Re: [Callers] Brain Dead - Need Suggestions

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

Thanks for all the great suggestions.  I think I'll focus on quickly saying
something like the difference between reels (animated alligators) and jigs
(all the kings horses...) -- waltzes and schottisches.  And 4 potatoes.
Anybody got a good 4 potatoes story?  If any of this giggles any bells, I'd
appreciate your comments.

On Sun, Aug 18, 2019 at 8:47 AM Rebecca  wrote:

> Hi Linda,
>
> I each elementary music. I would be more than happy to help you with this
> if you still need it. My recommendations.
>
> 1. Teaching the form is great but the little ones will have the hardest
> time with it and lose interest QUICKLY.
> 2. If this school event is like mine was, it’ll be an hour and a half of
> babysitting while parents sit on the side playing on their phones or
> talking. Maybe you’ll have better luck with this.
> 3. Actual contras are really hard for elementary aged kids as a whole. And
> I’ve been teaching them to my kids for years. They have a hard time with
> the progressions and they will not do a ballroom swing.
> 4. Several folks have suggested Heel Toe Polka. Great choice!  Also
> Sasha!  My kids can’t get enough Sasha!  Scatter mixers are your friend!  I
> get back to my classroom tomorrow and I can send you some options if you’d
> like them. The Vowel Mixer, La Bastraingue, Circle waltz Mixer, Chimes of
> Dunkirk, Gallopede are all good choices. If you have a large group of
> kinders, there’s a dance called Kindergarten Reel that you can do with
> everyone but it’s accessible for Kindergarten.
> 5. You’ll be calling most of the night. They don’t have the muscle memory
> that contra dancers have. They need so much more guidance.
>
> I wish you the best of luck!  If you have any questions, I would love to
> guide you in dealing with folk dancing and kiddos. Feel free to email me
> directly!
>
> Rebecca
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Aug 17, 2019, at 8:57 PM, Rich Sbardella via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> Linda,
> Chimes of Dunkirk is a great dance for tying the music to the dance.
> Also Heel & Toe Polka.
> Is there a dance that changes from 2/4 or 4/4 to 6/8?  I know I've danced
> one but I cannot recall it.
> I might suggest talking about the types of music we use in traditional
> dance and maybe talk about a particular tune and its origins.
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZgcvDRZI5Q
> Peace,
> Rich
>
>
> On Sat, Aug 17, 2019 at 12:40 AM Linda S. Mrosko via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Although I've been calling forever and I know things, I'm not currently
>> inspired to do this and am asking for help.
>>
>> Been hired to lead a dance for a music school -- ages 5 and up to teens
>> and their parents and my contact asked if I could lead "dances that
>> encourage really paying attention to beat counts….throw in some music
>> education in addition to fun."
>>
>> So I'll do my standard ONS dances for this group to recorded music that
>> has very good beat counts and distinct phrasing.  That's not the problem.
>> The problem is *"throw in some music education."  *I don't need a
>> dissertation, just bits and pieces.  The dance is only 1-1/2 hours long
>> followed by ice cream.
>>
>> I've got a job that keeps me pretty busy and am training for a new job
>> that's taking up a lot of my time and I just can't think anymore.
>>
>> Any suggestions?
>>
>> --
>>
>>
>>
>> *Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*
>>
>> *102 Mitchell Drive*
>>
>> *Temple, Texas 76501*
>> *(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
>> *contradancetx.com <http://www.contradancetx.com>*
>>
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>> buttons, t-shirts, & more)*
>>
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>>
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>
>

-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*
*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*contradancetx.com <http://www.contradancetx.com>*

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[Callers] Brain Dead - Need Suggestions

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

Although I've been calling forever and I know things, I'm not currently
inspired to do this and am asking for help.

Been hired to lead a dance for a music school -- ages 5 and up to teens and
their parents and my contact asked if I could lead "dances that encourage
really paying attention to beat counts….throw in some music education in
addition to fun."

So I'll do my standard ONS dances for this group to recorded music that has
very good beat counts and distinct phrasing.  That's not the problem.  The
problem is *"throw in some music education."  *I don't need a dissertation,
just bits and pieces.  The dance is only 1-1/2 hours long followed by ice
cream.

I've got a job that keeps me pretty busy and am training for a new job
that's taking up a lot of my time and I just can't think anymore.

Any suggestions?

-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*
*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*contradancetx.com *

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Re: [Callers] Teaching a Mad Robin

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

That's why I use the term "sashay around" rather than "mad robin".
Sashay means move sideways, and around is pretty obvious.
tell them who to go around and who to focus their attention on and no one
has too much trouble doing it correctly.
Besides, "sashay around" or "sashay round" feels better to say than "mad
robin" -- which sounds angry or confused, IMO.

On Mon, Sep 24, 2018 at 11:39 AM Don Veino via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> As may be obvious, I love Mad Robins. I'm still working on what is the
> best way to teach them.
>
> I know about the "Dosido/now face your Partner/on the same path as the
> Dosido, do a Mad Robin" approach and have used it.
>
> I've heard other callers I admire admonish to not use the "wrong" move as
> a teaching tool for the "right" move - as it's that much harder to
> "unlearn" the original bit.
>
> What I've observed is that newer dancers may end up focused on the wrong
> person, facing the wrong direction, and possibly doing the "Dosido Twirl"
> when using the Dosido teach. But they *do* follow the correct path (so
> long as the caller remembers to say SeeSaw vs. Dosido as the correct
> analogue) on the floor. Some can make the facing adjustment and some
> persist in facing the wrong way. If the dance tolerates the facing
> differences, all is OK.
>
> As a practice, I actively solicit feedback on my calling at each gig. Out
> of a recent one I got into an extended discussion about the Mad Robin teach
> with a dancer whom had struggled with their beginner partner in a sequence
> that evening. I had read that crowd as highly experienced so did only a
> basic teaching of the move, which they reported having not got through to
> this beginner. They freely offered that all was well around them, it was
> just a frustration in their own experience. We touched on the merits and
> drawbacks of the Dosido teach (which I chose not to use in that situation
> as it appears to annoy experienced dancers, plus because of the above
> points).
>
> I'm trying to evolve to something that teaches both the correct motion and
> the facing direction at the same time - *without* taxing experienced
> folks' patience. I have my own ideas on this but welcome others'.
>
> So, how do *you* teach a Mad Robin most effectively and efficiently? Do
> you vary it by context, crowd composition, other factors?
>
> Thanks,
> Don
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-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

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[Callers] Intrigued by a Photo

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

I saw this photo on Dancing Well and wondered if anyone knew which dance(s)
this could be.

