Re: [Callers] [Organizers] contra dance gypsy

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

I'm experimenting with teaching this move as a right shoulder 'round, but
describing it as friendly/playful. I will try subbing one of those words
for RSR. I think it gets the idea of a face-to-face move without the
flirty/slur. I know, I know, there are tons of suggestions out there. None
of them that I've heard get the attitude across, and suggest face-to-face
without actually calling it FTF, or "eyeballs" or something, or without
sounding almost exactly like the G word. I know many people are
uncomfortable with eye contact, but the interaction has been missing when I
call it RSR, and I hear folks being wistful for that. I think a "playful"
might bring the spark back, eliminate confused do-si-doing, and be rather
fun.

-Amy

On Mon, Oct 7, 2019, 12:19 PM Becky Liddle via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> We should avoid the term “gypsy” in all ways, in my opinion, not just as
> an official dance call. In some areas of the world it is a racial slur akin
> to the N word. It has been reclaimed by some Roma in the same way some
> lesbians have reclaimed “dyke” but when a term is reclaimed, it can still
> only be used by a member of the group. I can call myself a dyke but you
> cannot, and a black person can use the N word but I, as a white person,
> cannot. Since we are not all Roma we need to avoid the term gypsy in the
> same ways we would avoid other racial/ethnic/other slurs. I miss the term,
> myself. There was a flirty quality to “gypsy” that “right shoulder round”
> simply cannot connote. But if there were a traditional term that used
> “dyke” in it, I would object, and I need to show the same respect to other
> groups. So when I call this weekend, it will be “right shoulder round”, tho
> in the walk-thru I’ll also say something like, “don’t forget to make a
> little joking-pretend-flirty eye contact as you go around! That’s the fun
> of it!”
> Becky
>
> On Oct 7, 2019, at 3:07 PM, Mac Mckeever via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> only slightly related question:  Why is it offensive to call a dance
> figure a gypsy but not offensive to be a dance gypsy?
>
> Mac McKeever
>
>
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Re: [Callers] Feeling Superstitious 

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

I enjoy this process, too. I like to toss in an opposite one. For example,
I called a first day of spring dance once and had a few spring-themed
dances, but I added in a winter-themed one, too, just for the laughs.
-Amy

On Tue, Sep 10, 2019, 7:01 PM Martha Wild via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Another thing that can be done, if you don’t want to just choose dances
> based on their names, is play with the names of the dances you do choose.
> Nice Tomb-ination. Monday Nightmare in Ballard. Be creative.
> Martha
>
>
> > On Sep 10, 2019, at 4:12 PM, Erik Hoffman via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> >
> > Since Greg mentioned it:
> >
> > Friday the Third Swing
> > Proper
> > Erik Hoffman
> >
> > A1Same-Sex (Bird) Neighbor Balance & Swing
> > A2Ones Allemande Left 1½;  Opposite Sex (Bird) Swing
> > B1Men (Larks) Right Shoulder Turn 1½;  Partner Swing
> > B2Circle Left ¾;  Twos do a Half Figure Eight down through Ones
> >
> > Written for the first night of Echo Summit, Friday the 13th, 1991.
> >
> > And, incase you're looking for Halloween dances:
> >
> >
> > Ghost of a Chance
> > Becket
> > Erik Hoffman
> >
> > A1On Left Diagonal: Women (Robins) Chain;  Straight across: Half
> Hey, Women (Robins) start  Right shoulder
> > A2Neighbor Balance & Swing
> > B1Circle Left ¾;  Ring Balance, w/ Neighbor: CA Twirl to face Partner
> > B2Walk past Pt, w/ Shadow Al Lft, ret to Pt & Sw
> >
> > You get a "Ghost of a Chance" to dance with your partner...
> >
> >
> > Al Olson wrote a dance called Halloween:
> >
> > Halloween
> > Al Olson
> >
> > A1Pass Thru across, Nbr Sw
> > A2Circle Lft ¾;  Pt Sw
> > B1Pt Half Prom; Wm Chain
> > B2LLF x 2
> >
> > I made a Variation:
> > Halloween 2
> > Improper
> >
> > A1Pass Thru Across; Nbr Sw
> > A2Circle Lft ¾;  Pt Al Rt ½ Half Hey Mn st Lft sh
> > B1Pt Gypsy, Sw
> > B2LLF  Wm Chain
> >
> >
> > ~Erik Hoffman
> >   Oakland, CA
> >
> > -Original Message-
> > From: Callers  On Behalf Of
> Kalia Kliban via Callers
> > Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2019 2:54 PM
> > To: callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> > Subject: Re: [Callers] Feeling Superstitious 
> >
> > On 9/10/2019 6:24 AM, Angela DeCarlis via Callers wrote:
> >> Hello all!
> >>
> >> I'm calling a delightful small-town dance here in Melrose, Florida
> >> this Friday...which is Friday the 13th, and also a full moon.
> >>
> >> I love using theme opportunities to collect new dances! Anyone have
> >> any ideas?
> >>
> >> Off the top of my head, I'll probably need to look into Mirror Mirror
> >> (Jim Kitch, I believe) and Cats and More Cats (Melanie Axel-Lute). I
> >> wonder if I could convince the band to play Stevie Wonder? 
> >
> > Dead Cat Bounce by Nathaniel Jack or Double Cat Bounce by Chris Page.
> > Evil Duane by Erik Weberg.  Hocus Pocus by Lisa Greenleaf.  Snake Oil
> Reel by Roger Diggle.  Lucky 7 mixer.  Some of these are just generically
> spooky, but they might fill a useful niche.  Can't wait to hear what the
> eventual program is!
> >
> > Kalia
> >
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Re: [Callers] Calling a "box circulate"

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Hi Lenore,

I've heard the phrase, "Gents cross, ladies loop; ladies cross, gents
loop," during the dance. I'll let someone else talk through the teaching
part.

-Amy

On Mon, Jan 7, 2019, 12:46 AM Lenore Frigo via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net wrote:

> I'm planning to call a dance with a box circulate, for the first time, and
> got to thinking, how do you call it during the dance? Do you use the actual
> word "circulate"? That seems clunky to me.I can think of lots of possible
> alternatives, but was wondering if there's a word that is commonly used.
>
> For context, I'll be calling this for a group that has for the most part
> never done a box circulate. (And while we're at it, if you have any tips
> for teaching the box circulate, I'd be glad to hear those as well!).
>
>
> Thanks so much,
> Lenore Frigo
>
>
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Re: [Callers] list of dances called at Warren's Roadhouse

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Karen Marshall has been the keeper of the notebook in recent years. She may
know. I can send her contact info to you off list.
-Amy

On Mon, Nov 5, 2018, 5:35 PM Michael Dyck via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net wrote:

> In Warren's Roadhouse at Seattle's Northwest Folklife Festival, there used
> to be (and probably still is) a notebook at the side of the stage, in
> which
> each caller would record the names of the dances they called.
>
> Has that info been put online? (My searches have been fruitless.)
>
> I seem to recall that someone had volunteered to do the data entry, but
> that
> was a while ago, and I forget who it was.
>
> -Michael
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Re: [Callers] 2 new contra dance compositions

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

It was a fun dance, and Doug did a great job with the video, as always.

