[Callers] Seeking *lists* of tunes for patter squares

[I'm sending this query to the trad-dance-callers list, to the SharedWeight callers' and musicians' forums, and to a number of individuals. Please send responses directly to me *off-list* (see Note 1 below). I plan to collect responses for about the next two months and will summarize results to

Re: [Callers] Ralph Sweet's Birthday Dance

Sorry folks. I meant to send that last message just to Rich (copied and pasted the sender's address from Rich's message Rich Sbardella via Callers into my "To" line and overlooked the real address in the angle brackets). --Jim

Re: [Callers] Ralph Sweet's Birthday Dance

Hi, Rich, I'm interested, and I think I can make it out there. Can you put me down for a spot? Thanks. --Jim Saxe Santa Clara, CA > On Apr 18, 2017, at 6:33 PM, Rich Sbardella richsbarde...@gmail.com > [trad-dance-callers] wrote: > > > Hello Friends,

Re: [Callers] Ladies Chain to Allemande Left (Was: Does this dance already exist?)

On Apr 13, 2017, at 12:34 PM, Jacob Bloom wrote: > My dance You Married My Daughter (written in 1987) has a Ladies Chain into an > Allemande Left, although I find it less confusing to teach it as "ladies pull > by, allemande left with the opposite gent. I wholeheartedly agree with Jacob. If

Re: [Callers] Ladies Chain to Allemande Left (Was: Does this dance already exist?)

On Apr 13, 2017, at 3:09 PM, John Sweeney wrote: > Ladies' Chain to Allemande Left is actually the original version of > the Ladies' Chain! I believe that the Courtesy Turn was added sometime late > in the 19th century, or maybe in the first half of the 20th century. At a workshop I

[Callers] More zigzag videos (was Re: ???? Looking for Author of Dance -dancers adjust)

I wrote > I haven't found any other videos of "Cows Are Watching", ... but on looking back through recent messages, I see that Vicki Morrison mentioned one she made with Cis Hinkle calling at Mentone. Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9Rp5Fdhscc And here are a couple more:

Re: [Callers] ???? Looking for Author of Dance -dancers adjust

The dance "Cows Are Watching" can be seen in this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz8C4THCx2I You can all watch for yourselves and judge how long dancers are taking for the various parts and how leisurely or rushed the action appears to be. It seems to me that men are usually

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

Mac McKeever wrote: > It has been my experience that dancers with limited skills/ability often do > not realize they are different from anyone else. They assume that being lost > and confused during a dance is normal. > > Finding a gentle way to bring this to their attention might be a good

Re: [Callers] ACK! First time calling night of *squares* -- any last minute advice?

Amy, Could you say more about the group you'll be calling for? By a "... local community dance" do you mean that it's a regular (e.g., monthly or weekly) series where most of the attendees will be repeat dancers, thus somewhat experienced at whatever kind of dancing the series features? Or is

Re: [Callers] Slice vs Yearn

The term "yearn" was coined by the late George Walker of Seattle for a double-progression move. You and your partner advance diagonally toward one set of new neighbors, then fall back on the the other diagonal to end facing a second set of new neighbors. The explanation for the name is that you

Re: [Callers] Variations of 3-33 by Steve Zakon-Anderson

On Dec 16, 2016, at 11:48 AM, Bill Olson wrote, regarding the dance "Three Thirty-Three [Thirty-Three]": > I personally like the original [with B2 Long Lines F, Ladies dosido 1.5 ] > best of all and don't really think it's hard to teach if you pay attention to > telling everyone where

Re: [Callers] Reverse prog/becket R dances?

To be precise, Carol's dance is titled "A Piece O' Cake". It's found on page 9 of the book _Twirling Dervish Returns_ by Becky Hill, Paul Balliet, and Carol Kopp (1997). Except for having the neighbor balance and swing as the A1 (and consequently having it be with original neighbor, not "N2"),

Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

I like to say things to promote the custom of frequent partner changes. So after a dance, I would say at least Thank your partner and find a partner for the next contra [or "... for a waltz" or whatever is next]. and more likely ... and find someone new for ... or ...

