Re: [Callers] [Organizers] contra dance gypsy

[Richard Hart via Callers]

A question for the group on dance transportation. Has any dance organization 
tried to get an auto charging station or stations installed at or near dance 
locations?

Rich.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 8, 2019, at 9:16 AM, Isaac Banner via Callers 
>  wrote:
> 
> Hey Jeff,
> 
> Not **us** non-roma folk, thank you. My family on my mother's side were a 
> part of the culture and none of us appreciate the folks telling us not to 
> worry and that we don't need to be offended.
> 
> Isaav
> 
>> On Tue, Oct 8, 2019, 8:10 AM Jeffrey Spero via Callers 
>>  wrote:
>> But Isaac… isn’t that what people on BOTH sides of the issue are doing? 
>> There are VERY few Roma in the contra community, and we’ve heard from very 
>> few overall on this issue.  Mostly it’s just us non-Roma folk arguing 
>> amongst ourselves about what WE perceive how a majority of the Roma people 
>> feel about this.  And that does apply to people who are both for and against 
>> using the term “gypsy” to describe a contradance move.  Aren’t we ALL saying 
>> what is right or wrong for people who are from another heritage?
>> 
>> And now I am bowing out of this controversy as it seems never-ending and 
>> very divisive.
>> 
>> Jeff
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> > On Oct 8, 2019, at 5:57 AM, Isaac Banner via Callers 
>> >  wrote:
>> > 
>> > Hey John,
>> > 
>> > If the N word was also a move that somehow wasn't connected to the slur, 
>> > you wouldn't dare argue that it's different or that you should get to call 
>> > it, so drop the argument please. Just because you don't think I should be 
>> > offended about the word and how it reflects on my heritage doesn't mean 
>> > you get to dictate whether I actually am. I would ask you not to decide 
>> > for others how they ought to experience and respect their racial identity, 
>> > thanks. 
>> > 
>> > Isaac 
>> > 
>> 
>> ___
>> 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] Tempos for Contras (was Re: Tempo for Squares)

[Richard Hart via Callers]

Sometime over past year someone use liveBPM at the Nelson Monday night dances a 
few times. It was interesting to see that the beat per minute varied quite a 
bit depending on musicians, dancers, the caller, and particular dance. They 
varied from a low in the 80’s up to about 125. 

And, yes, the music seemed slow with bpm in the 80’s, but it worked well given 
the dancers on the floor.

Rich.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 22, 2019, at 12:11 PM, Rich Goss via Callers 
>  wrote:
> 
> There is a app for iphone or Android called liveBPM.   A lot of bands use it. 
>I usually have if going when we play.Very useful tool.We also use 
> it in rehearsal to identify dips or spikes in the tempo over the course of a 
> set.
> 
> We generally try to play between 110 and 120 depending on the set and how it 
> matches up to the dance. Higher for squares, around 128.
> 
> As a caller I will sometimes ask for a tempo range that works well wih a 
> particular dance.   
> 
> Most of you are probably familiar with liveBPM.   It’s been around a while.
> 
> 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] Fan Favorite PROPER Contras?

[Richard Hart via Callers]

