Re: [Callers] Feeling Superstitious 

Since Greg mentioned it: Friday the Third Swing Proper Erik Hoffman A1 Same-Sex (Bird) Neighbor Balance & Swing A2 Ones Allemande Left 1½; Opposite Sex (Bird) Swing B1 Men (Larks) Right Shoulder Turn 1½; Partner Swing B2 Circle Left ¾; Twos do a Half Figure Eight down

Re: [Callers] Using music in the pre-dance lesson

I diddle a tune. Having witnessed many other callers lead workshops, I can attest that not all callers can do this. But I'll diddle a tune, and include rhythmic patter calling as I do. If you feel comfortable singing (lilting?) (mouth-music?) this can be a good way to introduce phrasing. If

Re: [Callers] Family Dances

Sasha, Skip to my Lou, Silly Threesome, anything in the New England Dancing Masters books: https://dancingmasters.com/ Video of The Silly Threesome: https://squaredancehistory.net/items/show/730 or Marion Rose’s books: https://www.marianrose.com/store/ ~Erik Hoffman From: Callers On Behalf Of

Re: [Callers] Contra Corners Dance

Strangely enough, I forgot about Wallpole Dollhouse. Thanks, Jim for reminding me of it. It can, of course, be a contra line or a Sicilian circle. Melanie's dance is a little simpler, better to use on newish dancers. I like them both, and, they are more forgiving--as a progressive dance--than

Re: [Callers] Two Face Three Dance Inquiry

I believe this—Jack Turn Back—is actually called The Cottontail Rag, by Steve Schnur (sp?) Sandy Bradley said, of the basket, “No matter how spaghetti armed you get, when I say, ‘break that basket, left hand star,’ forget about it!” It works with 7 people and 9 people, too. If there are

Re: [Callers] new dance

I agree with Tom Hinds, Nice Dance. But in my geezerness, I'd suggest dancers skip all the claps. But I know it ain't going to happen. ~Erik Hoffman Poussetranella (Becket) C. Abell 6/19 A1 Ring bal, Petronella 1x (8) Ring bal,

Re: [Callers] Hand Turns & Safety

Yes, sweaty men’s arms? IckQ! Sweaty women’s arms? Glowing! From: Callers On Behalf Of Rich Sbardella via Callers Sent: Monday, May 20, 2019 5:34 PM To: Don Veino Cc: Caller's discussion list Subject: Re: [Callers] Hand Turns & Safety Don, That is why Gents wear long sleeves all year in

[Callers] Hand Turns & Safety

John Sweeny below hoped we callers would teach more about hand turns and the like. I've been thinking on this for quite a while. Years ago I had a discussion with Brad Foster. We both lamented the loss of the allemande with mildly interlocking thumbs to the modern overprotective thumb against

[Callers] Two Dances: A New One and a Might Be New One

Hi All, First, it's been quite a while since I've contributed, and I have 767 unread Callers' List emails... Life's been busy. And, I've just replied to a couple emails without reading the whole thread. Hope I didn't butt in too soon.. Then, I've recently written a couple of dances. One I'm

Re: [Callers] Balancing LEFT in a wave?

Although I basically agree with Yoyo, I state it slightly different: The direction of a balance should always consider what happens after the balance. Note that the direction of movement of an allemande is forward. Then (from physics) the connection of the hands accelerates the forward motion

Re: [Callers] Put Your Red Hand In

Great idea! I’ll use it, too. ~Erik Hoffman Oakland, CA From: Callers [mailto:callers-boun...@lists.sharedweight.net] On Behalf Of Bree Kalb via Callers Sent: Wednesday, November 8, 2017 5:58 PM To: Caller's discussion list Subject: Re: [Callers] Put Your Red Hand

Re: [Callers] Major Hey

Hi Richard, Ah, yes, it's been so long since I danced K that I forgot it's sort of one left progressing becket and one right progressing becket side by side and intermingling. Seeing it here reminded me that I want to learn it again, but replied prior to working through it. And yes, in my

Re: [Callers] Contras which feature a "Dublin Bay" figure

and magic in it." --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe On Fri, Jan 20, 2017 at 2:47 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net<mailto:callers@lists.sharedweight.net>> wrote: I can't figure out the transition from the Dublin Bay figure to the P bal/sw. Can you elabora

