>
>> *To:* frannie <dancingfran...@gmail.com>
>> *Cc:* callers <Callers@lists.sharedweight.net>
>> *Sent:* Thursday, November 2, 2017 12:33 PM
>> *Subject:* Re: [Callers] Vallimont's Silver Hammer
>>
>> Vallimont's Steamboat is the dance written for musician Julie Vallimont,
>> to the tune Vladimir's Steamboat. I imagine this has something to do with
>> it, but of course Luke will be chiming in before long with the *actual*
>> story, I'm sure.
>>
>> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 12:06 PM, frannie via Callers <
>> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>> Luke Donforth
>>
>> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 8:59 AM, Mary Collins via Callers 
>> <callers@lists.sharedweight.
>> net <callers@lists.sharedweight.net>> wrote:
>>
>> Have the dance, not the author
>>
>> And...any anecdotal information.
>>
>> Thanks all!!
>>
>> __ _
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>> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/c all...@lists.sharedweight.net/
>> <https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> twirls,
>> Frannie
>>
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>>
>>
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>> 

Re: [Callers] Vallimont's Silver Hammer

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Love it!

On Nov 2, 2017 12:33 PM, "Angela DeCarlis" <aedecar...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Vallimont's Steamboat is the dance written for musician Julie Vallimont,
> to the tune Vladimir's Steamboat. I imagine this has something to do with
> it, but of course Luke will be chiming in before long with the *actual*
> story, I'm sure.
>
> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 12:06 PM, frannie via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Luke Donforth
>>
>> On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 8:59 AM, Mary Collins via Callers <
>> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>>> Have the dance, not the author
>>>
>>> And...any anecdotal information.
>>>
>>> Thanks all!!
>>>
>>> ___
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>>> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>>> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> twirls,
>> Frannie
>>
>> ___
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>>
>>
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[Callers] Vallimont's Silver Hammer

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Have the dance, not the author

And...any anecdotal information.

Thanks all!!
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Re: [Callers] Ladies

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Angela, ahI see said the blind person. Now it makes sense. Will not
work in my home ultra conservative community and I will certainly need to
practice replacing. It will be interesting to say the least.
Thanks again!

On Oct 15, 2017 12:21 AM, "Angela DeCarlis" <aedecar...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Mary! A lot has already been written on the subject elsewhere, but the
> summary of why Larks and Ravens has become a great set of terms is that
> they correlate to the (L)eft and (R)ight positions at the end of a swing.
> The syllable count is the same when compared to Gent and Lady (or Man and
> Woman, for that matter), and the terms don't conflict with any dance
> instructions (like how Lead and Follow would, especially if used to call
> for English or Square Dancing).
>
> Another great set of terms are Jets and Rubies, but I've found those
> labels to be more arbitrary...the main advantage is that the words are
> phonetically similar to Gents and Ladies...and I'm not sure whether or not
> that's a good thing!
>
> I hope this helps clarify things for you, and I thank you in advance for
> keeping an open mind about trying these new, genderfree terms soon! In the
> communities I've danced in, I can't tell you how much of a positive
> difference these terms have made for individual dancers and for the
> communities on the balance. But again, more on that can be read elsewhere,
> and I hope to write in with more about my personal experiences as a caller
> and dance organizer soon!
>
> Angela
>
> On Oct 14, 2017 2:09 PM, "Mary Collins" <native...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Ahem Tom...that would be "gender" lolSeriously, being of the more
>> mature (and I use that term loosely) set, I find all these new names for
>> ROLES to be troublesome and tiresome.  Who exactly is a Lark & who exactly
>> are Ravens?  Because quite frankly I have mental pictures of bothfrom
>> literature and music and they could be as offending as gents & ladies or
>> women & mennot to try to start anything here.  I am just trying to
>> grasp something that seems to be just a wee bit beyond my reach.  Several
>> of my fellow traveling dance friends (of similar age) do not understand
>> these terms either.  Since I plan to be traveling and hopefully calling in
>> "your community" sometime, I'd really like to get a handle on this.
>>
>> Mary "24" Collins
>>
>>
>> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail>
>>  Virus-free.
>> www.avg.com
>> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail>
>> <#m_7204306495091385479_m_-3621280477174631412_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>>
>> “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning
>> to dance in the rain!” ~ Unknown
>>
>> On Sat, Oct 14, 2017 at 12:15 PM, Tom Hinds <twhi...@earthlink.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Thanks Angela.  If only we could easily change our gender so we could
>>> understand what it's like to be the other sex.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Oct 14, 2017, at 11:32 AM, Angela DeCarlis wrote:
>>>
>>> Tom, I had this conversation with Sue Rosen this summer. Women who
>>> belong to the original Feminist generation (like Sue and, presumably, like
>>> Mary and Martha above) were involved in a cultural movement to abolish the
>>> word "Lady", along with its restrictive connotations, in favor of "Woman".
>>> The latter label, I understand, was one which lent more power and ownership
>>> to its wearers, and so was preferable. You could be however you were,
>>> "ladylike" or not, and still be a Woman. (others, please chime in if I've
>>> gotten anything wrong or missed anything!)
>>>
>>> My generation has an opposite problem: due to the modern-day Gender
>>> Revolution, wherein we seek to abolish the gender dichotomy, terms like
>>> "Woman" and "Man" feel too restrictive and denotative. "Lady" and "Gent"
>>> feel almost more comfortable to some, since they are words that are
>>> slightly more flexible, in some ways.
>>>
>>> One of the biggest problems for both groups, I think, is when the terms
>>> are used interchangeably.
>>>
>>> This is one of my favorite things to think about when it comes to role
>>> terms in dance today! I *love* our community's intergenerationality, and
>>> learning about each other t