I like Rory O’More, but Money Musk and Chorus Jig are probably the most often 
danced (and perhaps most favorite) proper dances.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 4, 2019, at 6:27 PM, Gregory Frock via Callers 
>  wrote:
> 
> Something new perhaps? I wrote this recently, trying to avoid the ubiquitous 
> half figure 8 figure:
> 
> It's Good to be Number Two
> Duple, Proper
> 
> A1: Second corners balance LH and swat the flea (8), and allemande left once 
> or twice (8);
> A2: Partners meltdown swing (16), end facing across;
> B1: Balance the ring and petronella (8), neighbors swing (8), end facing 
> across;
> B2: Balance the ring (4), gents roll their neighbors away with a half sashay 
> (4), twos (ONLY!) swing (8), end facing new ones.
> 
> Title is a little sardonic. If you want, you could call it Composition 156. I 
> also second QuiAnn2's endorsement of Indigo Silk.
> 
> Greg
> 
>> On Mon, Mar 4, 2019 at 4:51 PM Don Veino via Callers 
>>  wrote:
>> Hi,
>>  
>> I've been assigned the opening slot at this year's 2019 New England Folk 
>> Festival (NEFFA) for my session:
>> 
>> "Keepin' It Proper Contras - It's not all about improper contras! Dances 
>> from times past to the present set in a proper form."
>>  
>> S... what proper dances have you found to be particular favorites with 
>> dancers and amenable in a large hall "some experience" (non-advanced dancer) 
>> setting? I'd appreciate your suggestions.
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Don
>> ___
>> 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] Building to Contra Corners

[Richard Hart via Callers]

I’d make sure that the dancers had already successfully danced every other move 
in the dance you want to call with contra corners. That way you could focus on 
the contra corners and the dancers would understand where they would be at the 
beginning and end of the move.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 20, 2019, at 4:37 PM, Hannah Chamb via Callers 
>  wrote:
> 
> Hi all, first time posting here!
> 
> I'm new-ish to calling and I've yet to call contra corners. I think I'm up 
> for the challenge and could teach the figure itself, but I still think it's a 
> tricky one for dancers in all but the most experienced crowds. A few callers 
> I know have advised me to build up to a challenging figure like contra 
> corners over the course of an evening by calling dances that echo the skills 
> the dancers will need later. 
> 
> With that in mind, what dances would you call early in the evening in a 
> mixed-level group that would help "teach" dancers the skills they need to be 
> successful at contra corners? 
> 
> I've been thinking I should include an easy proper-ish dance, and maybe a 
> dance with allemandes outside the minor set... anything else come to mind?
> 
> Thanks in advance, 
> Hannah Chamberlain
> Westbrook, ME
> ___
> 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] Dance ID and question

[Richard Hart via Callers]

Two questions. First I collected the following dance long ago. Does anyone know 
the author and title?

Becket formation.

A1: Circle L 3/4
   Flatten circle to wavy line or 4, woman in middle.
   Balance wave. W alla main L 1 x.

A2: N Bal & Swing.

B1: Circle L 3/4
Flatten circle to wavy line of 4, women in middle.
Balance wave. W alla main L 1 x.

B2: P Bal & Swing.
Slide L to progress.

In this dance, the A and B parts are essentially mirror image repetitions of 
each other. Do you know of any other dances where the A and B parts repeat in a 
similar way? The only other dance that I know of that does this is Chart 
Guthrie’s Hey in the Barn.

Thanks, Rich Hart.

Sent from my iPhone
___
List Name:  Callers mailing list
List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/

[Callers] Make them laugh!

[Richard Hart via Callers]

In the recent "easy dances" thread there was a brief discussion about
attracting attention and keeping dancers quiet enough to hear the walk
through, using humor.

what tricks/words do you use to get people laughing (and therefore paying
attention)? Here are a couple of things that I use. I find that as soon as
they are laughing with me, they are also paying attention.

1. Men (or everyone, or ladies), Identify your right hand. (Then use it for
a star or allemainde)

2. Take hands in a ring. Look at the person in your right hand. They don't
know you are looking at them, because they are looking at someone else
(Before a petronella turn)

It's often just enough to make them smile, and pay attention, too. What are
some other possibilities?

Rich Hart.

Re: [Callers] Trip to ... = ?

[Richard Hart via Callers]

Perhaps you must take a "Trip to ... somewhere" and then write a dance to
celebrate the fact?


On Thu, Jun 1, 2017 at 3:58 PM, Don Veino via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Silly question of the day: is there some expectation/standard for what a
> "Trip to ..." dance contains - other than the words "Trip to" appear in the
> title?
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>

Re: [Callers] How do you organize your Dance Card Boxes ? Categories or Other Suggestions ?