[image: 26.JPG]
-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*
*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*contradancetx.com *

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Re: [Callers] Folk Festival - Easy Contra dances to teach Beginners

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

More words of wisdom -- people remember a gypsy -- they may not all look
you in the eye, but they get the concept.

On Tue, Jul 24, 2018 at 9:48 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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>


-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

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[Callers] Favors?

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

Recently I was invited to set up a display at two bridal shows.  I've come
up with a flyer advertising my services, a short video of a recent wedding
dance I lead, a picture or two I can display​.  Can you think of anything
else that might be helpful?

Also, I know it helps to have favors to give away and that draw more
attention to my table.  Besides candy, can anyone think of some unique
favor that might or might not be dance or music related that would be a
cheap, unique give-a-way?

Thanks!

-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
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Re: [Callers] More substitute terms for the g-word

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

A lot of the time while walking through the dance, I use the term "gypsy"
and describe it as "lock eyes on your partner/neighbor -- hold them with
your eyes only -- no touching," and then when I call it, I use the term
"eyes only" or "partner/neighbor eyes only."  No one has had a problem
because the move itself is memorable.

-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
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Re: [Callers] More substitute terms for the g-word

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

Perhaps someone, not me, should draw up a map of the term used in place of
"gypsy" in the various parts of the country so traveling callers will know
what to us
​​
e
​ if they call there.​
​
​​
​  The map can also be handed out to traveling dancers to prepare them in
advance.​


-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
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Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

Being in charge of a monthly "open band open mic dance," I rarely prepare
-- but I usually have at least a couple of dances in mind, just in case.  I
never know if another caller will show up or if a room full of newcomers
will show up.  It's a small venue and the regular dancers are forgiving.

For a regular dance, I do like to have a program and start with at least a
sketch of a plan a week in advance.  If it's a band I haven't worked with,
,I try to have a plan to them at least a week ahead of the dance.  For our
regular musicians, all they want to know is where the Balances are, are
there any Do-Si-Dos (usually a jig), Down the Hall & Back or Hey, and
whether I'm using a Chestnut with its own tune.

On Tue, Mar 13, 2018 at 12:58 PM, Rich Sbardella via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I am curious how much time you all plan programming a dance before
> arriving at a venue.  If you do not preprogram, what is your approach for
> on the fly programming?
> Rich Sbardella
> Stafford, CT
>
>
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>


-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
buttons, t-shirts, & more)*
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Re: [Callers] Double petronella Dance -- Name?

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

Don't know the name of the dance you're looking for.  I knew I called a
similar dance a couple of years ago:

*Holly in Winter **(Charles Harvey)*

Becket (progresses Left)

A1 As Couple, with Partner: Balance, Pivot Petronella (as couple, pivot
step to place); Ring of Four, Balance and Pass Thru

A2 New Neighbor: Balance and Swing

B1 Hey

B2 Circle Left 3/4  / Partner Swing


On Sat, Feb 10, 2018 at 12:40 PM, Jack Mitchell via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Collected this from Vicki Herndon last night at Cabin Fever in Knoxville.
> Anyone know the name / author?  It's a really fun dance (and lots of fun to
> swap roles on).
>
>
>
>
> A1  Yearn Left, then straight back
> R Thru
> A2Snuggle up to partner (arms around backs like for Star Promenade)
> As a couple balance, twirl to the right once place (gents go forward,
> ladies back) End facing up & down
> Couple balance, twirl to the right
> B1  Gents pass L Shoulder -- Hey
> B2  P B
> --
> Jack Mitchell
> Durham, NC
>
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>


-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
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Re: [Callers] Colonial Dances Adapted for ONS?

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

The Waggoner and The Margate Hoy are from the 1700's and they are both
similar and easy.

On Sat, Feb 10, 2018 at 1:26 PM, Rich Sbardella via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hello Folks,
>
> Does anyone have dances that they are willing to share of Colonial period
> dances that are adapted to a Party Dance environment for non dances?  I
> instantly think of Rakes of Mallow (longways) and Haste to the Wedding (as
> a Duple Minor).
>
> I have a few others, but would like to add to my repertoire.  Easy is what
> I am looking for.  Alcohol involved in reenactment party dance.
>
> Thanks,
> From one of the colonies!
> Rich Sbardella
> Stafford, CT
>
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>


-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
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Re: [Callers] Tired of Screaming

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

Thanks everybody.  All your comments are very helpful.  I knew I could
count on you!  I'm weighing my options.