Re: [Callers] Ladies

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Ahem Tom...that would be "gender" lolSeriously, being of the more
mature (and I use that term loosely) set, I find all these new names for
ROLES to be troublesome and tiresome.  Who exactly is a Lark & who exactly
are Ravens?  Because quite frankly I have mental pictures of bothfrom
literature and music and they could be as offending as gents & ladies or
women & mennot to try to start anything here.  I am just trying to
grasp something that seems to be just a wee bit beyond my reach.  Several
of my fellow traveling dance friends (of similar age) do not understand
these terms either.  Since I plan to be traveling and hopefully calling in
"your community" sometime, I'd really like to get a handle on this.

Mary "24" Collins

<http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail>
Virus-free.
www.avg.com
<http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail>
<#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning
to dance in the rain!” ~ Unknown

On Sat, Oct 14, 2017 at 12:15 PM, Tom Hinds <twhi...@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Thanks Angela.  If only we could easily change our gender so we could
> understand what it's like to be the other sex.
>
>
>
>
> On Oct 14, 2017, at 11:32 AM, Angela DeCarlis wrote:
>
> Tom, I had this conversation with Sue Rosen this summer. Women who belong
> to the original Feminist generation (like Sue and, presumably, like Mary
> and Martha above) were involved in a cultural movement to abolish the word
> "Lady", along with its restrictive connotations, in favor of "Woman". The
> latter label, I understand, was one which lent more power and ownership to
> its wearers, and so was preferable. You could be however you were,
> "ladylike" or not, and still be a Woman. (others, please chime in if I've
> gotten anything wrong or missed anything!)
>
> My generation has an opposite problem: due to the modern-day Gender
> Revolution, wherein we seek to abolish the gender dichotomy, terms like
> "Woman" and "Man" feel too restrictive and denotative. "Lady" and "Gent"
> feel almost more comfortable to some, since they are words that are
> slightly more flexible, in some ways.
>
> One of the biggest problems for both groups, I think, is when the terms
> are used interchangeably.
>
> This is one of my favorite things to think about when it comes to role
> terms in dance today! I *love* our community's intergenerationality, and
> learning about each other through conversations like this!
>
> Eventually I hope to get around to writing in about the changes I've seen
> at BIDA since switching to Larks and Ravens at the beginning of the summer.
> It's been truly remarkable!
>
> 'Til then,
> Angela
>
> On Oct 14, 2017 9:26 AM, "Mary Collins via Callers" <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Martha, I dont recall this dance of which you speak. Could you share the
>> true title and calls? Thanks! I also cringe over ladies (I don't fit that
>> tradition) yet it is a good "place holder, ROLE identifer" for my
>> communities.
>>
>> On Oct 14, 2017 9:06 AM, "Tom Hinds via Callers" <
>> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>>> I must have fallen asleep during a discussion of "ladies".  What's the
>>> issue?
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPad
>>>
>>> > On Oct 11, 2017, at 12:13 PM, Martha Wild via Callers <
>>> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>> >
>>> > I’ve got a gypsy star dance (I actually call it “Star Wrong” and not
>>> just because of the g-word, but because if you say “gypsy star” everybody
>>> starts to gypsy and NOT star, so I gave up on that confusing terminology).
>>> Haven’t seen another dance like it. The move from mad robin into the star
>>> wrong actually flows quite well.  I use men and women for roles, not
>>> genders. When I first started calling, we considered “lady” to be a four
>>> letter word - women’s movement and bra burning and all that. I still find
>>> it hard to use the word “lady” and not bristle. Times have changed, now
>>> people bristle at men and women. Go figure. I didn’t correct the “g-word”
>>> use on this version
>>> ___
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>>>
>>
>> ___
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>>
>>
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Re: [Callers] Ladies