[Callers] A Question Re: Contra friendly squares

Among the "contra-friendly squares" suggested in John Sweeney's message of October 16 (full message below) are "Chippenham Square" by Colin Hume and "Geezy Peezy" by Larry Edelman. The opening moves of "Chippenham Square" are: A1: Heads right and left through; sides swing

Re: [Callers] Wrist-lock Stars

This message is kinda long, so here's the executive summary: Can any of you identify sources that describe wrist-hold stars in American square or contra dancing before 1949? I'd be particularly interested in sources that date from significantly earlier and in sources that

Re: [Callers] (no subject)

Galen, The dance you're looking for might be "Colorful Corner" (not "Colorful Contra") by Tom Thoreau. Colorful Corner, by Tom Thoreau Duple improper contra 1&2. Cir L 1x; sw N 3. Long lines F 4. M almd L 1 1/2 to form wavy line of 4 5&6. Bal wave; sw pt [on W's

Re: [Callers] Ralph Page Style

I started contra dancing in 1980, so got in on the tail end of the period when the "Chestnuts" were staples of the repertoire and well known to many dancers. The way I remember dancing the transition from the end of one round of "Rory O'More" to the beginning of the next was for the active

Re: [Callers] Wrist-Lock Stars

On Oct 10, 2016, at 1:34 PM, Read Weaver via Callers wrote, in reference to wrist-hold stars: > When I’m teaching, I make the point that it’s pretty much the only move in > contra where you _shouldn’t_ give weight even though you could—human wrists > being

Re: [Callers] Fewer than 6 dancers - Ideas?

On Oct 4, 2016, at 3:18 PM, Yoyo Zhou via Callers wrote: > - Do 4-person dances and let the 5th person cut in wherever they please. The notion of cutting in can also apply to other situations where you have a fixed-size set or sets and an extra person (or more

Re: [Callers] Fewer than 6 dancers - Ideas?

The Appalachian dance tradition has a bunch of two-couple figures. See, for example, http://www.bubbaguitar.com/squaredance/littletoc.html http://round.soc.srcf.net/round/dances/krs/guts Usually they'd usually be used in a context where pairs of couples dance together and then one or

Re: [Callers] Floor Space Requirement

Rich, Several other people have already addressed the point that the bride and groom are being unrealistic if they expect both the kind of dancing they're used to at regular dances and a high level of participation by their non-contra-dancer friends and relatives. You're clearly well aware of it

Re: [Callers] Box circulate dances

I believe that the first contra to use a box circulate was "The Twenty-Fourth of June" by Steve Schnur. See https://www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra/dances/steve_schnur/twenty_fourth_of_june.html --Jim > On Jul 18, 2016, at 2:05 PM, Vicki Morrison via Callers >

Re: [Callers] [trad-dance-callers] Need musical advice

Kalia, Is there any of the band's music you can listen to--e.g., on their web site, on YouTube, free samples (and modestly-priced full tracks) on CD Baby, ...? (It seems a bit late in the game for them to get you a physical CD.) If there is, maybe you can identify some pieces that would be

Re: [Callers] Microphones and/or technique for a deep voice.

Darwin, Here are a few thoughts: Besides working on mic technique, pay attention to enunciation. Somecallerstendtoruntheirwordstogetheranditmakesthemimeanthecallerswellactuallyboththewordsandthcallerswhosaythosewordshardtounderstand. I'm not saying that you should hyper-enunciate to the point of

Re: [Callers] Role Scramblers dances with balances

On Apr 8, 2016, at 9:49 AM, Erik Hoffman wrote: > Don’t know if you call squares, but Ted Sanella [Sannella --js] > called this square—a number of times when I was lucky enough to dance to his > calling. > ... [remainder of Erik's message w/ full dance description copied below] Erik, Do you

Re: [Callers] Boomerang

On Mar 30, 2016, at 9:35 PM, Laur via Callers wrote: > I am not comfortable with the timing in Boomerang. Am I off or .. is there > something I'm missing??? > > I've tried (with my imaginary friends) several theories but - always the > timing isn't quite

Re: [Callers] New dance?

This isn't exactly a case of naming a dance after a politician (in the sense of someone seeking or holding elective government office), but the description of "Monadnock Reel" in the syllabus from the 2011 Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend includes the following comment: Dudley [Laufman]

Re: [Callers] Family dance- educational supplements?

Claire, A while back, you wrote: > I’m calling my first Family dance on March 6th for a home-school community. > I was hoping to offer a page of INTERESTING , Kid-friendly, FUN info, > activities, links in case someone wants to delve further into the history, > dance or music. Here are a

Re: [Callers] Family dance- educational supplements?

in > my collection that I have not called, but I frequently call the ones that > brought me joy as a dancer. > > Rich > Stafford, CT > > On Tue, Feb 2, 2016 at 3:33 PM, James Saxe via Callers > <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > Hi, Claire, > >

Re: [Callers] Family dance- educational supplements?