On Thu, Aug 16, 2018 at 1:49 PM, Andy Shore via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Both of these have been road tested on tour with Polaris.
>
>
> *Serving REELness*
>
> Andy Shore
>
> Type: Contra
>
> Formation: Duple-Improper
>
> Level: Intermediate
>
>
> A1 ---
>
> (16) Neighbor balance and swing
>
> A2 ---
>
> (8) Revolving Door - Ladies in center by the right but**
>
> (8) 1/2 Hey, pass partner by left
>
> B1 ---
>
> (16) Partner balance and swing
>
> B2 ---
>
> (8) Circle Left 3/4 and pass through along the set
>
> (8) [Next] Neighbor Do-si-do
>
>
> Notes: **release revolving door a little early so that Gents are in the
> opposite Lady’s spot & have time to turn toward their right (tight loop) to
> come in for the left shoulder pass
>
>
> I'd introduce Revolving Doors with a simpler dance that goes into a Swing.
> E.g., the RD variation of Bronwyn Wood's "The Missing Piece"
>
>
>
> The world premiere with walk thru & dance was captured on video by Doug
> Plummer here: https://youtu.be/uAZCZzm1tI8
> Not mentioned in that debut was the early release of the Gents from
> Revolving Door and their tight loop to the right
>
> The title comes from the FX TV show "Pose".
>
>
>
> *Alpha Ursae Minoris*
>
> Andy Shore
>
> Type: Contra
>
> Formation: Becket-CCW  [no circle]
>
> Level: Advanced (Weekend/Challenging level)
>
>
> * ID shadow beyond partner in becket
>
> A1 ---
>
> (8) Promenade across the Set (J hook to progress)
>
> (8) Mad Robin - ladies in front
>
> A2 ---
>
> (8) Neighbor RH Across - Balance & Box the Gnat (don't let go)
>
> (8) with N & Shadow, Square Thru 4 (no balances) - make the 4th hand an
> Allemande Left 1/2 w/ Shadow
>
> [to long waves with Gents facing OUT, partner in RH, shadow in LH]
>
> B1 ---
>
> (4,4) Balance the Wave, Box Circulate
>
> (8)  Neighbor swing
>
> B2 ---
>
> (4,2) [1/4 ricochet hey] Gents go in and push back on diagonal, Ladies
> Cross passing Left
>
> (10) Swing Partner
>
>
> Notes: ** when out with partner, cross over & be ready for Balance & Box
> the Gnat to be there for Square thru with Shadow & P
>
>
> Take time to ID N & Shadow for square thru = the ONLY 2 people you touch!
> This is outside your minor set!
>
>
> This is a high piece count dance with little chance for recovery. *Not
> for the faint of heart! *Probably should introduce figures in other
> dances first - Mad Robin, Square Thru, ricochet hey, Box Circulate
>
>
> Named after Polaris (the band) who helped me finalize this dance. Alpha
> Ursae Minoris is another name for Polaris, the pole star.
>
>
>
> Enjoy!
>
> /Andy Shore
>
>
>
>
>
>
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[Callers] Author! Author!

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Hey All,

Can someone identify this dance I got from someone who got it from someone
else, neither of whom knows the name or author of it?

A1  Rings of 4 balance, Nbr SW
A2  Whole set "oval" L, oval R
B1  Gents allemande L 1.5, Ptr SW
B2  Cir L 3 places, rings bal.
   Ptr Cal. twirl (to face new nbrs)

Thanks,
-Amy
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Re: [Callers] Dance logs and record-keeping

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Well, I've danced to a caller who decided that the exact same program, with
the exact same memorized patter, would work in the same city if separated
by a week and in a different venue. Not so much.

-Amy

On Wed, Mar 7, 2018, 11:15 PM Yoyo Zhou via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> On Tue, Mar 6, 2018 at 5:41 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Dance logs, a cumulative record for a series of which dances have been
>> called on any given evening, are very common in the English dance community
>> but vanishingly rare in the contra community.  Why is that? They're really
>> helpful for incoming callers, and it's probably nice for the dancers not to
>> keep getting the same dances week after week.
>>
>
> Another factor is that English dances usually specify the tune that goes
> with them. Contra dances very rarely do. So if a dance series has a house
> band that plays most of the time, as some of the Bay Area English dances
> do, then a repeated English dance may be the same figures done to the same
> tune played by the same musicians. For a contra, even if the same band
> played the same set of tunes, it's typical to change tunes partway through
> the dance, anyway, so it's hard to achieve the same degree of repetition.
>
> Of course, repetition isn't always looked down upon. I've heard that the
> weekly dance in Nelson, NH always has Chorus Jig on the program, and other
> dances that repeat week to week. Some contra dancers do appreciate
> recognizing dances - ah, Poetry in Motion, I know how that one goes.
>
> As Mac says, the type of repetition that contra dancers really notice is
> within an evening - when four dances in a row have heys, or half of the
> dances have Petronella turns, and all start to feel the same... and that's
> a type of repetition that's less likely to appear in ECD, where dances that
> have similar figures could easily be done to different tempos or meters.
>
> Personally, I keep track of all the dances that I've actually called,
> because I don't want to call the same dances all the time; most of the time
> it's slightly different from what I programmed originally. I add notes to
> myself if something didn't go well. I can't remember if I've been asked by
> organizers for my program, but it may have happened once or twice.
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> Yoyo Zhou
>
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Re: [Callers] Dance logs and record-keeping

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Huh! I never thought of that for the dance we run. I keep a file of each
gig and the dances I called at each. I also write on each dance card the
date and location of each time I've called it, so I don't repeat myself too
often.

There's a record of contra dances called at Northwest Folklife Festival. I
don't know how far back it goes.

I'll talk to my fellow organizers about starting this at Emerald City
Contra Dance.

-Amy

On Tue, Mar 6, 2018, 5:42 PM Kalia Kliban via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Dance logs, a cumulative record for a series of which dances have been
> called on any given evening, are very common in the English dance
> community but vanishingly rare in the contra community.  Why is that?
> They're really helpful for incoming callers, and it's probably nice for
> the dancers not to keep getting the same dances week after week.
>
> I've only ever known of one contra series that kept a log, and it's
> probably because I suggested it when they started out (the Queer Contra
> series in Oakland, CA).  Are there any contra organizers out there who
> maintain a dance log?  Those of you who do, how do you get the dance
> lists from the callers?  The Oakland series had a little book on the
> stage and the callers would write their programs down as they went or at
> the end of the night.
>
> Part of it comes down to record-keeping on the part of the callers.  I
> keep a personal log of all the dances I've called so I can avoid
> repeating myself when I return to a given venue.  That makes it easy for
> me to produce a set list after the fact if an organizer wants to fill in
> a gap in the log.  Fellow contra callers, do you all keep records of
> what you call, and if you don't, how do you avoid repeating yourself or
> remember what worked well (or not) the last time you called at a
> particular place?
>
> If you work with something like Caller's Companion, do you update the
> program list with what you actually danced as opposed to what you
> programmed?
>
> Just curious about other people's process on this.
>
> Kalia in Sebastopol, CA
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Re: [Callers] Looking for "fun" dances

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

I heartily second Maia's opinion. I know someone who tries that move on
women every time there's a LLFB and it really rankles me. It's intrusive,
and some people bump too hard, causing bruising. Not fun.
-Amy