On Sun, Jan 14, 2018 at 12:12 PM, Linda S. Mrosko 
wrote:

> I have a good mixer, two large speakers & stands, lots of wires -- and
> they all weigh a lot, but they work great for large rooms full of people
> and outdoor venues.  However...
>
> I occasionally have smaller events in smaller rooms with fewer people
> where the band is acoustic and so am I.  I find myself straining my voice
> to be heard by the dancers and I'm tired of screaming.
>
> I used to have a karaoke system, but found it inadequate (and I couldn't
> plug my wireless headset into it).  Are there smaller, less heavy, less
> cumbersome systems you carry around?  I want to be able to plug my computer
> into it when I have an event that's not live music or just to use it to
> amplify my voice over acoustic music (7-8 musicians) -- a couple of small
> but lightweight speakers.
>
> Help!
>
> --
>
>
>
> *Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*
>
> *102 Mitchell Drive*
>
> *Temple, Texas 76501*
>
> *(903) 292-3713 <(903)%20292-3713> (Cell)*
> *(903) 603-9955 <(903)%20603-9955> (Skype)*
> *contradancetx.com *
>
> *www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
> buttons, t-shirts, & more)*
>



-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
buttons, t-shirts, & more)*
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[Callers] Tired of Screaming

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

I have a good mixer, two large speakers & stands, lots of wires -- and they
all weigh a lot, but they work great for large rooms full of people and
outdoor venues.  However...

I occasionally have smaller events in smaller rooms with fewer people where
the band is acoustic and so am I.  I find myself straining my voice to be
heard by the dancers and I'm tired of screaming.

I used to have a karaoke system, but found it inadequate (and I couldn't
plug my wireless headset into it).  Are there smaller, less heavy, less
cumbersome systems you carry around?  I want to be able to plug my computer
into it when I have an event that's not live music or just to use it to
amplify my voice over acoustic music (7-8 musicians) -- a couple of small
but lightweight speakers.

Help!

-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
buttons, t-shirts, & more)*
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[Callers] Meshach's March

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

I have dozens of caller's books in storage and I can't find my copy of Son
of Shadrack.  Can anyone share Meshack's March by Tony Parkes, please?

-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
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Re: [Callers] Name that dance (5-cpl, square+middle)

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

Correction:
M1 faces 4 on his right and W1 faces the 4 on her left should read M1 faces
4 on his "Left" and W1 faces the 4 on her "Right"

On Mon, Dec 4, 2017 at 11:45 AM, Linda S. Mrosko 
wrote:

> I had forgotten about this square.  It looked so familiar.  Years and
> years ago, Kathy Anderson called this square at a dance event I attended.
> My notes show it as "English Dance for Five Couples."  I loved this dance!
>
> Forgive my note-taking from so long ago:
>
> *The Formation*:
> Middle couple is C1 and they face the music.
> Outside couples shift left 1/8 so they are diagonal to the music.
> C1 stands back to back -- M1 faces 4 on his right and W1 faces the 4 on
> her left.
>
> *The Dance*:
> C1 circles left with the 4 they face (2 separate circles)
> Within the same groups, just the 3 gents Star Right (M1 with the 2 gents
> he circled with) while the 3 women Star Right (W1 with the 2 ladies she
> circled with)
>
> C1 meet and change groups (M1 dances w/the 4 people W1 danced with and W1
> dances with the 4 people M1 danced with); repeat circles and stars
> C1 meet again and face any couple they chose (let's call the new couple C2
> for clarity) to do the half R thru with, using a "power turn" to end
> facing the next couple to the right of the orig C1 (call them C3)
> C3 does a half R thru with C4
> C4 does a half R thru with C5 who becomes the new middle couple
>
> On Sun, Dec 3, 2017 at 11:08 AM, Yaron Shragai via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>> I picked up this dance at Flurry '17.  Iirc, the caller (I think it was
>> Bob Isaacs, not sure, it was near the end of the festival, it's all kinda
>> fuzzy...) said he picked it up at another festival and didn't know the name
>> of it.  He named the caller that he got it from - but I don't remember the
>> name...
>>
>> Formation: square with a cpl in the middle (i.e. 5 cpls)
>> A:
>> Middle cpl 1/2 R with cpl #1, which becomes new middle cpl
>> That cpl uses momentum from courtesy turn to turn twd cpl #2, 1/2 R
>> with that cpl
>> Cpl #2 becomes middle, 1/2 R with cpl #3
>> Cpl #3 becomes middle, 1/2 R with cpl #4
>> Cpl #4 becomes middle [turns to face current #1, which is orig middle]
>> B:
>> Couples currently along up/dn axis (heads+middle) turn back on ptnr, now
>> all can form 2 rings of 5, circle L/R;
>> Ptnr swing (some ppl may have to spin around to find Ptnr)
>>
>> Thanks!
>> Yaron Shragai
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>
>
> --
>
>
>
> *Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*
>
> *102 Mitchell Drive*
>
> *Temple, Texas 76501*
>
> *(903) 292-3713 <(903)%20292-3713> (Cell)*
> *(903) 603-9955 <(903)%20603-9955> (Skype)*
> *contradancetx.com *
>
> *www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
> buttons, t-shirts, & more)*
>



-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
buttons, t-shirts, & more)*
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Re: [Callers] Name that dance (5-cpl, square+middle)

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

I had forgotten about this square.  It looked so familiar.  Years and years
ago, Kathy Anderson called this square at a dance event I attended.  My
notes show it as "English Dance for Five Couples."  I loved this dance!

Forgive my note-taking from so long ago:

*The Formation*:
Middle couple is C1 and they face the music.
Outside couples shift left 1/8 so they are diagonal to the music.
C1 stands back to back -- M1 faces 4 on his right and W1 faces the 4 on her
left.