[Richard Hart via Callers]

I have 4 categorizes for my dances in my card box.:

1. Easy contras
2. Medium difficulty contras
3. Hardest contras.
4. Triplets, circles, scatter mixers, etc.

Each dance clearly states the type: proper, improper, becket, etc. at the
top of the card.

The thing that I can't do, but sometimes might like to do is to search for
dances with particular calls such as hey, petronella turn, etc. That might
be easier if I kept my dances on a tablet.

As I plan for a dance, I will go through each stack and pick out the dances
of that type that I might like to call. And depending on the crowd, I can
easily adjust the difficulty level up or down during the dance.

On Fri, Apr 7, 2017 at 9:20 PM, Cheryl Joyal via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I am at the point that I want to reorganize my dance box to be able to
> better program an evening.   I plan to go to “categories of dance
> features”, and have listed what I am thinking for possible categories
> below.
>
> I am wondering how others organize their boxes - if categories, what do
> you include ?  Do you file Becket and/or Double Progression separately from
> “dance categories”, or just note on card ?
>
> Or do you have another suggestion ?
>
> Possible Categories:
>
> Easy and ONS Contras
> California Twirl
> Full Hey
> 1/2 Hey
> Down the Hall
> Petronella
> Mad Robin
> Short Wavy Lines
> Long Wavy Lines
> Zig Zag
> Balance the Ring
> Box The Gnat
> ? Four Facing Four
> ? Becket
> ? Double Progression
> ? Unique (e.g. Wizards Walk)
>
> Appreciate your suggestions !!   Thanks - Cheryl
>
> Cheryl Joyal
> clmjo...@gmail.com
> clmjo...@aol.com
> 630-667-3284 <(630)%20667-3284> (cell)
>
>
>
>
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>

Re: [Callers] Local styles vs. consensus (Was: Another vote for "jets" and "rubies")

[Richard Hart via Callers]

I agree with much of what you say, Tony. In response to your question, "Do
we really want to go down that road?", we have clearly already done that.
In reality, there are still many, relatively parallel contra dance roads,
some a little rougher than others.

We have not yet reached the point that square dancing has reached with just
a few roads, many of which are unpassable for many dancers.  I'd also add
to your two requirements (enjoyable and in a safe space), a third one. that
is that our dances should also be welcoming to all, regardless of their
position in life, and dance skills.  As callers, we all try to chose dances
and calls that are appropriate, and acceptable for the local dancers. That
should not change.

Rich hart.