On Jan 31, 2018 12:31 PM, "Maia McCormick via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> At the risk of being a wet blanket, I've found Carmen’s Contra (the dance
> with the hip checks) to be pretty uncomfortable to dance -- that's some
> pretty close contact mandated by the choreography. If anyone on this list
> chooses to the call this dance, I'd encourage you to offer an alternative
> move that fits with the music but is less close/pelvic-ly intimate so that
> dancers can make that choice for themselves.
>
> Yours in wet blankets,
> Maia
>
> On Tue, Jan 30, 2018 at 8:15 PM, Delia Clark via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> *Here are a few dances I’ve found can enhance a silly atmosphere!*
>>
>> *Carmen’s Contra, which I think is by Lisa Greenleaf*
>> *NOTE:  Men empty right pockets before dance!!*
>>
>>  *A*
>>
>> Circle left ¾, pass through – (8) *(progression)*
>>
>> Do-si-do next neighbor – (8)
>>
>> With same neighbor: clap, clap, bump, bump *(clap two hands, bump right
>> hips)* – (4)
>>
>> With that neighbor swing – (12)
>>
>>  *B*
>>
>> Long lines forward and back – (8)
>>
>> Women allemande right, 1 1/2 – (8)
>>
>> Partners balance and swing – (12)
>>
>>
>> *Aw Shucks! by Carol Copp*
>> *NOTE: To teach the clapping, have everyone say together “Right, left,
>> both, turn! Right, left both, swing!”*
>>
>> *A*
>>
>> Ones sashay down center – (8)
>>
>> Ones sashay back up stopping between the twos – (8)
>>
>> Ones face each other, clap one beat each: right, left, both and turn to
>> face neighbors – (4)
>>
>> Neighbors facing each other clap: right, left  – (3)
>>
>> Neighbors swing – (9)  *End facing down the set in line of four*
>>
>> *B*
>>
>> Down the hall in lines of four holding hands *twos in the middle* – (8)
>>
>> Turn as a couple *(gents back up while ladies go forward)*, and come
>> back up, ones in center – (8)
>>
>> Ones drop hands in middle of line, fall back into long lines
>> *(progressed)* Ladies chain across – (8)
>>
>> Ladies chain back – (8)  *Ones are ready to sashay again, stopping
>> between the NEXT twos.*
>>
>>
>> *Casino Polka by Tony Parkes*
>>
>> *NOTE: It’s fun if neighbors take a dramatic cheek-to-cheek ballroom
>> position*
>>
>> *A*
>>
>> Neighbors, heel, toe, sashay *(start with gent’s left foot, lady’s right
>> foot)* (4) back in (4)
>>
>> *“Heel and toe and step together, step”*
>>
>> Repeat (8)
>>
>> Do-si-do neighbor (8)
>>
>> Swing neighbor (8) *(End facing across)*
>>
>> *B*
>>
>> Gents allemande left, 1 ½ times around (8)
>>
>> Partner swing on the side of the set (8)
>>
>> Circle left 1 ¼ times (8) *(end facing down or up)*
>>
>> Pass right shoulders through to next couple (8) *(progression)*
>>
>>
>>
>> <>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>
>>
>> Delia Clark
>> PO Box 45
>> Taftsville, VT 05073
>> Office/mobile: +1-802-457-2075 <(802)%20457-2075>
>> deliacla...@gmail.com
>> www.deliaclarkconfluence.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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Re: [Callers] Etiquette of refusing an offer to dance

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Greetings All,

I really like JD's methods. When teaching I do an abbreviated version of
that, but I think I'll expand it to include a _kind_ refusal, and universal
participation during the lesson.

My husband and I are dance organizers, and for several years have been
working hard to make the atmosphere of the dance welcoming and safe for
all. We have signs in the restrooms about behavior. The one in the women's
states that if one doesn't want to dance with someone, for any reason, it
is best to be quick about it, saying, "No, thank you," so the ask-er has
time to find a different partner. Skip the lengthy excuse, then find a
partner you _want_ to dance with.

Also, at the end of a dance, I often encourage people to invite someone
who's sitting out to dance. Every once in a while I ask new folks to
identify themselves, then ask experienced dancers to dance with them.

-Amy




On Dec 17, 2017 12:01 AM, "JD Erskine via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

On 2017-12-16 1139, Kalia Kliban via Callers wrote:

> Hi all,
>

snip


To what extent has that earlier etiquette norm either survived or been
> replaced, and what has it been replaced with?  In your dance community,
> do you have a written statement of the etiquette around this?  Our
> community's statement doesn't directly address this issue.
>
> Kalia
>

I'm aware of it the earlier approach. Like Martha I once chose to follow it
and sit one out now and again.

I think it's pretty much died, and across a number of dance forms in my
village, and the local and larger regions here. I couldn't say when,
however it isn't a taught thing, to my knowledge.

I've not seen a written statement, in any social/country dance form in my
village or the major neighbouring one.

When offering an introductory session, typically for Contra or sometimes
for a larger/longer "Community" or ONS event, I cover it at some point.

Rather than talk about it, or model it, I have _everyone_ pattern it.

All I do is state that anyone may ask anyone to dance, that we all have the
freedom to accept or not. I often include that _no_ reason,
excuse/"excuse", explanation, or additional words are necessary, useful or
expected.

Then I give a basic verbal example like,

"Would you like to dance?" "Yes please/thank you."
(depends on my mind that day.)

"Would you like to dance?" "No thank you."

I count to three, we all _loudly_ ask, then we all loudly answer,
accepting. Then I start again and we all ask, then all kindly say no.

Often many are laughing by the time that is done.

Sometimes I've seen the mood, esp. amongst some who may have seemed
concerned (generally), lighten a bit. Usually lots of smiles. Thing is
they've all practised it, and now know that those in the room know this is
an accepted approach. I think that takes a load off some minds, if not
about this then possibly about being there, trying something new. We're
laughing and that eases a number of things in general.

Enough regular dancers participate in the Contra intro session that it's
not only newcomers who hear this, from me. If it's late enough in the time
frame of that others are in the room and hear it as well.


The Me-Too moment:

I've really only had one major instance of a persistent series of
"askings", over one event and from one person at that. I danced a couple of
them. I then chose to say more, thanking them for the attention and the
awareness given me that they thought it fun to dance with me, however
pointing out there were more people than I could possibly dance with there
over that type of dance weekend, and that I too had friends I'd not dance
with if I acquiesced to every request. (We were both visiting that city.)
It wasn't comfortable to say, however the attention wasn't welcome either.

I think the point was made kindly enough that I wasn't their "ride", to
satisfy them simply out of courtesy. Perhaps this informed me a bit with
respect to my inclusions when teaching. Dunno.

I'm glad of the aspect Alan provided regarding Austenites/Regency. Very
handy to know. It's the kind of thing I might have read and automatically
tempered myself in a contemporary setting without considering the effect
that same reading might have on a died-in-the-wool fan.

Thank you for the question and the thread. It might prove to be an
interesting and useful one for the SW Dance Organiser list denizens.

Compliments of the season to all.

Cheers, John
-- 
J.D. Erskine
Victoria, BC


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Re: [Callers] Balancing LEFT in a wave?