*The Dance*:
C1 circles left with the 4 they face (2 separate circles)
Within the same groups, just the 3 gents Star Right (M1 with the 2 gents he
circled with) while the 3 women Star Right (W1 with the 2 ladies she
circled with)

C1 meet and change groups (M1 dances w/the 4 people W1 danced with and W1
dances with the 4 people M1 danced with); repeat circles and stars
C1 meet again and face any couple they chose (let's call the new couple C2
for clarity) to do the half R thru with, using a "power turn" to end
facing the next couple to the right of the orig C1 (call them C3)
C3 does a half R thru with C4
C4 does a half R thru with C5 who becomes the new middle couple

On Sun, Dec 3, 2017 at 11:08 AM, Yaron Shragai via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hi,
> I picked up this dance at Flurry '17.  Iirc, the caller (I think it was
> Bob Isaacs, not sure, it was near the end of the festival, it's all kinda
> fuzzy...) said he picked it up at another festival and didn't know the name
> of it.  He named the caller that he got it from - but I don't remember the
> name...
>
> Formation: square with a cpl in the middle (i.e. 5 cpls)
> A:
> Middle cpl 1/2 R with cpl #1, which becomes new middle cpl
> That cpl uses momentum from courtesy turn to turn twd cpl #2, 1/2 R with
> that cpl
> Cpl #2 becomes middle, 1/2 R with cpl #3
> Cpl #3 becomes middle, 1/2 R with cpl #4
> Cpl #4 becomes middle [turns to face current #1, which is orig middle]
> B:
> Couples currently along up/dn axis (heads+middle) turn back on ptnr, now
> all can form 2 rings of 5, circle L/R;
> Ptnr swing (some ppl may have to spin around to find Ptnr)
>
> Thanks!
> Yaron Shragai
>
>
> ___
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>
>


-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

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Re: [Callers] Quiet (was: Super easy dances - do they exist?)

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

Ooooh, that looks like a good one.  I'll add it to my list of potential
methods.

I also thought of using a chant...like, "If I say Quiet, you say Right Now
-- Quiet -- Right Now"
Can someone think of a better chant?

On Sun, Jun 18, 2017 at 11:12 PM, Jacob or Nancy Bloom <jandnbl...@gmail.com
> wrote:

> It isn't necessary to hire a person who can do a loud whistle - you can
> buy a loud whistle for a few dollars, and hang it from a lanyard.
>
> Here's another technique for calling for quiet which I have seen work,
> although I haven't used it myself.
>
> "If you can hear my voice clap once.  If you can hear my voice clap
> twice.  If you can hear my voice clap three times.  clap>  ... "
>
> The few people who hear you the first time clap, and that attracts the
> attention of people near them, so more people hear you calling for them to
> clap twice, which attracts more attention.  Repeat until you have the
> attention of the room.  It won't solve the problem of keeping them quiet,
> but it doesn't hurt to have more than one technique to draw on.
>
> And it's easier on the ears than that loud whistle.
>
> Jacob
>
>
> On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 12:50 PM, Linda S. Mrosko via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Oh how I wish that would work.  I've tried that technique over the
>> years.  They just ignore me.  Shushing works, but I have to repeat the
>> sh into the mic lots of times.  A big part of the challenge is the
>> acoustics -- it's worse than being in a gym.  For instance, I get them
>> quiet and then teach them the first move -- there is a roar -- I get them
>> quiet again -- teach the next move -- there is a roar -- I get them quiet
>> again -- teach the third move -- there is a roar -- ad nauseam.  The
>> musicians crank up their music to the max for the dance, but even I can
>> barely hear it over the din from the dancers.  Short of hiring a person who
>> can do that loud whistle, I'm at a loss.  I've sort of grown used to it,
>> but my temper is short and I really have to watch myself.
>>
>> On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 7:42 AM, Jeremy Child <jeremy.m.ch...@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> To quiet a room I use the Girl Guides technique:
>>>
>>> I raise my hand, and anyone who sees me knows to stop talking and raise
>>> their hand too.  More notice this (other peoples hands up and slightly
>>> diminished volume).  This snowballs quite quickly as peer pressure kicks
>>> in, and is a very effective technique.  You have to teach it to them first,
>>> of course, but they pick it up quite quickly.
>>>
>>> Jeremy
>>> www.barndancecaller.net
>>>
>>> On 16 June 2017 at 20:10, Linda S. Mrosko via Callers <
>>> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I lead an annual dance for 200+ 18-year olds in a hall with terrible
>>>> acoustics.  Been doing it for 15+ years.  If they all whispered at the same
>>>> time, it would sound like a roar in that room.  I can only do the most
>>>> basic stuff most of the time...simple circles, longways with lots of
>>>> sashaying, an easy folk dance.  But I experiment every now and then, which
>>>> lead me to come up with the following dances which, for the most part,
>>>> worked.  Am I stealing them from somebody?  (I like to give credit where
>>>> credit is due.)
>>>>
>>>> They call their dance "Swat the Flea".  I searched for a long time for
>>>> a very easy dance that had a Swat the Flea and finally wrote this one --
>>>>
>>>> BOX'NSWAT (Circle)
>>>> A1  Women into the middle and back; Gents into the middle & back
>>>> A2  All make a quarter turn to the right and walk single file to the
>>>> right
>>>> B1  Women turn back to face partner -- all shake R hands with Partner &
>>>> Box the Gnat; change hands, Balance & Swat the Flea
>>>> B2  DSD Partner; Allemande R w/partner 1-1/2 to progress (women end
>>>> facing into the center ready to go F)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Since contra dances are almost impossible to teach to a loud,
>>>> boisterous, energetic bunch of 18-year olds who have never heard of or seen
>>>> a contra dance, I decided to give this a whirl -- and it worked -- mostly!
>>>> It would probably be better with a smaller more sedate crowd.
>>>>
>>>> GREASE & GLUE (Contra formation -- Gender free -- all you need is a
>>>> partner)
>>>> A1  Couple

Re: [Callers] Super easy dances - do they exist?

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

Not that it makes any difference, but the dance was in Denton -- probably
the 2nd largest artsy community in Texas.  The kids were from all over the
"district."

I'm just not into that whole Larks/Ravens thing.  They didn't seem to mind
and kept dancing with each other anyway.  Looking at my program, it only
mattered in one dance.  I usually also say "if you are dancing the gent's
part, you need to be on the inside of the circle, but you and your partner
will be doing the same thing, only backwards."