On Mon, Jan 30, 2017 at 9:05 AM, Tony Parkes via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Chet Gray wrote:
>
>
>
> < alone in this opinion, but I hope we never intentionally arrive at a grand
> consensus.
>
> I love that different terms for roles have sprung up in different
> communities, just as I love that so many wonderful terms have sprung up for
> eye-turn/shoulder-turn/spiral. I love hearing "allemande", "hand turn", and
> "hand 'round" in different communities. I love that "dosado" means
> drastically different things in different long-lived community ("square")
> dances. I love that some communities default to hands-across stars while
> others default to wrist-hold stars. I love that there are at least three
> different promenade positions, and each is default in different
> communities. As much as my engineer brain would enjoy it, I hope we never
> have a CALLERLAB to strictly define terminology and steps for contra
> dances.>>
>
>
> Amen!
>
>
>
> One of the things I’ve long lamented about the modern square dance
> movement is the disappearance of regional variations. If square dancing is
> viewed as a hobby, it makes sense (given the mobility of people in
> industrialized countries) to standardize the meaning of calls, hand and arm
> positions, and other rules and customs. But if it’s viewed as a folk art,
> it’s a crying shame to lose the variations. To me, standardizing a folk
> dance form is like saying there’s only one right way to cook chicken.
> (Given how far MSD has strayed away from tradition and toward
> homogenization, it feels to me as if they’re saying KFC is the only right
> way to cook chicken.)
>
>
>
> The contra dance world has never had an entity like Callerlab with the
> clout to convince local groups to standardize, and I don’t think it needs
> one. Two of the big attractions of contra dancing (IMO) are its lack of
> regimentation and the small number of terms a newcomer must learn. That
> small number (again IMO) means that adjusting from one village to another
> is not difficult: Typically only 3 or 4 terms out of 15 or 20 are
> understood differently.
>
>
>
> A big question in my mind is whether there’s anything approaching a
> consensus among contra callers (and interested organizers and dancers) on
> any points beyond the obvious: that dancing should be enjoyable and a dance
> venue should be a safe space. I would strongly caution folks against
> thinking there’s a consensus when only a small percentage of callers and
> leaders has been heard from. I’m thinking here, not specifically about the
> gender-free vs. gendered issue or which gender-free terms to adopt, but
> about the big picture – which includes those issues, but also includes
> standardization vs. local styles, “gypsy” vs. a new term (and again, which
> one to adopt), and which, if any, of the many new movements to expect
> dancers to memorize. This last issue is much on my mind, as the contra
> vocabulary has more than tripled since I started dancing. Do we really want
> to go down that road?
>
>
>
> Getting back to the issue of gender-free terms (though I’ve changed the
> subject line to allow more general discussion), I hope that here, as
> elsewhere, we can feel free to experiment and not feel constrained by what
> other people and groups are doing.
>
>
>
> Tony Parkes
>
> Billerica, Mass.
>
> www.hands4.com
>
> New book: Square Dance Calling (ready Summer 2017)
>
>
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>

[Callers] Syzygy dance?

[Richard Hart via Callers]

Any recommendations for a dance on Monday, Nov. 14, a day when the moon
will be the closest it's been in 70 years? We'll want to celebrate then,
I'm sure, at the Nelson dance! For a syzygy, if for no other reason!!

A day we'll want to celebrate, I'm sure.

Re: [Callers] Square dance calling book - What would you like to see?

[Richard Hart via Callers]

How about an answer to the question, Can contra callers who don't sing call
squares, if so, how?

On Wed, Oct 26, 2016 at 3:02 PM, Tony Parkes via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> [Posted to Shared Weight callers’ list and trad-dance-callers list,
> simultaneously but separately so replies won’t go to both lists]
>
>
>
> This message is for those of you who call squares, or have thought you
> might like to call squares. The rest of you may allow your attention to
> wander.
>
>
>
> I’m writing a book on calling squares in what I think of as
> neo-traditional style (the style, borrowing from many regional traditions
> but compatible with contra handholds and timing, that callers tend to use
> on the contra circuit). It will be at least as long as my contra calling
> text (300 pages), but will include more repertoire than the contra book, as
> it seems to me that squares in general, and good squares in particular, are
> harder to find these days than contras and good contras.
>
>
>
> I’ve reached a stage where I know pretty well what I want to cover, but I
> want to make sure I haven’t overlooked anything. So…
>
>
>
> What would you like to see in such a book (assuming you’d buy and/or read
> it)? What aspects of calling squares are you particularly interested /
> excited / terrified about?
>
>
>
> Public and private replies are welcome. Thanks for your interest and your
> feedback.
>
>
>
> Tony Parkes
>
> Billerica, Mass.
>
> www.hands4.com
>
>
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>

Re: [Callers] Favorite dance to teach a ladies chain?

[Richard Hart via Callers]

I usually try to separate the courtesy turn from the chain. A courtesy
turn is used in a number of moves, including R through, and a
promenade. Practice that first with your partner. Man backs up and the
woman gores forward, with arms around your partner's back. .Remember
to stop facing the right direction, and as a caller remember to tell
dancers which way to face. This can be done in a couple of minutes or
so.

My first dance with a courtesy turn may use it with a promenade,
depending on the crowd. Then move on to dances with a chain or R
Once the turn is understood and well done, the others are easy.