Re: [Callers] Contras which feature a "Dublin Bay" figure

I find, when dancing the one or two dances I've danced that try to steal the Dublin Bay figure, they have a line backing up bending into a circle. I found this transition not to my taste. So I took a stab at a different transition. I think it works, but it's a bit tricky: Happy Birthday, Susan

[Callers] Favorite relatively Modern ECD

Hi All, I'm going to lead an English dance in early February. I've led English once or twice, and mostly stuck with The Playford Collection, and some Pat Shaw dances. I wouldn't mind collecting a few more modern dances. Please feel free to either post them to the list, or send to me directly:

Re: [Callers] Holiday contras - BEG/EASY

Although I share the idea that concept programs are often not that great, I've been calling a Christmas Night dance for years, and will again, in Santa Barbara this year. Not only that, but it's a Free Dance. And, for years, I've had the joy of working with Ken Keppeler & Jeanie Mclerie, of

Re: [Callers] Post election day dances?

OK, it was written for a previous election fiasco, but: Black Wednesday-Nov 3 Blues Becket Erik HoffmanNovember 3, 2004 A1 In foursome: BAL & Square Thru 2 X2, Start Nbr w/ Rt A2 R to Nbr: BAL, Nbr pull-by R, Pt Sw (or Pass Thru to Pt Sw) B1 Circle Lft ¾; Nbr Sw B2 Wm

Re: [Callers] A Lot of "Don't Know" dances--Most Now Have Names

Hi All, Thanks to all who've supplied names! Below are the names of most of my "Don't Know" dances. A few, reposted at the bottom of this email, are still mysteries. ~Erik Hoffman Oakland, CA My Right Hand Man Becket Roger Auman A1Wmn Allemande Rt 1½; Half Hey (Nb st Lft sh) A2 NbrB

Re: [Callers] suggestions for dances

Much as I'm happy to see my name in this list, the dance I wrote: Second Third Friday, turned out to be a very minor variation of Tony Parkes dance Friday Night Fever. His came first and, in my opinion, is better, the difference being half-promenade rather than a right & left thru. Although we

[Callers] A Lot of "Don't Know" dances

Hi All, In my book of collected dances I have a bunch of "Don't knows." Some have more info, like "from Kathy Anderson." In an attempt to get names and choreographers in one fell swoop, I'm putting them all here. All help is appreciated! Don't Know Yet #0, from ??? Becket Don't know A1Wmn

Re: [Callers] Contra friendly squares

Though Banjos in Love, For Maxine & Brendan does fit the quality of "Contra-like", it's not the easiest dance in the world. But it does have its own intro/break: Banjos in Love, for Maxine and Brendan Quadrille Intro, Break, End A1 Head women chain right; Same four half hey A2

Re: [Callers] headset mics

-locking one, and the locking phone plug of the Sennheiser mic—that goes into the transmitter—with a standard mini-phone plug with no problems. ~erik hoffman Oakland, ca From: Callers [mailto:callers-boun...@lists.sharedweight.net] On Behalf Of Erik Hoffman via Callers Sent: Tuesday, September 13

Re: [Callers] headset mics

I also have a Sennheiser transmitter that uses a mini phone plug to connect to the lavalier—I used it for a fiddle, not a headset mic. Since it was connected to the fiddle, the transmitter probably went in and out of my pocket a lot more than a headset would have come on and off my head. On

Re: [Callers] headset mics

I’ve had a number of wireless mics. Many of them come with a simple connector plug, with and additional feature that holds the plug on by screwing the wire to the receiver. When they break—and they do break in a life of plug in, unplug, transport to next gig—I replace them with cheap ones from

Re: [Callers] Name that dance/dance that name!