On Jun 18, 2017 12:51 PM, "Read Weaver" <rwea...@igc.org> wrote:

> Unless Temple, Texas, is more of a hotbed of gender noncomformity than
> I’ve been led to believe, I think it unlikely that the phrase “those who
> are pretending to be ladies” will result in increased eagerness for guys to
> dance together. There’s been plenty of discussion on this list of other
> terminology to use; Larks and Ravens (Larks on the Left, Ravens on the
> Right) seems to be the phrasing that’s increasingly used. (And no need,
> with a group who’s never done any of this before, to “explain” that the
> Larks are the traditional Gents and the Ravens the traditional Ladies; just
> use the terms on their own.)
>
> Read Weaver
> Jamaica Plain, MA
> http://lcfd.org
>
> On Jun 17, 2017, at 1:07 PM, Linda S. Mrosko via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> ...
> Thanks for asking the gender question.  I still use ladies and gents when
> necessary, but I add "those who are pretending to be gents" and "those who
> are pretending to be ladies".  They're just kids and no one seems to mind.
> ...
> On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 11:51 AM, Linda Leslie <laleslie...@comcast.net>
> wrote:
>
>> ...
>> A question for you, though:  if girls are dancing with girls, and boys
>> with boys, how are you approaching the use of language to distinguish
>> positions?
>>
>>
>> On Jun 17, 2017, at 12:31 PM, Linda S. Mrosko via Callers <
>> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>> In years passed, I tried to teach them swings -- but I guess everybody
>> still has cooties at 18 years -- never worked -- plus, you have a good
>> number of girls dancing with girls and boys dancing with boys and it makes
>> some of them uncomfortable.
>> ...
>>
>>
>> *Linda S. Mrosko*
>>
>> *102 Mitchell Drive*
>>
>> *Temple, Texas 76501*
>>
>> *(903) 292-3713 <(903)%20292-3713> (Cell)*
>> *(903) 603-9955 <(903)%20603-9955> (Skype)*
>> *contradancetx.com <http://www.contradancetx.com/>*
>> *www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy* <http://www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*> (Dance
>> buttons, t-shirts, & more)*
>>
>>

Re: [Callers] Super easy dances - do they exist?

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

If only I could "train" them, but it's a new group every year.

Reminds me of the very first year I did this -- 15+ years ago.  There was
no working sound system -- they told me they had one, so I didn't bring
mine.  The band had theirs, but the screams from the dancers quickly
drowned them out.  I resorted to hand signals only.  Turns out that was one
of the best dances we ever did.

Maybe that's the answer to my problem.

On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 6:37 PM, Tom Hinds  wrote:

> Linda, thanks for bringing this topic up.  It sounds like might have a
> good collection of English village dances in your collection.  I think
> they're perfect for that group.  John is correct, get them moving right
> away.
>
> I realize that the thread is super easy dances but I'd like to throw out
> another idea.
>
> Maybe it's time to train them.  I don't think you can get them to be as
> quiet as you want but maybe you can get them to be quiet when you're
> teaching.  Those new to calling might want to think about demos, making
> sure that there's a payoff for being quite and watching.  The payoff/reward
> could be showing them a cool move or a fun way to dance a particular
> sequence etc. etc.  And if you can get them to laugh during the demo that's
> even better.
>
> Thanks to everyone for the dances.  We are fortunate to have so many
> talented contraographers.
>
> T
>
>


-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
buttons, t-shirts, & more)*

Re: [Callers] Super easy dances - do they exist?

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

Thanks, John, for reminding me about that elbow/hand swing.  Haven't used
it in years, but I know the kids would be in awe of me using it (lol).

I did try to teach the ballroom hold swing once several years ago --
awkward.  Never tried it again.

Thanks for sharing those mixers.  I may be able to use one or two of them
next year.

On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 12:01 PM, John Sweeney  wrote:

> Hi Linda,
> Do you try to teach them a Ballroom Hold Swing? I.e. a standard
> contra swing?  I never use that for one night stands.
>
> For first-timers I always teach them to put their right forearms
> together, gently hook their hand around their partner’s elbow, with the
> thumb below so that they can’t grip, make a hook with their left hands and
> join them underneath. And don’t lean back! This gives really good
> connection with space between them.  The space means that they can each do
> any footwork (walk, skip, polka, chassis, buzz) without worrying about
> stepping on each other. The space also makes it more comfortable from a
> personal viewpoint.
>
> I love the Gypsy into a Swing – I teach them to start the Gypsy,
> "join right arms, join left hands, swing".  I always demonstrate and most
> of them then make a decent job of swinging.
>
> Or you can always do it as a Two-Hand Turn – nice big oval at
> shoulder level.
>
> But no, I wouldn’t do Tony's dance with first-timers.  My standard
> first timer circle mixer is my:
>
> Virginia Reel Circle Mixer #24
>
> A1: Partner Arm Right; Partner Arm Left
>
> A2: Partner Dosido; Partner Seesaw
>
> B1: Partner Gypsy Meltdown
>
> B2: Promenade around the circle; Men (those on the inside) move on
> then face new partner
>
> Or Diane Silver’s Kid's Chaos Mixer #3 - Scatter (Mixer)
>
> A1: (In fours) Circle Left; Circle right (Slip)
>
> A2: Star Right; Star Left
>
> B1: Neighbour Two Hand Turn; Partner Two Hand Turn
>
> B2: Partner Promenade (Scatter) and find a new couple
>
> Make sure some of you promenade in random directions and against the flow.
> OK to end up as 1, 2, 3, 4 couples together – chaos!
>
> Alt B1: Neighbour Dosido; Partner Dosido
>
> Alt B1: Partner Swing/Turn; Neighbour Swing/Turn – makes it a Mixer
>
> Or Dosido the one you brought, now Dosido someone new - Promenade with
> this one
>
> Happy dancing,
>John
>
> John Sweeney, Dancer, England   j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802
> 940 574
> http://www.modernjive.com for Modern Jive Events & DVDs
> http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
>
>
>


-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
buttons, t-shirts, & more)*

Re: [Callers] Super easy dances - do they exist?