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Martha, I dont recall this dance of which you speak. Could you share the
true title and calls? Thanks! I also cringe over ladies (I don't fit that
tradition) yet it is a good "place holder, ROLE identifer" for my
communities.

On Oct 14, 2017 9:06 AM, "Tom Hinds via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I must have fallen asleep during a discussion of "ladies".  What's the
> issue?
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> > On Oct 11, 2017, at 12:13 PM, Martha Wild via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> >
> > I’ve got a gypsy star dance (I actually call it “Star Wrong” and not
> just because of the g-word, but because if you say “gypsy star” everybody
> starts to gypsy and NOT star, so I gave up on that confusing terminology).
> Haven’t seen another dance like it. The move from mad robin into the star
> wrong actually flows quite well.  I use men and women for roles, not
> genders. When I first started calling, we considered “lady” to be a four
> letter word - women’s movement and bra burning and all that. I still find
> it hard to use the word “lady” and not bristle. Times have changed, now
> people bristle at men and women. Go figure. I didn’t correct the “g-word”
> use on this version
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>
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Re: [Callers] terminology in Sicilian Circle

[Mary Collins via Callers]

In the walk through I usually say the person who is NOT your partner is
your NEIGHBOR...do (whatever) with them...this sets the term and the
orientation in their mind

On Sep 20, 2017 9:35 AM, "Jacob or Nancy Bloom via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I don't think correctness needs to be considered. As long as the dancers
> understand that they're going to do something with the person next to them
> who isn't their partner, I'm happy, and either term conveys that.
>
> Nowadays I think that I'm more likely to hear the word neighbor come out
> of my mouth.
>
> Jacob
>
> On Sep 20, 2017 9:28 AM, "Sue C. Hulsether via Callers" <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Does anyone have an opinion about the use of the term “neighbor”  and the
>> term “opposite” in a Sicilian Circle?
>> “Neighbor” is more correct from a contra perspective, but “opposite"
>> feels more correct to me from a square dance perspective.
>>
>> thanks,
>>
>> sue
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *Sue Hulsether*
>> shulset...@mac.com
>>
>> www.suehulsether.com
>> 608-632-1267 <(608)%20632-1267>  Cell
>> 608-629-6250 <(608)%20629-6250>  Home
>> P.O. Box 363
>> Viroqua, WI 54665
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>>
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Re: [Callers] Pre-dance preparation

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Thanks for the tip!

On Sep 16, 2017 8:28 PM, "Martha Wild" <maw...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

If you have to travel a long distance, LEAVE EARLY. So many things can go
wrong with traffic etc. on the way to a dance. Give yourself time to get
there without stressing and arriving at the last minute (or after the last
minute).