As Bob noted, the first dance is Missing Duck. A note on the figures: Missing Duck, becket Erik Hoffman A1: circle L 3/4 and pass through new ladies alle. L 1/2, partner alle. R 3/4 to long wave (Wm facing in) A2: Rory O'Moore B1: ladies start full hey by L shoulder Actually, the first

Re: [Callers] Headset mics, take two

Some things on wireless headsets: There are complete kits. Brands I’ve used and liked: Shure Sennheiser Brands I’d avoid: Nady—really cheap, poor construction Samson—better than Nady If you do a search on these mics, most of what we see are the consumer, like Nady & Samson

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

I agree with Yoyo and others: so much of the order I teach figures depends on the dancers and the gig. Having just done a couple one-night-stand gigs, I had the realization that I use the same formula more or less for all dances: Can I teach a dance in less than 5 minutes--or 8 at the most--and

[Callers] On Balances, Box circulates, Allemandes, Circles & Timing

There’s been a discussion on balancing forward & back, or right & left, or starting the balance left, then right when the balance precedes a left allemande. And there’s been a discussion on the timing of circles. Like, does a circle left ¾ take 6 or 8 beats? And how long should a circle left

Re: [Callers] Role Scramblers dances with balances

If my memory serves me well, yes, grand right and lefts and other things. I jotted it down at Mendocino, (BACDS dance week) or maybe Harvest Moon, in the 80s. Since it was at a dance camp, there was an expectation that we'd figure It out or have a good time messing up. And, that's part of what

Re: [Callers] Role Scramblers dances with balances

Don't know if you call squares, but Ted Sanella called this square-a number of times when I was lucky enough to dance to his calling. Sex Change Dance Mixer from Ted Sanella Couple One Swing at Home and Promenade the outside of the Ring All the way, Man One stop at home, Woman One keep going

Re: [Callers] Thoughts on B2/A1 swings and having time to flourish

On the 16-count swing. It can be totally enjoyable, but usually for experienced dancers. For a group of mostly beginners, even a 12-count swing can be a bit much. So, if I’m calling to a substantially beginning group, I’d turn it into a do-si-do and swing. I’ll even turn a balance & swing into

Re: [Callers] Rates for private events (weddings etc)?

It would be good if, as you reply, you say where you’re from. Quite clearly the cost of a wedding in NYC or the SF Bay Area might be more than in Missoula, MT. Still: Musicians tend to undercharge. I’m no exception. I love what I do, and can be a pushover on price. With that said: we tend to

Re: [Callers] Rates for private events (weddings etc)?

Jeff Below says: Weddings are a lot of hassle. I find most weddings a joy. I used to do mobile DJ. Doing that it was easy to see I was primarily part of the service industry, and often it was just a gig. Since I now do only calling, and only with live music (even if it’s just me and my fiddle),

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

Here are a couple novelty dances I've made up:* * * Garbology* Erik Hoffman Odd—Modified Tempest Formation December 1998 A1Ones down center, turn as a Couple, Return, WHILE the twos and threes slide up the set one Couples place, cast off with (new) same sex two and three person A2Hey

Re: [Callers] Contras for One Nighters

~Erik 510-410-0456 Mobile 510-444-4397 Land-Line On 3/5/2016 4:03 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers wrote: On 3/5/2016 1:27 PM, Erik Hoffman via Callers wrote: As written, it's proper (or, for a non-dancer crowd, "it doesn't matter which side you're on as long as you're across from

Re: [Callers] Contras for One Nighters

In looking at Kalia's suggestions, I've put the Itchinton dance in what is more readable to me. Kalia, do I have it correct? Itchington Long Dance Hugh Rippon, 1990 (pretending it's) Improper A1: Star L/R; A2:Wm DSD; Mn DSD B1: Ones down center, turn alone, return, cast B2:1s swing and look

Re: [Callers] Contras for One Nighters

Add the Clap and Rich's House Dance Special turns into the simple version of Haste to the Wedding (for which that tune works great: A1 Circle left, then right A2 Star right, then left B1 Partner DSD; Clap, Partner two hand turn once B2 Neighbor DSD; Clap, Neighbor two hand turn one-and-a-half

Re: [Callers] Family dances for 3-9 people?

Here's a dance I made up sometime -- don't quite remember when, for 7, but works with 9 (or even 11...) The Millennium Bug Erik Hoffman Written for a weird New Year... Formation is a longways set of couples facing the odd person out who is "The Bug" A1 Essentially, up a double towards The

[Callers] Another New Dance?