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

In my experience the momentum of an allemande right automatically takes one
either to the right or forward. Same goes for an allemande left: momentum
takes you to the left or forward. A balance left just doesn't flow after am
AR, because if you have a good connection with your allemande you're
already pulling to the left a bit. That leaves you nowhere to go,
left-wise. SO! I agree with the multitudes here: make the balance F

-Amy

On Nov 8, 2017 11:07 AM, "Maia McCormick via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Recently called a dance with an allemande R into long waves, balance wave,
> allemande L. Because of personal preference, I taught the balance as
> "balance left, then right", but cuz I didn't teach it all that clearly, the
> dancers defaulted back into balancing right first, and enough tricky stuff
> was happening in the dance that I didn't wanna correct them in flight.
>
> I'm just wondering: do others agree that a balance left makes more sense /
> flows better in this context, or is this a weird personal preference? In
> your opinion, does the flow of the balance left outweigh its potential
> unidiomaticness?
>
> Cheers,
> Maia
>
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Re: [Callers] Pirate Themed Dances!

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Nathaniel Jack also wrote "Walk the Plank."

On Sep 16, 2017 9:17 AM, "Angela DeCarlis via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> These are all great suggestions, thanks all! Keep em coming!
>
> After gong through my dances, I've also pulled out Bob Isaacs's "Double
> Trouble," my* "Sharks in the Pond," and...*cough*...Luke Donforth's "Leave
> 'Em Hanging."
>
>
>
>
> *written also with Lynn Ackerson, Bryan Suchenski, and Erika Rosenberg in
> a Pinewoods workshop led by Rick Mohr some years ago.
>
> On Sep 16, 2017 11:31 AM, "Maia McCormick via Callers" <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> A Pirate's Life for Me, by Nathaniel Jack (haaa Perry you were too quick
>> on the draw!)
>>
>> Also, cheap trick, but the gimmick of Maggie Jo Saylor's dance is
>> petronella turn and instead of the claps, shouting "yo ho!" -- can be
>> applied to any petronella turn set to a jig.
>>
>> On Sat, Sep 16, 2017 at 10:53 AM, Donald Perley via Callers <
>> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>>> Not exactly pirate, but Hull's Victory is nautical theme with waves
>>> and a horpipish
>>> dedicated tune.
>>>
>>> On Sat, Sep 16, 2017 at 10:29 AM, Don Veino via Callers
>>>  wrote:
>>> > Well, there's my The Love Pirate, which offers the softer side of the
>>> pirate
>>> > lifestyle: http://veino.com/blog/?p=1634
>>> >
>>> > On Sep 16, 2017 10:21 AM, "Angela DeCarlis via Callers"
>>> >  wrote:
>>> >
>>> > He- Ahem- AHOY, Shared Weight?
>>> >
>>> > Did you know that September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day?
>>> >
>>> > Me neither, but the dance I'm calling tonight was sure to let me know!
>>> I
>>> > know there are a bunch of Pirate-themed dances out there (one that I
>>> heard
>>> > Maggie Jo Saylor called years ago springs to mind, with two
>>> consecutive wave
>>> > balances).  Send along some of your favorites, maybe others with gigs
>>> this
>>> > weekend will find they come in handy!
>>> >
>>> > Thanks!
>>> > Angela
>>> >
>>> > www.angeladecarlis.com
>>> >
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>>> >
>>> >
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[Callers] Genderless calling

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Hi All,

I recently had the opportunity to call a contra to a group of rank
beginners in a difficult situation: outdoors, on sloping concrete, without
amplification for either myself or the band, to people not expecting a
dance, with a band mostly unfamiliar with either contra or fiddle tunes,
who had no opportunity to practice or choose tunes. It was a staff party
with a barnyard theme. Granted, this particular good of people is
accustomed to being spontaneous and silly at times, most are in their 20's,
and it's a liberal, accepting group.

The organizers wanted to use the terms "cows" and "chickens" instead of any
other usual terms for dancers. When they arrived at the party each person
chose a name tag with either a cow or a chicken on it. They didn't know it,
but this determined which role they'd play in the dance. I arbitrarily
chose to "put the chicken on the right, because the chicken is always
right." (I keep chickens, and they ARE always right)

There was not time for much of a lesson, either. It'd have been much easier
if everyone had joined the dance at the beginning. All said, just about
everyone had a really great time, myself included. The band was hyped up to
try another dance evening later in the week, though that never
materialized.

I never mentioned gender in any way. That part just seemed to not matter.
They were dancing with their friends. It didn't matter that they weren't
experts or even very good.

I was heartened and encouraged to try something like this again, perhaps
with more widely used dancer terms.

-Amy
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Re: [Callers] Another vote for "jets" and "rubies"

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Donna,
I can imagine a scenario in which organizers would be shy to share this
information for fear of retaliation or pressure from those who want them to
change their practices. Having received such pressure, personally, I am
sure it will happen to others. I'm not saying all pressure to change is
bad, but that some people don't like being pushed. It is a (smallish) issue
around the term "gypsy" in my neck of the woods.
-Amy

On Jan 31, 2017 6:39 AM, "Donna Hunt via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

If we were creating a doc for attendance and opening it up to the "world of
contra dances organizers" to comment why not add some other categories that
we've been discussing?

Linda Leslie suggested the Organizers group might have stats.  I'm
wondering if CDSS keeps any?

When Jeff replied to my query about LGBTQ dances and groups using
non-gender terminology I wasn't at all surprised to see the list (since I
know most of those groups), but I *was* surprised to realize that there
were no groups in other major cities throughout the country.

Topics that might be on the Doc:
Dance Organizations that use non-gender terminology
Dance Organizations that have considered but decided not to use non-gender
terminology
Dance Organizations that have decided to use a non "gypsy" terminology
Dance Organizations that have considered but decided not to use non "gypsy"
terminology

There could be a write in section where Dance Organizations could state
which terms they use.

I would request that the attendance be under 25, 26-50, 51-75, 76-100,
etc.  Or even increments of 20.  There are several small groups in this
country that survive with under 20 attendance and other groups where a drop
in 25 dancers means serious financial hardship.

Dave is concerned that groups might be wary about posting such
information.  Are there groups represented on this list that might NOT
participate in this information gathering?  Seems useless to even create
the Doc unless folks are willing to post the data.

Donna Hunt





-Original Message-
From: Dave Casserly via Callers 
To: Jeff Kaufman 
Cc: callers 
Sent: Mon, Jan 30, 2017 4:12 pm
Subject: Re: [Callers] Another vote for "jets" and "rubies"

What if we made a Google doc with more vague categories where dances could
self-report their attendance?  Something like, a column for the state where
the dance is located, a column for 2015 average attendance, all done in
ranges of 1-50, 51-100, etc, and another column for 2017 attendance, with
the same ranges?  I think that would be useful for purposes of knowing how
many dances are suffering declining attendance, and where those dances are,
but wouldn't give out enough specific information to make organizers queasy
about publicly releasing data.