I agree with Erik (and Dudley!) The walkthrough and instruction should
be short. They'd all rather be dancing, so don't introduce much new
stuff in any single dance.

And thanks for this discussion. I love seeing new dances to try and
new possibilities to teach when there are a lot of beginners.

On Mon, Aug 22, 2016 at 11:18 AM, Luke Donforth via Callers
 wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I've been thinking about glossary dances, and building vocabulary for new
> dancers. I'm curious what your favorite dance is for teaching a ladies chain
> for a crowd of mostly new dancers? Or if you don't have a specific dance,
> what do you look for in a dance to make the chain as accessible as possible?
>
> Just a chain over? Or a full chain over and back?
> Chain to neighbor? Chain to partner?
> What move best precedes the chain to set it up?
> What move best follows the chain that still helps new dancers succeed?
> Other factors you consider?
>
> I don't have a go-to favorite, but I'll walk through some of the things I
> think about:
>
> I very seldom call a dance with a full chain. Experienced dancers don't
> whoop and holler over them, and for new dancers, I'd worry the confusion
> would snowball.
>
> Programatically, in a hall with a reasonable mix of new and experienced
> dancers, I shoot for the first chain to be to neighbor so that the new
> dancers can feel it with different experienced dancers; rather than new
> dancers (who will partner up and clump, no matter how many helpful  dance
> angels you have) continually chaining to each other. If I were trying to
> teach a chain to ALL new dancers... well, I doubt I'd teach a chain to
> completely new dancers... but if I were, I'd probably go to partner.
>
> For moves, while I love the chain->left hand star transition; I'm not
> convinced it's the best for teaching the chain. It often goes B2
> chain->star, find new neighbor; and the new neighbor from a left hand star
> is non-trivial for new dancers. Possibly a dance where the chain->star
> wasn't followed by the progression would work, but it's such a great
> progression when they're ready for it; I don't see many of those dances.
> chain->star->left allemande maybe? I do like long lines either before or
> after the chain as a set-up; but not on both ends. I'm not sure which side
> of the chain the lines help more. The Trip to ___ dances that end with
> chains and start with women walking in to long wavy lines flow well, but I
> don't know that they're the best for teaching chains, since the long wavy
> line is another new piece.
>
> Anyway, just some of my thoughts (started by the other thread about simple
> glossary dances). I look forward to hearing what others on Shared Weight
> have to say about the dances they use to teach chains (and I certainly won't
> be offended if folks tangent off into gent's chains; just start a new thread
> ;-)
>
> Take care,
>
>
> --
> Luke Donforth
> luke.donfo...@gmail.com
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>

Re: [Callers] Floor Space Requirement

[Richard Hart via Callers]

Woodie got it right. Talk with the B Most everyone would much
prefer the dances to be fun for everyone, rather than more complicated
and difficult dances that fail with all the beginners.  Just be sure
you have a good band who can keep a strong beat and great tunes.

For the grand march have the B lead the march (talk with them about
how this will work beforehand). Then have them end up in front and
middle where all can applaud them. A Virginia reel is good for
beginners, as is the Galopede. I've found that with good music and an
enthusiastic crowd, most good dancers enjoy the Galopede, or Virginia
reel as much as the most modern contras, as they are dancing with (at
lest some) friends, and they can always add their own flourishes.

And when all are lined up after the grand march, immediately form
lines from where they stand. Don't let them sit down. Keep them
dancing.