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

I demo everything at least once -- circling, F, elbow swings, DSDs --
because there's time between the roars to grab someone.  Here's a picture
from the most recent dance where I'm in the middle of the circle with a
volunteer demo-ing Balance, Box the Gnat, Balance, Swat the Flea, DSD
​

On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 12:36 PM, David Chandler <chandler...@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Your mention of the magic of demonstrating a 2-hand turn led me to wonder
> how much you have used demonstration as the core of your teaching in this
> situation. I remember an English caller once who taught everything from the
> floor, demonstrating what she meant. Grabbing a few of the quicker or more
> confident kids to demonstrate figures might make it easier for others to
> learn, especially if they are in a big circle where everyone can see even
> if they can't hear (or listen). It would of course help if you had a
> wireless mic so you could make a noise (a funny-sounding whistle or kazoo?)
> to get them to pay attention to learn the next figure. Tough gig!
>
> David Chandler
>
> On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 1:07 PM, Linda S. Mrosko via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> 2-hand turns --  one year I was teaching a dance that had a 2-hand turn
>> -- which I discovered was beyond their comprehension.  Lots of blank faces
>> and a few tried to hold onto each other and turn under their own arches.  I
>> grabbed a young fellow close by and demonstrated a 2-hand turn and there
>> was a huge "a" from the group.  Who'd have thought that was a foreign
>> term for 18-year olds.  Why don't they teach this stuff in school anymore?
>>
>> Thanks for asking the gender question.  I still use ladies and gents when
>> necessary, but I add "those who are pretending to be gents" and "those who
>> are pretending to be ladies".  They're just kids and no one seems to mind.
>> But I've found it's easier to use mostly gender free dances.  That's why
>> Grease and Glue worked fairly well this year.  Don't have to be proper,
>> don't have to be improper, just have to have a partner.  Same with most
>> easy longways dances -- doesn't matter which side of the set you're on.
>>
>> On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 11:51 AM, Linda Leslie <laleslie...@comcast.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I use two hand turns with groups like yours….elbow swings work, too.
>>> Since there is more distance between dancers, they don’t seem to have any
>>> discomfort with these moves.
>>>
>>> A question for you, though:  if girls are dancing with girls, and boys
>>> with boys, how are you approaching the use of language to distinguish
>>> positions?
>>>
>>> thanks! Linda Leslie
>>>
>>>
>>> On Jun 17, 2017, at 12:31 PM, Linda S. Mrosko via Callers <
>>> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>
>>> That Tony Parkes dance looks good, but I'd never be able to use it with
>>> this crowd.  In years passed, I tried to teach them swings -- but I guess
>>> everybody still has cooties at 18 years -- never worked -- plus, you have a
>>> good number of girls dancing with girls and boys dancing with boys and it
>>> makes some of them uncomfortable.  This is a crowd that, when I tell them,
>>> let's make a big circle all around the room, they have trouble with the
>>> concept of what a circle looks like.  Not to re-mention the acoustics.
>>>
>>> As a contra dancer, I understand flow from figure to figure, but Swat
>>> the Flea into a right shoulder DSD wasn't a problem with this crowd.
>>>
>>> But thanks for sharing Tony's dance.  I don't remember ever seeing it
>>> before.
>>>
>>> On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 4:55 AM, John Sweeney via Callers <
>>> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi Linda,
>>>> Re your Box ‘n’ Swat:  I have a somewhat similar dance in my
>>>> files:
>>>>
>>>> Circle Mixers Are Fun (by Tony Parkes)
>>>>
>>>> A1) Into the Middle & Back x 2
>>>>
>>>> A2) Partner Right Hand: Balance & Box the Gnat; Partner Dosido
>>>>
>>>> B1) Partner Left Hand: Balance & Swat the Flea; Partner Seesaw
>>>> (Left Shoulder Dosido) 1 & 1/2 to meet your New Partner
>>>>
>>>> B2) New Partner Balance (OR Gypsy) & Swing
>>>>
>>>> Note that your sequence of Swat the Flea into Dosido involves
>>>> passing by the right when you are holding left hands.  Ton

Re: [Callers] Super easy dances - do they exist?

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

Oh how I wish that would work.  I've tried that technique over the years.
They just ignore me.  Shushing works, but I have to repeat the sh into
the mic lots of times.  A big part of the challenge is the acoustics --
it's worse than being in a gym.  For instance, I get them quiet and then
teach them the first move -- there is a roar -- I get them quiet again --
teach the next move -- there is a roar -- I get them quiet again -- teach
the third move -- there is a roar -- ad nauseam.  The musicians crank up
their music to the max for the dance, but even I can barely hear it over
the din from the dancers.  Short of hiring a person who can do that loud
whistle, I'm at a loss.  I've sort of grown used to it, but my temper is
short and I really have to watch myself.

On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 7:42 AM, Jeremy Child <jeremy.m.ch...@gmail.com>
wrote:

> To quiet a room I use the Girl Guides technique:
>
> I raise my hand, and anyone who sees me knows to stop talking and raise
> their hand too.  More notice this (other peoples hands up and slightly
> diminished volume).  This snowballs quite quickly as peer pressure kicks
> in, and is a very effective technique.  You have to teach it to them first,
> of course, but they pick it up quite quickly.
>
> Jeremy
> www.barndancecaller.net
>
> On 16 June 2017 at 20:10, Linda S. Mrosko via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> I lead an annual dance for 200+ 18-year olds in a hall with terrible
>> acoustics.  Been doing it for 15+ years.  If they all whispered at the same
>> time, it would sound like a roar in that room.  I can only do the most
>> basic stuff most of the time...simple circles, longways with lots of
>> sashaying, an easy folk dance.  But I experiment every now and then, which
>> lead me to come up with the following dances which, for the most part,
>> worked.  Am I stealing them from somebody?  (I like to give credit where
>> credit is due.)
>>
>> They call their dance "Swat the Flea".  I searched for a long time for a
>> very easy dance that had a Swat the Flea and finally wrote this one --
>>
>> BOX'NSWAT (Circle)
>> A1  Women into the middle and back; Gents into the middle & back
>> A2  All make a quarter turn to the right and walk single file to the right
>> B1  Women turn back to face partner -- all shake R hands with Partner &
>> Box the Gnat; change hands, Balance & Swat the Flea
>> B2  DSD Partner; Allemande R w/partner 1-1/2 to progress (women end
>> facing into the center ready to go F)
>>
>>
>> Since contra dances are almost impossible to teach to a loud, boisterous,
>> energetic bunch of 18-year olds who have never heard of or seen a contra
>> dance, I decided to give this a whirl -- and it worked -- mostly!  It would
>> probably be better with a smaller more sedate crowd.
>>
>> GREASE & GLUE (Contra formation -- Gender free -- all you need is a
>> partner)
>> A1  Couple 1 split Couple 2, return to places; Couple 1 DSD
>> A2  Couple 2 split Couple 1, return to places; Couple 2 DSD
>> B1  Star R; Star L (w/hands)
>> B2  Couples face each other -- Couples DSD 1-1/2 ending back-to-back,
>> facing next couple
>>
>>
>> As an aside -- how do you quiet a room with terrible acoustics full of
>> loud people?  Thanks!
>>
>> --
>>
>>
>>
>> *Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*
>>
>> *102 Mitchell Drive*
>>
>> *Temple, Texas 76501*
>>
>> *(903) 292-3713 <(903)%20292-3713> (Cell)*
>> *(903) 603-9955 <(903)%20603-9955> (Skype)*
>> *contradancetx.com <http://www.contradancetx.com>*
>>
>> *www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy* <http://www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*> (Dance
>> buttons, t-shirts, & more)*
>>
>> ___
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>
>>
>


-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com <http://www.contradancetx.com>*

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy* <http://www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*> (Dance
buttons, t-shirts, & more)*

Re: [Callers] Super easy dances - do they exist?

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

That Tony Parkes dance looks good, but I'd never be able to use it with
this crowd.  In years passed, I tried to teach them swings -- but I guess
everybody still has cooties at 18 years -- never worked -- plus, you have a
good number of girls dancing with girls and boys dancing with boys and it
makes some of them uncomfortable.  This is a crowd that, when I tell them,
let's make a big circle all around the room, they have trouble with the
concept of what a circle looks like.  Not to re-mention the acoustics.

As a contra dancer, I understand flow from figure to figure, but Swat the
Flea into a right shoulder DSD wasn't a problem with this crowd.

But thanks for sharing Tony's dance.  I don't remember ever seeing it
before.

On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 4:55 AM, John Sweeney via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hi Linda,
> Re your Box ‘n’ Swat:  I have a somewhat similar dance in my files:
>
> Circle Mixers Are Fun (by Tony Parkes)
>
> A1) Into the Middle & Back x 2
>
> A2) Partner Right Hand: Balance & Box the Gnat; Partner Dosido
>
> B1) Partner Left Hand: Balance & Swat the Flea; Partner Seesaw (Left
> Shoulder Dosido) 1 & 1/2 to meet your New Partner
>
> B2) New Partner Balance (OR Gypsy) & Swing
>
> Note that your sequence of Swat the Flea into Dosido involves
> passing by the right when you are holding left hands.  Tony’s sequences
> above allow much easier flow and connection as you can pull past with the
> connected hand.
>
> Last time I had the challenge of working with a room full of noisy
> youngsters (most of whom didn’t speak English) I just led by example,
> starting with a Grand March then did:
> Sausage (Circle) to the Left/Right (Till I was at the top)
> Long Lines Go Forward & Back
> Top couple Gallop Down (I just took the person opposite and galloped);
> Next Couple; Next Couple; Next Couple
> Repeat
>
> Once they has used up a bit of energy I was able to get them to
> quiet down a bit!
>
> Happy dancing,
> John
>
> John Sweeney, Dancer, England j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362
> http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
>
>
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> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>



-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
buttons, t-shirts, & more)*

[Callers] Super easy dances - do they exist?

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

I lead an annual dance for 200+ 18-year olds in a hall with terrible
acoustics.  Been doing it for 15+ years.  If they all whispered at the same
time, it would sound like a roar in that room.  I can only do the most
basic stuff most of the time...simple circles, longways with lots of
sashaying, an easy folk dance.  But I experiment every now and then, which
lead me to come up with the following dances which, for the most part,
worked.  Am I stealing them from somebody?  (I like to give credit where
credit is due.)

They call their dance "Swat the Flea".  I searched for a long time for a
very easy dance that had a Swat the Flea and finally wrote this one --

BOX'NSWAT (Circle)
A1  Women into the middle and back; Gents into the middle & back
A2  All make a quarter turn to the right and walk single file to the right
B1  Women turn back to face partner -- all shake R hands with Partner & Box
the Gnat; change hands, Balance & Swat the Flea
B2  DSD Partner; Allemande R w/partner 1-1/2 to progress (women end facing
into the center ready to go F)


Since contra dances are almost impossible to teach to a loud, boisterous,
energetic bunch of 18-year olds who have never heard of or seen a contra
dance, I decided to give this a whirl -- and it worked -- mostly!  It would
probably be better with a smaller more sedate crowd.

GREASE & GLUE (Contra formation -- Gender free -- all you need is a partner)
A1  Couple 1 split Couple 2, return to places; Couple 1 DSD
A2  Couple 2 split Couple 1, return to places; Couple 2 DSD
B1  Star R; Star L (w/hands)
B2  Couples face each other -- Couples DSD 1-1/2 ending back-to-back,
facing next couple


As an aside -- how do you quiet a room with terrible acoustics full of loud
people?  Thanks!