On Mon, Jan 30, 2017 at 1:35 PM, Jeff Kaufman via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> For attendance, what I would love to see is dances making their
> attendance numbers fully public.  Something like a googledocs
> spreadsheet that anyone can view where you put in attendance numbers.
>
> (I've advocated for this, internally to BIDA, for years
> (unsuccessfully).  We do have a sheet like this, but it's not public.)
>
> On Mon, Jan 30, 2017 at 1:07 PM, Linda Leslie via Callers
>  wrote:
> > It may be that the Organizers’ List for Shared Weight may have this kind
> of
> > data.
> > Linda
> >
> > On Jan 30, 2017, at 12:51 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers
> >  wrote:
> >
> > No, I haven't seen statistical analysis of this. Maybe it's worthwhile
> for
> > this to be polled out to various dances.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Ron
> >
> > On Jan 30, 2017 10:54 AM, "Donna Hunt"  wrote:
> >
> > Just getting back to this thread, lots to catch up on.
> >
> > Jeff and Ron:  You both seem like the statisticians here.  Is there any
> data
> > that reflects where in the country the LGBTQ gender-free dances are and
> > where the communities that use gender-free terminology are?
> >
> > Just curious.
> >
> > Ron:  When you say that local dances attendance is down is there data
> about
> > that compared to dances where attendance is not down?  Again, looking for
> > information country wide or even geographic area.
> >
> > Thanks
> > Donna Hunt
> >
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> >
> >
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-- 
David 

Re: [Callers] Another vote for "jets" and "rubies"

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

My husband keeps attendance records for our weekly dance in Seattle, and
has done so for ~16 years. What sort of info do you seek? Just an overall
trend, or numbers, or something else?
-Amy

On Jan 30, 2017 10:07 AM, "Linda Leslie via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> It may be that the Organizers’ List for Shared Weight may have this kind
> of data.
> Linda
>
> On Jan 30, 2017, at 12:51 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> No, I haven't seen statistical analysis of this. Maybe it's worthwhile for
> this to be polled out to various dances.
>
> Best regards,
> Ron
>
> On Jan 30, 2017 10:54 AM, "Donna Hunt"  wrote:
>
> Just getting back to this thread, lots to catch up on.
>
> Jeff and Ron:  You both seem like the statisticians here.  Is there any
> data that reflects where in the country the LGBTQ gender-free dances are
> and where the communities that use gender-free terminology are?
>
> Just curious.
>
> Ron:  When you say that local dances attendance is down is there data
> about that compared to dances where attendance is not down?  Again, looking
> for information country wide or even geographic area.
>
> Thanks
> Donna Hunt
>
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Re: [Callers] Wrist-Lock Stars

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

The wrist lock is the common star formation in the Northwest, with a hands
across being the exception.
-Amy
Seattle

On Oct 10, 2016 5:37 AM, "Dave Casserly via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Jeff Kaufman wrote a paper on regional variations in contra dance.  Here's 
> what
> he found
> 
> for wrist-grip stars (page 31 of the link).  Basically, they're common
> everywhere in the US except in some parts of the South.  This is based on
> data from ten or more years ago, so I'm not sure if that's still true.  I
> would not be surprised if it isn't-- there's enough cross-contamination
> that wrist-grips could have taken over even in the South.  We do have
> people from Georgia and North Carolina on the list; hopefully they'll chime
> in.
>
> -Dave
> Washington, DC
>
> On Mon, Oct 10, 2016 at 4:31 AM, John Sweeney via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>> I have been to contra dances and festivals all over America and
>> everywhere I have danced everyone automatically uses a wrist-lock star
>> (unless the caller has specified hands-across because of the subsequent
>> choreography).
>>
>> But I am constantly challenged in England by people claiming that
>> wrist-lock stars are not the standard in America.
>>
>> When I go to somewhere like The Flurry and see 600 people from all
>> over the country all doing wrist-locks it seems to me that it must be the
>> standard way of doing things.
>>
>> And obviously it has been common in America for a long time; this
>> video is from 1964 in Northern Vermont and shows wrist-lock stars:
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZubTju7g_s
>>
>> So, are there still significant communities that don't use
>> wrist-locks?
>>
>> Is the wrist-lock the de facto standard?
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> 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
>>
>>
>>
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>
>
> --
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[Callers] Recognize this?

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

I've had this dance for years and don't know who wrote it or what it's
called. Anyone know?

Duple, improper
A1 ladies chain up/down set to neighbor
  Partner swing
A2 circle L 3 places
  Neighbor swing
B1 long lines F & B
  Ladies chain
B2 circle L 1 1/4
  Rings of 4 balance, California twirl

-Amy

Re: [Callers] Another Existential Inquiry

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Yeah, I don't understand the whole "must have a neighbor swing!" thing.
Half the dances in my collection don't have one and they're some of my
favorite dances. I can remember ONE complaint about calling two no-NS
dances back-to-back once. A dancer told me that was a horrible no-no. I try
not to program them in succession now, but I refuse to leave them off my
program. These are often much more interesting dances because there is time
for other, less commonly used, moves. Instead of having one very short
swing to get in the "required moves" (as if this was a dance competition!)
one gets to be relaxed and enjoy the dance.

-Amy

On Jul 26, 2016, at 9:57 PM, Martha Wild via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

What is it with people and every dance having to have a neighbor swing? I
personally dislike dance programs where every dance has a neighbor swing.
Sometimes I’d like to pay attention to the partner I’m dancing with and not
everyone else. Sometimes interesting choreography is available when you
don’t have to squeeze two swings into everything. It adds variety to a
program when there some dances without neighbor swings.

When I first started dancing many years ago, lots of dances didn’t have a
partner swing and only had a neighbor swing. Mother-in-law dances, we
called them. And sometimes, when I had a partner who was really bad at
swinging, I was happy to do them!

So I don’t think your first dance is fatally flawed, or even should be
considered as having a bug - it’s just what it is, a dance with a partner
swing, and as you said, on a hot night in a crowded hall without
air-conditioning, one swing, or even dances where only actives swing, can
suddenly be desirable.

Martha


On Jul 26, 2016, at 6:39 PM, Don Veino via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

Given the simplicity of the following, I expect to confirm they already
exist... but thought I'd check in with the knowledgeable horde here on SW.

This is something I apparently "wrote" over a year ago but found again
during a files dive today. :) I expect I may have put it aside due to no
Neighbor swing in the first pass. Spun off w/another A2 to address that
just now, below.

Revisiting them in light of the great heat we've had locally, they might be
sweet lower exertion dances with the right tunes. And lack of a second
swing can be a "feature" vs. "bug" in such conditions.

Please let me know the real author(s), should it not be me. :)

Thanks,
Don

Don Veino DRAFT 20150117 - Becket Left/CW

A1
LT Diag R Thru
Ladies Chain Straight Across
A2
Star Left
Star Right
B1
Big Oval Left and Right (until opposite P)
B2
Gents Allemande Left 1/2x
Partner Glance Around* Right, Swing

Don Veino DRAFT 20160726 - Becket Left/CW

A1
LT Diag R Thru
Ladies Chain Straight Across
A2
Ladies Glance Around* Right 1x
Neighbor Swing
B1
Big Oval Left and Right (until opposite P)
B2
Gents Allemande Left 1/2x
Partner Glance Around* Right, Swing

*Glance Around is just a placeholder for that other call, you know the
one...
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[Callers] Name that dance

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Hi All,
I collected a dance from Lisa Greenleaf. Neither she nor the person
from whom she collected it knows the author. I'm hoping you can help
me. Here it is:

Holiday Daze
Becket
A1 Cir L 3/4, pass through
New neighbor swing
A2 Long lines F
Ladies chain
B1 Left diag. hey for 4
B2 (original) Ladies L shoulder gypsy
Partner swing

Thanks
-Amy

[Callers] Dance I wrote

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Hi All,

Remember that I posted a dance I wrote, which I finished at the WA
State caucus (called "Feelin' the Bern")? I called it at Northwest
Folklife Festival and it went well. There's a 16-count swing at the
end. I got several comments here that that was too long and I should
shorten it and add something else. I left it long. That swing was the
thing I got the most positive feedback about on that dance. There is
video of it on Facebook, courtesy of Matt Fisher, though if you are
not his friend you may not be able to see it.