Hi, Claire, I've done only a tiny amount of calling for the family dance crowd, but from what I've seen of the New England Dance Masters material and Marion Rose's material, and from seeing the authors in action either live or on video, I'd second both of Rich's recommendations. Another resource

Re: [Callers] another new word idea

I tried typing each of the following into the Google search box: "frontier twirl" square dance "frontier whirl" square dance The "whirl" version got more hits, but the "twirl" version also got enough to show that it's more than just one person's idiosyncratic variant. Bonus history

Re: [Callers] Run its course?

As a couple of you have kindly pointed out, I unintentionally sent my last message to the entire list. Ooops. I hop I didn't say anything that will get me too much flak. As most of you know, in order to avoid bad interactions with anti-spoofing policies of so service providers, including AOL

Re: [Callers] Run its course?

Seth, I'm writing this just to you (and to Neal, for reasons that you'll see) and not to the whole list. I see myself as someone whose mind might be changed. For example, if an alternative term for "gypsy" became common in places where I dance and call--say, common enough that you could use it

Re: [Callers] That g word

Alan Winston asked (replying to Janet Bertog): > Where did you find a dance description for Flowers of Edinburgh in the 1500s? I, too, am curious. I suspect that Alan is asking this question, as I am, more from an interest in the history of dancing and dance terminology than for the purpose of

[Callers] Mad Robin (was Re: As in Petronella)

Several recent messages to this mailing list have mentioned alternative--and perhaps more descriptive--names for the contra dance figure known as "Mad Robin" (after an English country dance that includes a vaguely similar, but far from identical, figure): side gypsy shuttle sliding

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

Ron Blechner wrote (perhaps in reference to Erik Hoffman's mention of Tom Thoreau's dance "Barbarella"): > Anything with 4 Petronella spins doesn't really fit my programming style. I can't help noticing that that description fits "Petronella" itself. Of course, there are many callers these days

Re: [Callers] Mystery dance from Contracopia

I believe the correct title for the dance described below by Laur is "Mange Tak" (not "Mange Talk", "Mongatack", or "Manga Tok"). That's how it's spelled in the 2009 RPDLW syllabus http://www.library.unh.edu/special/forms/rpdlw/syllabus2009.pdf It's the correct spelling for "many thanks" in

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

Another dance I haven't seen mentioned yet in this thread is the six-couple circle dance "Thread the Needle", not to be confused with various other, very different dances also titled "Thread the Needle". Here's a description: Thread the Needle Circle of six couples, numbered (in ccw

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

A dance I don't think anyone has mentioned yet is "Pride of Dingle" (originally "Pride of Pingle") by Ken Alexander. You can find various slightly differing versions here: http://www.izaak.unh.edu/dlp/NorthernJunket/pages/NJv14/NJv14-02/NJv.14.02.p24.htm

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

Jacob Bloom mentioned this dance: > Borrowdale Exchange - Scatter mixer > Formation: three couples in circle > > Circle left, Circle right > Forward and Back, partner dosido > Hands-across right hand star. Starting with the two people whose hands are > lowest, each pair pulls their partner to

Re: [Callers] Advice about "gypsy"

Jeff Kauffman referred us to: > http://www.jefftk.com/p/history-of-the-term-gypsy That page mentions Playford's 1651 description of the dance "Cuckolds all a row," which includes the directions: ..., goe about the Co. We. not turning your faces. ..., goe about your owne not turning

Re: [Callers] Seeking contras for a crowded hall

Paul, Thanks for mentioning mescolanzas (a/k/a 4-face-4 or Portland Fancy formation dances). I'll try to pick out a couple where the figures aren't expansive lengthwise and have them ready for possible use depending on how I see the dancers fitting into the available space. I'll make a couple

Re: [Callers] Shadow Swing Disclaimers?

Back in September, we discussed a topic raised by Maia McCormick: > ... > > There do exist some really fabulous shadow-swing dances that I would love to > be able to call, as long as I could do so without putting anyone in an > uncomfortable position. Do folks have ideas for ways to mitigate

Re: [Callers] Amy dances

Michael Dyck's contra dance index http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/index/by_title.html lists the following Amy Absconds (Ted Hodapp) Amy Asked for a Gypsy (Charley Harvey) Amy J, My Love (Peter Stix) Amy's Harmonium (Cary Ravitz) Dancing with Amy (Bill Olson)

Re: [Callers] Sticky floors

In my recent message about negatives of applying wax to a slow floor, I wrote: > ... > Note also that wax, unlike, say, corn meal, will not easily be > removed by sweeping at the end of the evening. As it happens, while looking for something else, I just came across a 2013 thread on the