On Mon, Aug 1, 2016 at 5:53 PM, Rich Sbardella via Callers
 wrote:
> Hello Woody,
>
> I have not assumed that only 20 couples would dance, I was just using that
> as a way to determine how much dance floor is needed.  I would love three or
> four lines of 20 couples.  I have not yet visited the hall.
>
> I have spoken at length with the B  They are indeed contra dancers.  I
> let them know that they could have a great time with few or no contras, but
> they are insisting.  I will include a longways and a circle mixer, if space
> allows, before I go to contras.  I will have some easy, gender free contras
> to start, and a few very easy duple improper contras.  It is their day, and
> they are calling the shots, but perhaps as the event develops, I can
> persuade them to be flexible.  I have many ONS dances to draw from.
>
> Thanks for the advice, it will be useful.
>
> Rich Sbardella
> Stafford, CT
>
> On Mon, Aug 1, 2016 at 5:30 PM, Woody Lane via Callers
>  wrote:
>>
>> Hi Rich,
>>
>> Are the bride and groom actual contra dancers?
>>
>> I would talk with them first. Get a feel for their comfort about contras,
>> and also dancing in general. Ask them if they waltz. If you hear a few
>> moments of silence -- that says a lot about their dancing. Assure them that
>> everyone will have a great time.
>>
>> With a 145 attendees, why assume that there will only be 40 dancers (20
>> couples)? Maybe there will be only 40 if all the dances you call are modern
>> contras. But if you, as the MC for that part of the event, can get all the
>> attendees on the dance floor (or at least 100+), all happy and celebrating
>> -- would that be an option? Would that be what the couple really wants but
>> is either narrow in their perspective or doesn't know how to articulate it?
>>
>> This weekend, I called a wedding for some folks who wanted contras. That's
>> what they advertised. Well, yes, except that the bride and groom had really
>> never waltzed or had done real contras.
>>
>> Nonetheless, contras was what they had in their heads. There were 80
>> attendees. The dance area was a relatively narrow rectangle of grass. But we
>> began with a Grand March -- which everyone (and I mean everyone) could do,
>> with a wind-up spiral. Even the non-dancers could walk through it and laugh.
>> Then a very phrase-driven circle mixer, then a Virginia Reel style of dance.
>> Nearly everyone was on the dance floor, having a great time. And they stayed
>> on the floor, ignoring the free drinks. Yes, it was occasionally a bit
>> crowded, but nobody cared. Actually, that's what I think the wedding couple
>> really wanted -- to have lots of fun on their special day and share the
>> celebration. They were absolutely delighted that so many of their non-dancer
>> friends were clearly having a great time on the dance floor.  (and then we
>> did more dances after a dessert break, ending with a simple fun mixer.) And
>> at the end of the evening, they gave me an extra tip on top of my payment.
>>
>> Just some thoughts. Good luck.
>>
>> Woody
>>
>> --
>> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
>> Woody Lane
>> Caller, Percussive Dancer
>> Roseburg, Oregon
>> http://www.woodylanecaller.com
>> home: 541-440-1926 cell: 541-556-0054
>> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
>>
>> On 8/1/2016 6:01 AM, Rich Sbardella via Callers wrote:
>>>
>>> Friends,
>>>
>>> I have been hire to call a wedding with 145 attendees and 15 known
>>> contra dancers.  The bride and groom are insisting on modern contras.
>>>
>>> I have never thought about floor space, what is the typical
>>> requirement for a line of twenty couples?
>>>
>>> Any very easy duple improper dances to recommend?  I plan on using
>>> "Family Contra" and "Jefferson and Lincoln".
>>>
>>> Thanls,
>>> Rich
>>
>>
>>
>> ___
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> 

Re: [Callers] Organizing open calling

[Richard Hart via Callers]

I would depend on whether this were for experienced callers or new
callers trying it out for the first (or second...) time.

With experienced callers you can ask them to call an easy introductory
dance at the beginning, an energetic dance midterm, or a slower dance
for a wind down at the end. With the newest callers, that seldom
works, as they just want to call a dance that they though as fun when
they danced it. They seldom have any idea how to chose a dance for the
crowd, or for the time during the evening.

Beginners will need a coach to help them pick a dance to call, and
then prompts to assure that the walk through and calling is
successful, and that they end the dance in a reasonable time, too.