-Amy

Re: [Callers] Confirming Bookings - Best Practices?

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

I'm one third of a dance organizing team. The person who does our
bookings of bands and callers has frequent brain farts. My husband
(3rd part of team) and I have had to make hasty repairs many times. I
try to stay in the loop of email transactions, but that isn't always
possible, depending on how our booker contacts people. I would advise
trying to find whether there is more than one person you could
contact, and copy them all with all your correspondence. Better odds.
-Amy in Seattle

> On May 8, 2016, at 12:19 PM, Don Veino via Callers 
>  wrote:
>
> What do folks do to ensure dance booking contacts remember that they've 
> booked you?
>
> I just had my second booking in a row in a certain geography forget that they 
> had booked me. What's curious is that in both cases these dances approached 
> me by email (I could understand it maybe if it were the other way around?), 
> we had an exchange where we clarified the dates, etc. and confirmed we were 
> all set. We agreed to connect again with any final questions on program, 
> accommodation, etc. as we approached closer to the date. The first case 
> turned out to be rather comical in their confusion - the second I can't 
> figure out.
>
> So, short of calling/emailing monthly, what do YOU do to ensure folks 
> remember their booking commitment with you?
>
> Thanks,
> Don
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Re: [Callers] New dance?

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Tom and Erik are quite right about that swing. It lasts FOREVER, which
is a little too long.  I took Michael's suggestion and started at A2.
I also took Michael's suggestion of turning the allemande into a
two-eyed turn (an "eye-lemande" as my friend Matthew coined). Thank
you for the suggestions for changing that bit.

Two callers danced it tonight. One (my husband, Tom) thought the flow
was good, but the swing was definitely too long. The other caller said
she really liked that the mad robin wasn't with your partner, which
she said tends to make a dance seem very partner-only-centric,
ignoring the neighbors. She agreed with me that I need to figure out a
better way to teach it. One of the band members noticed the long swing
and said it needs some other element to break it up.

This particular dance community has lots of beginners and folks who
just don't dance very well. It took them a while to get the circle
right-to star right transition. Tom thought that part was simple. He
noticed that when one is out at the ends one should not cross over,
but should stand "proper."

I very much appreciate your input, guys. Next time I'll try some more
of your ideas.

-Amy

> On Mar 26, 2016, at 5:50 PM, Tom Hinds  wrote:
>
> Nice dance Amy.  I really like the sequence of moves.
> I'm trying to imagine this in my head and assume that the allemande right is 
> once around which takes less than 8 beats to do.
>
> Hope you don't mind suggesting a change.  I would change the allemande right 
> to once and a half.  That would give us:
>
> B2neighbor allemande right 1 1/2
>ladies ric.  men pass left
>
> T
>

[Callers] New dance?

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

While preparing to teach the beginners' session for tonight's dance in
Olympia, WA, I jotted down several figures I could teach that would be
simple enough, flow reasonably well and get them dancing. I looked at
my list and said, "Huh! This looks like an actual dance." I was
missing one figure to complete it. Today, while waiting for our caucus
to begin, I decided on the final figure. My caller/musician friend,
Valerie Cohen, who was sitting next to us, said I should call it the
Caucus Shuffle. I said I was planning to call it "Feelin' the Bern,"
to which she responded, "Then it should progress left." You're
welcome.

I think the dance works whether one starts at A1 or A2. Starting at A2
would end with a partner swing, which is always nice at the end of the
evening.

At any rate, here's the dance. My questions are, 1) does this already
exist? and 2) do you see any major problems with it?

Feelin' the Bern
Becket, improper contra

A1 Partner swing (16)
A2 Long lines forward and back (8)
  Mad robin (ladies go in front) (8)
B1 Circle right 3 places (~8)
  New neighbors star right (8)
B2 Neighbor allemande right (8)
  Half hey (gents pass left), ladies ricochet (8)

-Amy

P.S. I'm going to call it tonight, but not for the beginner session.
I'll start by having everyone shuffle, single-file, around the oval of
the set, until they return to where they started.

[Callers] Gypsy Wrap-Up

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Hi All,

I finally composed a response to the original complainant. Here it is,
followed by an almost instant reply from him (yes, it is a male):

Hello Mr.__,

Thank you for letting us know about your experience at our dance. I am glad
our community was so welcoming and friendly to you. I hope you remember
that in the future.

As for the term "gypsy," it has been used in contra dancing for decades,
and is not my invention. I am sorry you were offended by my use and
description of it. It is my habit to let dancers know the name and author
of each dance I call, and "gypsy" is in the title of that dance. I regret
my description of the move as "flirty." I thank you for reminding me that
some people are uncomfortable with that, and I will no longer suggest it.
As for the name of the move itself, you are correct in that it has never
been meant as a pejorative. I cannot, however, change it on my own. Contra
is a folk dance and the folk process takes time. There is no governing body
in charge of naming the terms used in contra dancing. When someone invents
a new move they give it a name and it gradually works its way into the
vernacular.

I can assure you that callers nationwide are discussing this and other
terms we use which we are learning are offensive to others. We are
endeavoring to change what we can, but you might imagine that coming to a
consensus between many hundreds of callers is neither swift nor sure. This
is especially true, given the lack of a governing body.

For my part, I have decided to remove the term "gypsy" from my calling and
am searching for a substitute. It is not in my power to rename dances. At
Emerald City Contra Dance we book approximately 25 different callers every
year, from across the United States and beyond. I am just one. Please
understand that if you return to our dance you may hear that term used
again, until such time as awareness has spread as far and wide as the
callers themselves.

Sincerely,

Amy Wimmer
Caller and ECCD Organizer

His response:

Thank you for your very thoughtful and informative response. I feel much
better about continuing to attend, hearing that there is an awareness of
this issue and conversations happening about it.

Re: [Callers] Gypsy Synopsis

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

I LOVE that word as a replacement for "gypsy." It makes absolute sense and
conveys the  idea of the move perfectly.
-Amy

On Oct 29, 2015, at 9:23 AM, bill fischer via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

blessings linda

having read volumes of only occasionally interesting thoughts about this
subject, i am delighted to give a powerful second to the suggestion of gyre
the word’s use in the two works cited - two of my favorites - cements its
appeal for me
grateful for you!!

cheers
down the road..
billy fischer
www.billthedancecaller.com
outonaw...@erols.com
home 203-393-3464
mobile 203-314-0221

On Oct 29, 2015, at 10:59 AM, Linda Leslie via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

Thanks, Erik for summarizing. It is very helpful to have the list below. I
have one other suggestion to add for consideration for those who wish to
make a change in terms. Gyre can be found in Carol’s  “Jabberwocky" and
Yeats’  "The Second Coming". It has the advantage of being one syllable,
not used for anything else, and begins with the same sound as gypsy. Rather
capricious, if I do say so myself!  My husband Bob Golder, thinks that this
word is even better than gypsy, because the meaning of the word conveys the
movement.
Linda

gyre   [jahyuh r]  noun


   1.  a ring or circle.
2. a circular course or motion.
   3.
Oceanography. a ringlike system of ocean currents rotating clockwise in the
Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.