Re: [Callers] Sticky floors

A couple people have mentioned wax as a possible remediation for sticky floors. There are several potential problems with wax: 1. As with any floor additive, you could get on the wrong side of the hall owners if you use it without permission. Note also that wax, unlike, say, corn meal, will not

Re: [Callers] Help for a caller

Note that New England Dancing Masters have also produced a video to go with the _Chimes of Dunkirk_ book and CD. The description here http://www.dancingmasters.com/store/books-cds-dvds/chimes-of-dunkirk-video says that it includes teaching of the dances. Disclaimer: I don't own this video

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

Keith, I don't have a title or author for the dance you ask about, but I hae a question. Are you sure you mean > B1 Hey for 4, M start R ? When men start a hey after a swing, I think it's much more common for them to start by left shoulders than by right. --Jim > On Jul 11, 2015, at 10:57

Re: [Callers] How to teach various steps to beginners?

On Jul 8, 2015, at 1:07 PM, Sue Hulsether wrote: > ... > I practiced with imaginary people in my living room: practicing (out loud!) > the walk-through, practicing the calling, Hey, kids! Modern technology is your friend! Just put on a Bluetooth and you can practice teaching and calling

Re: [Callers] How to teach various steps to beginners?

Amy Wimmer listed several ways to learn teaching techniques: > I have learned lots just by closely listening to callers I like as they call. > Take notes. > Ask if you may record them. > A very valuable tool is house dances, where a small, supportive group > gathers for the purpose of learning

Re: [Callers] How to explain the charms of square dances (was More on Programming)

Jacob Bloom asked: > How would those of you who enjoy both squares and contras > describe what you get out of dancing square dances? First off, I'll offer an opinion about this whole "contras vs. squares" discussion that keeps popping up from time to time on this list and elsewhere: I

Re: [Callers] How to Describe a Ricochet Hey

On Jun 18, 2015, at 6:43 AM, Dale Wilson via Callers wrote: > ... I [spend] a lot of time thinking about how to teach dance moves So do I. And I think Dale says some good stuff. > during a workshop and during a walk-thru (they are different.) [Dale, I'd be

Re: [Callers] Lost a posting, please help

Jean, The conversation you're looking for is archived at http://lists.sharedweight.net/pipermail/callers-sharedweight.net/2015-April/date.html and http://lists.sharedweight.net/pipermail/callers-sharedweight.net/2015-May/date.html The SharedWeight archives are still somewhat in

Re: [Callers] monkey in the middle instructions?

The author of "Monkey in the Middle" is Sherry Nevins of Seattle. Her original version is slightly different from the version (collected by Lynn from Carol) in Val's recent message. Monkey in the Middle, by Sherry Nevins 9-person set: circle of 8, plus 1 in the middle A1 Circle

Re: [Callers] Name this Robert Cromertie dance!

On Jul 23, 2014, at 4:23 PM, Michael Dyck via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > On 14-07-23 03:53 PM, James Saxe via Callers wrote: >> ... the 2007 Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend syllabus contains a dance >> titled "Jane's Contra" by Ken Bonner wi

Re: [Callers] Name this Robert Cromertie dance!

Linda Leslie wrote: > ... > > And I believe that some of the confusion might be caused by interchanging the > phrase “Dixie Twirl” with a different move: right hand high/left hand low. … Like Linda, I would reserve the name "Dixie Twirl" for an action that reverses the order of a line of four

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

Eric Black asked, in response to my comments on the alternating version of "Chorus Jig": > As for the CW/CCW and needing to free a right hand, isn’t that actually > typical of any cast off? In the dance Erik Hoffman posted at the start of this thread (which turned out to be an alternating

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

So, Eric, in your alternating version of "Chorus Jig", what happens after the #1 couples swing? Do they fall back to proper sides (M1 to caller's R; W1 to caller's L) and the 2s cast up the hall from a standing start? And then after the 2s have their partner swing, do they also fall back proper

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

On Jul 23, 2014, at 1:28 AM, James Saxe wrote: > If a dance is completely asymmetric, it may not be exactly clear > how to make it alternating while otherwise retaining the feel of > the original dance. Consider "Chorus Jig" or "Rory O'More" and > think about what would

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

If a dance is completely asymmetric, it may not be exactly clear how to make it alternating while otherwise retaining the feel of the original dance. Consider "Chorus Jig" or "Rory O'More" and think about what would have to happen to feel of the transition from B1 to A1 (and also about whether

[Callers] An observation about end effects -- becoming neutral three times at each end

I have a little observation to share about end effects that I've never heard anyone else mention. For background, note that in a simple duple-minor contra with no out-of-minor-set actions, dancers who reach an end of the set make the transitions inactive -> neutral -> active at the top or