Martha



> On Sep 16, 2017, at 6:01 AM, Mary Collins via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> I know many of us travel some distance to call a dance, and some of us
have only a few miles to go to call. I'm curious in each situation, how
your pre-dance day is spent. What helps and what has hindered your calling
might be good too.
>
> Thanks in advance for your input.
>
> Mary Collins
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[Callers] Pre-dance preparation

[Mary Collins via Callers]

I know many of us travel some distance to call a dance, and some of us have
only a few miles to go to call. I'm curious in each situation, how your
pre-dance day is spent. What helps and what has hindered your calling might
be good too.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Mary Collins
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Re: [Callers] Tax Day Dances

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Omg I forgot about a couple of these! Thanks all I think I have my
program!

Mary

On Mar 23, 2017 10:18 PM, "Andy Shore via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> John Coffman has a bunch of dances with suggestive titles -
> https://sites.google.com/site/capecontradance/home/contra-
> dances-by-john-coffman
>
> Stimulus Package
> Working Stiff
> An Arm and a Leg
> Balance the Books
> Communist Plot
> Mad Money
> Pay Dirt
> Rolling in the Dough
>
>
> On Thu, Mar 23, 2017 at 4:11 AM, Mary Collins via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> I am calling on April 15thwould love some ideas for "tax" related
>> dances.  Any out there?
>>
>> Thanks.
>> Mary Collins
>>
>> “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning
>> to dance in the rain!” ~ Unknown
>>
>> ___
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>>
>>
>
>
> --
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> http://andyshore.com/
>
> best email - andysh...@gmail.com
>
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>
>

[Callers] Tax Day Dances

[Mary Collins via Callers]

I am calling on April 15thwould love some ideas for "tax" related
dances.  Any out there?

Thanks.
Mary Collins

“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning
to dance in the rain!” ~ Unknown

Re: [Callers] What to do with a really bad new dancer?

[Mary Collins via Callers]

We have a dancer here in Buffalo that has a hard time hearing and ear-mind
process-motor response time is very very slow. (I worry about him
driving).  We have a loose house rule that the regular good lady dancers
pair with this gentleman.  Otherwise he will ask newbies to dance, and
often is at the end of the line, after the walk through.  When you dance
with him you have to call to him through the dance and guide him to where
he needs to be.  This is how we have dealt with our own issue.

In your case, you might want to invite him to your beginner's workshop
where you can address some of the issues you have seen him experience (i.e.
the 1/2 alemande instead of the 1 1/2 of the call, or a shorter swing.
Play up the better never than late thing and talk about flourishes and how
they are not really a necessary part of the dance experience.

the others have mentioned other ideas that are really good.

Good luck Marie!

Mary in Buffalo

“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning
to dance in the rain!” ~ Unknown

On Mon, Mar 6, 2017 at 3:13 PM, Marie-Michèle Fournier via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>Lately a new dancer has started coming to our dance and he is bad
> enough that he will often make the set break if the dance is moderately
> challenging. He seems to have some kind of impairment and walks very
> stiffly which means he will often not be on time for a figure and also
> often does not remember what is coming next.
>   We want to be inclusive but at the same time his presence negatively
> impacts other dancers in his set and while some of the experienced dancers
> will take one for the team and dance with him, it is an unpleasant
> experience to be his partner. Unfortunately, we always have many new
> dancers and having one couple not be where they should be can really throw
> them off in some dances so I feel like I have to push and pull him around
> to be on time, despite the fact that it's a little rude.
>A recent caller to our dance called him a "speed bump" which was quite
> accurate. I'm sure other dances have had experience with similar troubles,
> does anyone have advice on how to deal with this so that other dancers
> still have a good time yet we are nice to this problematic dancer?
> Thank you
> Marie
> ContraMontreal
>
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Re: [Callers] Rolling Starts?

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Wow Lindsey! this is extremely well thought out, articulated and veryyy
helpful! As a very fledgling caller I had formulated these questions that
you have so graciously answered without my having to ask.  Thank you.  A
lot of good help here, I am printing them off to put into my tips and
training notes!

Every one has wonderful helpful ideas and tips too!  Thank  you to all the
callers that participate here!