On Oct 29, 2015, at 4:24 AM, Erik Hoffman via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

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
this. That said:

* I have had this discussion with a number people in the past, about the
very strong negative connotations of the word "Gypsy." Ambivalent as I am,
I do think we should look for a replacement word.

* I thought I'd collect all the words that have been suggested so far
(unless I missed one or two) in one place. Here it is:
   No Hand Turn
   No Hand Allemande (and I do think Allemande comes from "The German,"
a dance)
   Dance Around, or Walk Around
   Face to Face Do Si Do
   Bine (binary stars -- snippet below)
   Nose-to-Nose Do Si Do
   Dance Around - or Dance About
   Orbit Around - or Orbit About
   Loop
   Eddy
   Vortex
   Swirl
   Spiral
   Eyes or "Take Eyes"
   Holding Eyes
   Eyeballs
   Facing
   Maypole
   Hands Off
   Face à Face (facey-face...)
   Right (Left) Shoulder (without the G-word)
   Cyclone (though mentioned with a complaint - too "violent")


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[Callers] Fwd: Advice about "gypsy"

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

To clarify, when I taught the gypsy I said something very close to:
"this is a flirty move." I said nothing about sex, or that the move
was imitating or representative of anyone or anything. I regret using
that short sentence more than you can imagine. That the writer thought
"it became clear that" etc., was all in this person's perceptions
- not based on reality.
-Amy

Begin forwarded message:

> The original letter is quite worrying.  The writer says, "when the step was
> taught, it became clear that the term was so named based on stereotypes of
> Romani women as being overly sexual".  I can't believe the caller said
> anything like that.  This would appear to be all in the mind of the writer.
> And, "that term has been used to denigrate Romani people throughout
> history".
>

Re: [Callers] Gypsies

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

I'm not fond of "eddy," "vortex," or "swirl" because they all imply
twirling, which is not what the gypsy move wants. That defeats the purpose,
in my mind. "Facing" seems most appropriate, useful and descriptive of the
terms suggested.

-Amy

On Oct 25, 2015, at 11:53 AM, Andrea Nettleton via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:


I don't like the idea that a term we use might be offensive to someone.  I
think part of its tenacity is that it can be used for a whole family of
similar eye locking moves.  The term walk around will not serve in what is
now called a gypsy star, or in a traveling gypsy, gypsy chase, or gypsy
hey, which all have eye contact as a common element.
In discussing with dancers, I heard objection to the terms catching eyes,
grabbing by the eyes etc.  made them think of hands in eyes.  Not that they
didn't understand, but it was distasteful to them.
Perhaps we could agree to a term like 'facing' to link the diverse moves
together.  It is used in squares in cases where instead of the usual facing
someone's back, you are face to face (as in a facing diamond).  This
un-knots all the alternative moves (facing star, facing hey, travel
facing).
I don't actually think of a plain gypsy as involving a shoulder, but rather
a side of my face.  Go R face round your N, ladies L face round each
other?  Facing indicates where we should look more or less without
demanding eye contact.  I like eye contact, but some are profoundly
uncomfortable with it.  I dislike when they choose to twirl their bodies
rather than at least look in my general direction.  Facing helps with that.
I'm sure we will come up with something better, but I'd like a solution
that acknowledges this family of moves.

I'm not fond of eddy, for its aural similarity to the name Eddie.  Spiral,
vortex etc, while all sort of indicative of rotation, also indicate to me
the funnel effect, which is not the only way we use the move.  Many gypsies
merely move us smoothly on to another dancer.
One final thought, offered mostly for grins.  I have occasionally thought
of a gypsy as two people walking round a maypole.  We could say R maypole
round your N, Ladies L maypole in the center, go one and a half to your P,
R maypole and swing your partner. :D

Andrea

Sent from my iOnlypretendtomultitask

On Oct 25, 2015, at 12:56 PM, Joy Greenwolfe via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

I once had someone explain the gypsy as not trusting someone enough to take
their eyes off of them (!), so I agree that the underlying meaning can be
problematic, to say the least. Other moves have historical meanings too,
but Gypsy as a term is more pejorative than, say, Allemande, which
references traditional German folk dance hand holds.

I like Michael's suggestion for *"eyes." *When teaching, it could be
described as "walk around holding eyes," which is similar to how I already
describe it (holding eyes instead of hands). Then during the dance, the
call could be shortened to "eyes" or "hold eyes." Something like "Ladies
hold eyes" seems to roll off the tongue with a good rhythm.  Or maybe
"Ladies by the eyes?"

Melting could still be melting. Not sure how I'd fix my gypsy chase move,
though.

There is also the issue of avoiding similar directions that would confuse
the dancers, such as in a Mad Robin where you are encouraged to hold eyes
with the person across from you, but not actually rotate around them. Maybe
we need an alternate descriptive/evocative term, like the way a Mad Robin
is sometimes called Sliding Doors.

A single orbit? Eyes single? Star single? Hands off?

I'm also curious about thoughts about to what degree we might explain the
change to dancers. From most of the dancers' perspective, it may be "if it
ain't broke, don't change it." We might get push-back from dancers
exasperated with what seems to them like an arbitrary term change. Maybe if
the term is more descriptive, they won't notice as much. "Holding Eyes"
works for me.

Just some thoughts.

Joy Greenwolfe
Durham, NC 



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Re: [Callers] Advice about "gypsy"

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughtful replies. I have a much better
idea how to respond to this person now. I also have some changes to
make in my calling. I appreciate the education and elucidation.
Ignorance is not bliss.

I think that, for now, I will do my best to eliminate the word "gypsy"
from my calling vocabulary. The problem will come with dance names,
such as "Amy Asked for a Gypsy," which was one of two dances I called
last night that had a ladies gypsy. I will also refrain from
suggesting flirtation, as that is uncomfortable for many.

Ah, the joys of growing as a person and a caller!

-Amy

> On Oct 24, 2015, at 2:31 PM, via Callers  
> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>> On 24 Oct 2015, at 19:52, Richard Hart via Callers 
>>  wrote:
>>
>> I always describe a gypsy as being just like a dos à dos, but face to
>> face, instead of back to back.
>
> This might be problematic for ECD dancers as Fried de Metz Herman "invented" 
> this figure. It is basically it is a reverse back to back ( dos-si-do), i.e. 
> fall back past partner (neighbour) right shoulder, step right and walk 
> forward to place.
>
> As mentioned, in square dancing you have a walk around corner/partner. This 
> is to all intents and purposes is a gypsy.
>
> Graham
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[Callers] Advice about "gypsy"

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Hello All,

I taught a dance this evening that included a ladies' gypsy. I received the
email below a few minutes ago. In teaching it I wanted to convey that it is
a flirty, eye contact sort of move. This person was obviously offended. I
am at a loss for how to respond, except to apologize for offending.

I'm pretty sure I described the move accurately. I meant absolutely no
offense. I didn't make up the name for the move, but don't want to make
excuses. Does this move need a new name? How would you respond?

-Amy
Seattle


Begin forwarded message:

*Subject:* *First time at your event*

This evening, I came to one of your dances for the first time. I was
impressed by the friendliness of the dancers, the quality of the musicians,
and the overall fun of the dance.

And then we got to a dance in which we were told we would be learning a
step named after an offensive term for Romani people. And I felt
uncomfortable. And then when the step was taught, it became clear that the
term was so named based on stereotypes of Romani women as being overly
sexual. And I became more uncomfortable.