Hi All, I made up another dance last night. Is it new? Becket A1 Petronella Ring Balance; Neighbor Swing A2 Big Oval Promenade--Clockwise (women towards center)--turn as a couple (men now towards center); Return B1 (looking for man with partner) Men Allemande Left 1-1/2; Partner Swing B2

Re: [Callers] another new word idea

m mistaken.) Rich Sbardella Stafford, CT On Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 12:26 PM, Erik Hoffman via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:callers@lists.sharedweight.net>> wrote: What Michael Fuerst said at a readable size (It's still coming through to me in some microscopic

Re: [Callers] another new word idea

What Michael Fuerst said at a readable size (It's still coming through to me in some microscopic font): > Are you also contemplating to abandon the awkward to say "California > Twirl" > If you use your gypsy alternative for new dancers, will you advise them > of all the synonyms being conjured

Re: [Callers] That g word

/gipsy in the 1500s, but we do know that gip, at least, has another meaning in Welsh (a celtic language) - gaze or glance. So, my conversation with Carol is ongoing, and unresolved. But if you feel that a group can claim a

Re: [Callers] That g word

I've been dancing both roles since before I started calling. I remember dancing once with David Cantieni at Spring Weekend in the 80s, and women getting mad at us because we should have danced with them... And, I started using "Men" and "Women" almost when I started to call. I used to say,

Re: [Callers] Petronella spin, no chain or allemande?

Hi All, Hey, like Michael F., I think it's good to use few words. And, when calling, I rarely, if ever, call "Petronella." Much more likely to say, "Balance Now... Spin to the right!" I also think it's great to acknowledge where dances came from. Thus, when teaching, I like mentioning the

Re: [Callers] Petronella spin, no chain or allemande?

Bay Area Caller Tom Thoreau made up a dance that I've used lots at beginner level dances: Barbarella Becket A1 Petronella Balance x 2 A2 Petronella Balance x 2 B1 Partner Balance & Swing B2 Right & Left through; Circle half, slide left to next couple And, it is dedicated to Jane Fonda... An

Re: [Callers] Gypsy Synopsis

OK, Adding Gyre to the top of the list. Makes me wonder what the move "gimble" will look like... And a quick look at another minor fascination of mine: Gypsy Jazz. Don't know if they're looking for a replacement word... ~erik hoffman oakland, ca On 10/29/2015 1:24 AM, Erik H

[Callers] Gypsy Synopsis

On the subject of gypsies and language, I've enjoyed reading the myriad comments, and find myself feeling ambiguous (which I define as feeling very strongly both ways). And, I know it's been thrashed about and we've a request for acknowledging that we are unlikely to change any opinions on

Re: [Callers] Fw: Musical styles for a Barn Dance question

Yes, years ago I traveled with the Contra Bandits to a Knoxville dance weekend. (At least I think it was Knoxville...) The band wanted to play The Liberty Bell. I thought it needed a 4-beat thing at the end of every part, like a balance. I half succeeded... Flying Circus Becket Erik Hoffman

Re: [Callers] Blues for contra dancing

Blues for Contras: There are several contras made up for the blues. Fred Park made up one of them, and I've made up three-for various occasions. I don't know that I'd recommend them for a beginner dance, but they're posted below. Understanding the structure of the blues, and how it fits into

Re: [Callers] Problem dancers / Crying Wolf

First, sorry for the inadvertent sending of no message. Second, although I agree with Lisa that it's great to have dancers take care of themselves and not call them "victims," and, if a dancer tells me about a specific situation with another dancer, her approach is commendable. But, two

Re: [Callers] Problem dancers / Crying Wolf

On 9/10/2015 11:14 AM, Lindsay Morris via Callers wrote: Great point, thanks Lisa. On Thursday, September 10, 2015, Lisa Greenleaf via Callers > wrote: Hi Everyone- I am cringing every time I read the word

Re: [Callers] Ferry Boat Contra Ideas

Dancing Sailors is a fantastic dance -- one of my favorites! It's also quite tricky. Unless you're calling to experienced dancers, you may choose to avoid this dance, with contra corners into a hey where the ones are dancing with their partners, but the twos with a shadow in a different minor

Re: [Callers] Title and author if this dance, please?

