Re: [Callers] What is a contra?

For my definition, key elements of a contra include: 1) repetition of a fairly short sequence of moves (typically 64 beats) 2) Whole and minor sets, couples progressing to a new minor set every repetition. 3) The concept of dancing as part of a set more than couples or individuals doing their own

Re: [Callers] Politically Correct?

When history shows a number of new terms introduced over the years, and each, after a while, picks up the taint of being derogatory, you eventually figure out that the word itself isn't the real problem. Using the tainted water analogy, if the person serving your water has typhoid, asking for a

Re: [Callers] Dance logs and record-keeping

Our dance format features multiple callers in an evening. I recall one week we had 2 of the callers call the same dance (different names for the same dance) and very few of the dancers noticed. As mentioned, different music (especially tempo and time signature) can make it feel like a different

Re: [Callers] Another occupational hazard for callers

Halogen bulbs also put out a good amount of UV, sometimes a problem for museums On Mon, Mar 5, 2018 at 4:22 PM, Anne Lutun via Callers wrote: > When was the last time you got a tan at an indoor contradance? > > No, this is not a joke. I got sunburned while calling

Re: [Callers] Pirate Themed Dances!

Not exactly pirate, but Hull's Victory is nautical theme with waves and a horpipish dedicated tune. On Sat, Sep 16, 2017 at 10:29 AM, Don Veino via Callers wrote: > Well, there's my The Love Pirate, which offers the softer side of the pirate > lifestyle:

Re: [Callers] Genderless calling

I think the tags were key. My worst experiences were when gender is not mentioned, and people have no reminder of which role they are dancing. On Mon, Jul 31, 2017 at 12:59 PM, Amy Wimmer via Callers wrote: > Hi All, > > I recently had the opportunity to call a

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

Requirement? I don't know. All the ones I know have gents and ladies (in some order) going to the center for a long wavy line. On Thu, Jun 1, 2017 at 3:58 PM, Don Veino via Callers wrote: > Silly question of the day: is there some expectation/standard for what a

Re: [Callers] Gypsy perception

ur intent? It also comes off pretty passive aggressive. That is > *not* appreciated and *not* helpful. > > Disagree all you like, but if you don't want to participate in a discussion, > please don't interfere with others who do. > > Respectfully, > Ron Blechner > > On Nov

Re: [Callers] Gypsy perception

On Mon, Nov 2, 2015 at 10:42 AM, Aahz Maruch via Callers > I have to admit that technically your argument is correct WRT me, but > that's because I haven't been contra dancing at all (except for Queer > Contra Dance Camp). Instead, I've been focusing my time/energy on > learning to call MWSD,

Re: [Callers] Gypsy perception

It often seems like people on contra email lists and facebook get more joy from seeking problems to fix it through political correctness than they do from dancing itself. On Sun, Nov 1, 2015 at 8:16 PM, Tom Hinds via Callers wrote: > No Aahz my logic is broken.

Re: [Callers] sticky floors

On Mon, Jul 20, 2015 at 4:21 PM, Bill Olson via Callers wrote: > They are often very proprietorial about their floors, > especially schools! The sad thing is a lot of venues think a "shiny floor" > is the best floor. For a gym floor, it's primary function is

Re: [Callers] Ferry Boat Contra Ideas

At least 2 dances commemorate naval victories in the war of 1812: Hull's Victory and Sacketts Harbor. On Jul 8, 2015 3:36 PM, "Lindsey Dono via Callers" < callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > Hi Callers, > > In a couple of weeks, I'll be calling the annual Ferry Boat Contra for the > second

Re: [Callers] Buzz Step Swing

One maxim of the quick intro is don't load them with things they don't need to know. Buzz step is something they don't need, and they can learn by observation in their own time. Highest priority to me are basics, like "What is a contra dance?" (partner for the whole dance, neighbors for 1

Re: [Callers] Dance length/dances per evening

Just a guess.. they have arrangements for each set and feel miffed if they get cut short without getting through each variation. On Mon, Apr 27, 2015 at 4:52 PM, Amy Wimmer via Callers wrote: > > I have an oddity coming up: a band for which I am calling has asked