Cary Ravits Notes on Calling Contra Dances, can be a very good source
for beginning callers: http://www.dance.ravitz.us/call.php#n


On Mon, May 23, 2016 at 2:04 PM, Chet Gray via Callers
 wrote:
> Hello, all,
>
> After losing monthly open-calling evenings to venue schedule conflicts last
> year, the local contra group where I live (Louisville, KY) are
> re-implementing them on 5th-week dances (so, about four or so times a year).
> I am "organizing caller" for the first of these, next Monday, and I'm
> wondering if any of y'all have advice on coordinating an evening of
> open-calling.
>
> The extent of organization for our previous open-calling dances had been,
> essentially, callers put their name on a list and everyone hopes it works
> out, and, while this was usually serendipitous fun, it often led to
> long-running dances (both individually and for the evening overall) and
> less-than-enjoyable experiences for newer dancers. When our board was
> discussing re-starting open calling, I had recently been at the Jan Jam
> (Champaign/Urbana, IL) after party, where Lauren Peckman had coordinated
> open calling, and where I'd had the best open-calling experience—as both a
> dancer and a caller—I'd ever encountered. I suggested to our board that,
> this time around, the evenings each have an "organizing caller" to help
> ensure overall program flow, coordinate callers/dances with an eye to
> complexity/energy/time, incorporate and assist novice callers, wrangle
> callers if need be for time limits, fill in gaps in the program, have
> back-pocket dances at the ready, etc.
>
> Lo, they asked me to take a go at coordinating. Suggest a change, be the
> change, I suppose. ^_^
>
> The open calling has been announced at our weekly dances leading up, and
> tonight (a week before) I'll be asking (but not requiring) prospective
> callers to talk to me to help me get an idea for how I can best help the
> evening flow.
>
> Any suggestions/anecdotes/warnings from my more-experienced fellows would be
> greatly appreciated.
>
> — Chet Gray
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>

[Callers] Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend, Jan. 15-17

[Richard Hart via Callers]

The Ralph Page Dance Legacy weekend will be on the weekend of January
15-17, 2016 in the Memorial Union Building at the University of New
Hampshire.

Come and join us for a great weekend of dance, music, and dance
history. We even expect Ralph Page, himself, to join us briefly for a
few dances.

This year we have added the ability to register online. Please let us
know if you have any problems with the online registration so we can
fix it as soon as possible.

http://ralphpage.neffa.org/

Rich Hart.

Re: [Callers] Advice about "gypsy"

[Richard Hart via Callers]

I always describe a gypsy as being just like a dos à dos, but face to
face, instead of back to back.

As that is the case, why not use French again. As "dos à dos" means
back to back, why not use "face à face" which means face to face?
Pronunciation would probably be difficult for those who don't speak
French, so it would probably become "facey-face" for many.

On Sat, Oct 24, 2015 at 10:08 AM, Don Veino via Callers
 wrote:
> Before I respond directly, I ask that all of us posting what I expect to be
> many replies to trim post quotes to just the pertinent bits (particularly
> those reading the "digest" version).
>

> Curiously enough, I'd raised this naming issue with a group of callers (and
> dancers glommed on) at a house party recently. An area caller had tried
> rebranding the Gypsy as an Orbit, which this group rejected due to the
> existing usage & meaning for that term. One participant was of Romani
> heritage and expressed pride at the existing term and satisfaction at it
> being used for such a nice dance move and would feel loss were it to be
> renamed. I don't mention this to make excuses for anything that might offend
> but rather to show that there are many possible perspectives. I'd since
> thought of other possible names and came up with these:
>
> Swirl - gentlest, unfortunately similar to "twirl" in sound
> Cyclone - too "violent", encouraging abandon?
> Vortex - distinct in sound, 2 syllables and short when spelled out.
>
> Sorry you find yourself in this situation. We know your actual intent was to
> bring happiness, not offend.
>
> -Don
>