Mary

On Fri, Oct 2, 2015 at 2:15 PM, Lindsey Dono via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hi Maia,
>
> I agree with everything Jack and Dave wrote! Successful rolling starts
> have comprised some of my most memorable dancing moments, so I'm always
> seeking opportunities to work on them as a caller. Some more thoughts:
>
> -Preplanned vs spontaneous rolling starts. When I decided to start working
> on rolling starts, I preplanned with a band that I knew loved them. We
> discussed: timing, signaling, what to do if things failed to sync or fell
> apart. To my total delight, both rolling starts worked. My next rolling
> start was a surprise to me- the band just jumped in behind me! Some bands
> can and love to do this. Some callers love this, others don't. I've stopped
> bands from vamping behind me if I knew I had a lot of explaining to do.
>
> -Working with a band comfortable with rolling starts and comfortable with
> you. I've only tried rolling starts with well-established bands; I've never
> taught a band how to do a rolling start (trying to work on this now,
> actually). Consider first exploring them with bands that you've seen
> execute rolling starts. These bands often have a caller in them (ie Dave).
> Several musicians I've asked have expressed a dislike of rolling starts, so
> don't take it personally if you're turned down. Also, there are several
> style of rolling starts, so make sure that you and the band define what
> you're aiming for.
>
> -Picking the right dance. If it's easy enough to call as a no walkthrough,
> why bother with a rolling start? Conversely, if it's complicated enough to
> deserve two full walkthroughs with complete attention, probably not a great
> choice either. I look for a dance that has a clear A1 (for the called
> potatoes, as Jack suggests, and for clueing the band in), and just one or
> two "teaching points." This teaching point depends on the crowd; it could
> be something such as a left diagonal move or a fractional hey. This allows
> me to start the walkthrough in dance time, with, say, a neighbor balance
> and swing, pause the action while dancers identify their left diagonal next
> neighbors, and then resume the walkthrough at dance pace. If needed, I'll
> wait an extra eight beats for people to complete moves on the first
> walkthrough. Once the dance is "rolling" at dance tempo, you'll need to
> make sure that you and the band are synced. This very much depends on the
> band:
>
> -Signaling. There are lots of options here; find out what your band likes.
> What I've done in the past: I tell them what my B2/A1 moves are, line
> dancers up, and let the band start vamping. Once there is an established
> groove, I focus on the dancers and face away from the band vamping behind
> me. Then, when approaching the A1 at "go time," I turn to the band (making
> sure I have my mic in my hand, not on the stand- may have forgotten that
> once!), make eye contact, and with deliberation, bounce on the potatoes
> while delivering the vocal potatoes to the dancers. Also, a common signal
> is to tap the top of your head at the A1. Explore this with your band- lots
> of options! When bands just start vamping behind me, this ignore until I'm
> ready trick seems to work as well.
>
> -Troubleshooting. Things go wrong! I try to hold myself responsible for
> any hiccups, regardless of whether or not the error was *really* my fault.
> Easiest fix: stop the band, reset people up for potatoes. Other
> caller-initiated fixes for syncing: tell the band where A1 needs to be, ask
> them to play an additional B part, have dancers swing an extra eight beats,
> cut a long line one time through, etc. Fundamentally, fixing a rolling
> start error is no different than fixing any timing error made while
> calling. My worst error was when I found myself eight beats off from the
> band; they "launched" after I expected. Amazingly, my band figured this out
> and fixed it before I had the chance to panic! Musicians are amazing. :)
> Like any caller error, handling the situation with poise, grace, and humor
> will placate most of the grumbles.
>
> I'm sure I'll think of more I forgot to write, but I hope some of this
> rambling is helpful!
>
> Lindsey
> --
> *From:* Jack Mitchell via Callers 
> *To:* Dave Casserly ; Maia McCormick <
> maia@gmail.com>
> *Cc:* "callers@lists.sharedweight.net" 
> *Sent:* Friday, October 2, 2015 9:11 AM
> *Subject:* Re: 

[Callers] sticky floors

[Mary Collins via Callers]

Has anyone experienced issues with their wooden dance floors becoming
sticky during humid weather?  If so, what if anything has been done to
alleviate the problem?

thanks.
Mary C. - Buffalo

-- 
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning
to dance in the rain!” ~ Unknown