-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
buttons, t-shirts, & more)*

[Callers] Looking for "A Great Catch"

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

A friend is looking for a dance called by Steve Zakon-Anderson and she
believes it's called "A Great Catch."

Her description, as she remembers it, is:

"Ladies left allemande 1 1/2 and balance in a short wave with partner in R
hand, Walk forward to new wave with your shadow in your R hand, Allemand R
1 1/4 with shadow to long lines, ladies facing out, men facing in, Slide to
the right in front of your shadow and catch your partner for a swing,
?Circle to the left all the way around"

Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks!

-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*
*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)*
*contradancetx.com *

*www.zazzle.com/fuzzycozy*  (Dance
buttons, t-shirts, & more)*

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

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

We have had similar problems with a small number of dancers, mostly men.
One suffered a stroke and was trying to dance to get himself back in shape,
but he was extremely slow, confused and invariably always wanted to dance
with newcomers, which confused them.  As experienced dancers, we agreed to
keep him busy dancing with us only and that worked most of the time.

We have another gent who is very, very book smart, but not conceptually
smart.  After putting up with him dancing every dance with his girlfriend
who was also always confused, he finally confessed to the group that he
needed to know what the move after the swing was to keep him timely.
Viola!  Now that we know to give him more time to concentrate on the move
after a swing, he is a much improved dancer.

On Mon, Mar 6, 2017 at 9:40 PM, Meg Dedolph via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I've run into dancers as a caller and on the floor who fit this
> description - men and women both. Most of the time the problem seems to be
> that they can't get where they need to be on time, or they end a figure
> facing the wrong direction.
> But here's something that I learned in retrospect from an evening spent
> calling a small community dance with a pair of women who were moving too
> slowly for the music and who kept dancing together. I'd call a dance and
> identify these problems and think to myself, "Pick a different dance for
> the next one with a little more slop time in it and more figures where you
> are holding hands with someone and not on your own, or maybe an uneven
> dance." So I'd do that, but then I would notice that the women, who had
> gotten tired during the previous dance, had decided to sit out the dance
> that I'd picked to best meet their needs on the floor and prevent
> breakdowns!
> So then I'd go back to my original plan for the *next* dance, but there
> they'd be, back up on their feet, having rested!
> It took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out the pattern. Now I
> know to watch for folks who had a hard time during one dance choosing to
> sit out the next and regroup.
> But, y'know, as soon as I think I have something figured out about
> dancers, humankind throws me a curve ball.
> Meg
>
>
> On Mon, Mar 6, 2017 at 7:41 PM Winston, Alan P. via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> I've seen some responses on the organizers list and here, and I've
>> thought about the persistent rock-in-the-stream dancer we had in Berkeley
>> (who did, eventually, start modifying the dances so he could get where he
>> needed on time, and who indeed various women would ask to dance or he'd be
>> asking the new young women dancers and confusing them horribly).
>>
>> One thing I'm noticing from the similar stories and responses is that all
>> the rocks in the stream I'm hearing about are male, and it's falling on
>> experienced women dancers to save the dance from them.
>>
>> Is this just a problem with small sample sizes?  Has anyone encountered
>> this kind of dancer, the kind who really structurally can't ever be good at
>> it, spreads confusion, and yet keeps coming back, in female form?
>>
>> -- Alan
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 3/6/2017 5:24 PM, Mary Collins via Callers wrote:
>>
>> 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 

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

[Linda S. Mrosko via Callers]

I've had this dance for years to use when there are only 2 couples.  Can't
remember which contra dance it comes from, but it's modified by adding a
square thru 5-hands (zesty) instead of 4-hands to take you back to your
partner for the Balance & Swing.  It's fun and can be exhausting depending
on the tune.

*UNKNOWN* (2 cpls)

Tune:  Zesty

16   R Thru across & back

16   Star R/L

16   Square thru 5 hands (opp R, P L)

16   B P


On Tue, Oct 4, 2016 at 3:03 PM, Michael Barraclough via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> There are many, many 2-couple English Country Dances. I have successfully
> run a whole program with just 3 other dancers and myself as caller. "Thank
> this partner and ask another" gets interesting.
>
> Michael Barraclough
> www.michaelbarraclough.com
>
> --
>
> On Tue, 2016-10-04 at 12:09 -0700, QuiAnn2 via Callers wrote:
>
> I recently called at a contra dance where we had exactly 6 dancers for almost 
> the entire evening (one joined us later but only occasionally danced). This 
> was unexpected as they usually have attendance in the 12-20 range. I was able 
> to piece together a night of mixers, triplets, and oddball dances to make it 
> work and the dancers were game for anything so it ended up being a fun night. 
> But it got me thinking about what to do if only 4 dancers came to a dance 
> (meaning even if I jumped in, we would only have 5 total dancers). In order 
> to be better prepared for next time, I have a couple of questions.
>
> 1) Do you have any dances you can share that would work for 4 or 5 dancers? 
> Or also dances for 6 dancers that are not triplets (have plenty of triplets). 
> I have already collected Do-Si-3 and Haste to the Divorce, both of which I 
> modified so that they would not progress.
> 2) Could a whole evening (3 hours) of dance be put together for just 4-5 
> dancers?
> 3) What preparation can be done by me in advance to help with this situation? 
> It’s possible to talk with the organizer in advance about canceling the dance 
> if only 4 or 5 dancers show up, however, this particular dance is a 75 minute 
> drive one-way and I’d prefer to avoid the round trip if there won’t be enough 
> dancers. For various reasons, any dance promoting that I do myself would be 
> largely ineffective for this particular dance.
>
> Would love to hear about any ideas you can share. Thanks!
>
> Jacqui Grennan
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>
>
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>
>


-- 



*Looking forward,Linda S. Mrosko*

*102 Mitchell Drive*

*Temple, Texas 76501*

*(903) 292-3713 (Cell)*


*(903) 603-9955 (Skype)contradancetx.com *