Um, yes, difference is in the B1, of course. ~erik hoffman On 7/12/2015 1:30 PM, Amy Carroll wrote: Hi Erik - I'm thinking you mean the difference between your dance and Tony's is in the B1, not the B2? Am I right? Amy Carroll Seattle On July 12, 2015 at 1:41 PM Erik Hoffman via

Re: [Callers] Another approach to Gender Free calling

I've been skimming the Another Approach thread, as I haven't had time to really process it, though I look forward to examining the ideas, internalizing concepts, and using it. But, on the point of having different ways to say things, YES! When I'm dancing, I never try to teach in the walk

Re: [Callers] Jets / rubies genderfree terms redux: gems?

We are still using larks and ravens at the Berkeley dance. And, though I don't seem to have too much trouble using different words for different dances -- so far I've used men/women, ladies/gents, bands/bares, trees/squirrels, and larks/ravens without changing my mess of dance notes -- I

[Callers] Seen This Dance Before?

Hi All, I made up this dance, but need to send it through the "Is It New" mill. So Here it Is: I Think It's New Improper Contra A1 Neighbor right shoulder Gypsy; Neighbor Swing A2 with Partner: Half Pousette -- start Women Pull, Men Push merge into a Half Hey -- Women start,

Re: [Callers] Applause or Not...

2015 10:18 AM, Kalia Kliban via Callers wrote: On 4/22/2015 7:08 PM, Erik Hoffman via Callers wrote: Hi All, There are several places where almost no applause occurs after a dance. In some communities, when I've been subjected to that experience, I've asked, "were we off tonight?" The re

Re: [Callers] When the dancers aren't paying attention

5844 On Wednesday, April 22, 2015 8:59 PM, Erik Hoffman via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: On the question of paying attention: A while back, in one of these e-groups, someone pointed out that we contra dancers keep talking about "community." This post poi

[Callers] Applause or Not...

Hi All, There are several places where almost no applause occurs after a dance. In some communities, when I've been subjected to that experience, I've asked, "were we off tonight?" The reply usually is something like, "no, the dance was fine (or even great), we just head for our next

Re: [Callers] When the dancers aren't paying attention

On the question of paying attention: A while back, in one of these e-groups, someone pointed out that we contra dancers keep talking about "community." This post pointed out that we contra dancers go to a dance, and, often forsaking applause (yet another topic...), run off to find our next

Re: [Callers] Difficulty rankings?

Some things that I think make dances easy are: 1) Stay within your minor set. Even easy appearing dances that leave your minor set add a challenge that is often confusing. It's can (I think) be slightly less confusing to do a simple double progression than leave and return to a minor set.

Re: [Callers] Solo fiddler or recorded music?

Yes, the courtesy turn is a challenge. And, in a right & left thru, finding your "turner" is a challenge for the women. This is because for the person on the right, the natural way to turn is away from your partner. And, for some reason, men often think they don't have to move... But, for a

Re: [Callers] Solo fiddler or recorded music?

Ah! the trials and tribulations of what some of us call The One Night Stand Dance. Many of us have learned that, when calling to a group of beginners, hands-four dances come way late in the evening, if at all. Right & left thru, women chain, progressing, are all big challenges for beginners.

Re: [Callers] Dizziness Equivalents

Bill wrote about dizziness: To put this into "real life" perspective, I have only had dancers complain about ONE DANCE in this regard and that's Carol Ormand's "You Can't Get There From Here" which has a LOT of CCW motion.. I have to also add that some dancers have actually REQUESTED this

Re: [Callers] Yet Another "Does this dance already exist?"

-alternating version of this dance as “Hillsboro Jig” by Bill Thomas. There might be some interesting discussion about whether or not making it alternating is a “new dance” worthy of a new name/choreographer. LInda Leslie On Jul 22, 2014, at 10:31 PM, Erik Hoffman via Callers <call

[Callers] Yet Another "Does this dance already exist?"

I'm at Stockton Folkdance Camp, And I arrived at a workshop where I inadvertently left my cards behind. I'm doing a series of Old and New: Did Petronella then a dance called Terry O'Less that has the Petronella move in it. Today I did Chorus Jig, then a dance that had alternating corners.

Re: [Callers] does this dance already exist?

Two things in the email: 1) Comment on Seth's Possibly New Dance 2) A Possibly New Dance I made up == = 1) Seth's Dance == == > Aahz Maruch aked: >> A1: (8) Circle Left; (8) Left hand Star > > Did you intend to reverse