I assume that this was not done maliciously, but rather out of an
unawareness of the ways that that term has been used to denigrate Romani
people throughout history (much the same way that many other racial slurs
have been used in the past by well-meaning people before they became aware
that those terms were hurtful and harmful to those disadvantaged groups).

Nonetheless, it felt shockingly offensive to me, all the more so in the
context of a community that appeared to be so welcoming and accepting.

Until that point, I had a very enjoyable time dancing at your event. I've
been a dancer in a variety of communities for many years now, and aside
from that issue, this was probably the best first experience I've had when
meeting a new dance community. It was a shame that some presumably
unintentional racial insensitivity had to ruin what was otherwise such a
positive experience.

Re: [Callers] Who're all the whos?

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Is there ever a designation for doing something alone?
-Amy



On Sep 23, 2015, at 10:18 PM, Don Veino via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

Back in 2008 I wrote a dance to celebrate my first year of contra dancing
and Chris Weiler was kind enough to go through it with me. In doing so I
heard my first mention of the Who-What-How Much format for dance
description.

I'm working on a personal project where I'd like to be sure I've identified
all the "Who" roles in that model. For my purposes, I'm doing this in the
context of contras, traditional squares, triplets, family dances, etc. (but
not necessarily English, Ceilidh, Scottish, etc. - though I'm not closed to
gathering any that may exist uniquely therein).

I've listed below what I've collected so far from my personal cards deck
review & research through several published works.

Are there any Whos I've missed?

Please note: I've deliberately left the primary role designation for last
as I wish to avoid rehashing that topic once more. Let's please just accept
there's a designation for the primary roles and agree they'll be determined
by circumstance and conscience, as fits a given dance community.

Thanks!
Don

ROLE DESIGNATORS - "WHO"

Partner
Neighbor
Corner
Opposite
Everyone (All)
Center/End
Shadow/Trail Buddy
Couple
Top/Middle/Bottom; Ones/Twos, etc.; Heads/Sides; First/Second, etc. (var.
of Couple or Primary Role)
Travel Buddy (4F4)
Active/Inactive (is this distinctly required, or is it always an alternate
name for another role var., e.g.: 1s?)
Neutrals/Ends (var. of Couple or Primary Role)
Ring of N (4,8, etc.)

And of course...
Primary Role (Lark/Raven, Righty/Lefty, Lady/Gent, Talls/Smalls, etc.), in
plural or specific variation (e.g.: Talls, Raven 2, End Lady)

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Re: [Callers] Solutions for callers for dealing with problem dancers

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

As a caller I try to include something in my beginners' sessions that tells
people how to quickly refuse a dance without giving a reason.

Seattle-area caller, LauraMé Smith often demonstrates how NOT to gypsy (so
that the other person is always trying to get away from you), and she does
it early in the evening, on the floor, with a chosen accomplice, and with
humor.

-Amy Wimmer



On Sep 9, 2015, at 2:08 PM, Perry Shafran via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

OK, I think we have talked at each other for awhile now, arguing whether or
not harassment is rampant at our dances.  I think it would be nice if we
could now discuss solutions we as CALLERS (remember, this is a callers'
list, not an organizers' list) can and should do with respect to this.  If
anyone has any ideas, some positive solutions, I am open and receptive to
hearing them.

Perry

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Re: [Callers] Amy dances

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Well, this is fun! I've been collecting these, myself. Maybe some day
there'll be one written for me that I can add to the list.

-Amy Wimmer



> On Sep 8, 2015, at 10:43 PM, James Saxe via Callers 
>  wrote:
>
> 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)
> Gypsy for Amy (Linda Leslie)
>
> with references to sources, including online sources for most.
> It also lists various dances written by people named Amy.
>
> --Jim
>
>> On Sep 8, 2015, at 10:08 PM, Andrea Nettleton via Callers 
>>  wrote:
>>
>> Hi friends,
>> I'm calling at my home dance this weekend, and my good friend Amy let me 
>> know it's her birthday.  I want to call some dances with Amy in the title to 
>> honor her.  Could you please share any Amy titled dances with me?  Include 
>> instructions if you have them, so I don't have to hunt around.
>> Amy and I thank you,
>> Andrea N.
>> Atlanta
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
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Re: [Callers] How to teach various steps to beginners?

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Hi Claire,

A list of what has helped me:

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 together. (We're doing this
tonight in Seattle)
Get a small group of callers together to talk about the way they teach moves.
Look for calling workshops.
Try open mic dances.
Check out the books available through CDSS.

-Amy Wimmer
Seattle


> On Jul 7, 2015, at 1:10 PM, Claire Takemori via Callers 
>  wrote:
>
> Hi.  I just called my first contra dance at camp last week.  I didn't die, so 
> I'm thinking of working with our son's nature class to do some family dances.
>
> In the meantime, I will try to call a contra when I can as a guest at our 
> local dances.
>
> Do you know of a source/s (would you share yours)  that has good clear 
> wording for how to teach things like Hey, Pull-by, California Twirl, 
> Petronella, Rory O'more, etc?
>
> I will ask good callers if I can record their teachings when I'm at dances 
> with lots of beginners.
>
> Where else can I learn good, simple wording?  I sure don't want to reinvent 
> it myself..
>
> Thanks!
> claire takemori
>
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Re: [Callers] How to Describe a Ricochet Hey

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

I concur: a demonstration is usually very helpful for my learning
something. I am very visual, and the use of too many words confuses
me. I have many "Ah HA!" moments while seeing a demonstration. Phooey
on those who poo-poo them.
-Amy in Seattle



> On Jun 19, 2015, at 4:04 AM, Tom Hinds via Callers 
>  wrote:
>
> I'm asking myself why not demo a ricochet?  In my mind there are some 
> advantages to demonstrating a move instead of describing it (or doing both 
> with a wireless mic).
>
> My experience is most contra callers are highly educated and have exceptional 
> verbal skills.  Maybe some callers don't value a good demonstration.  Or is a 
> demonstration too beneath some of us?  One of my calling students told me 
> that I failed as a caller because I demonstrated a move.
>
> My own view is that watching and learning is an integral part of being human. 
>  We could make a long list of older skills (like hunting) or newer ones like 
> learning to play a musical instrument where watching and imitating is the key 
> to learning.
>
> I recently took an informal workshop on dance history.  The teachers pointed 
> out that when people watch something, appropriate synapses fire in 
> preparation for performing a task.  This physiological response helps the 
> person actually learn a task better.
>
> T
>
>
>
>
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Re: [Callers] Jets / rubies genderfree terms redux: gems?

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

I kinda like suns and moons better than lots of the other alternatives, for
the same reasons Susan lists. Also, there's Sun Dance and Moon Dance, by
Robert Cromartie: gents swing in Sun Dance and ladies swing in Moon Dance.
A precedence, perhaps?

-Amy



On May 29, 2015, at 8:00 AM, susanelberger via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

I have used suns and moons for years, and prefer them because they have one
syllable each, sound completely different from each other, and are easy for
the dancers to remember.  I have never had any issue arise about gender
bias from them.  The conversation about which gems to use does seem a bit
too overthought to me.

Susan Elberger
Lowell, Massachusetts

  --
 *From:* Delia Clark via Callers 
*To:* "" 
*Sent:* Friday, May 29, 2015 6:52 AM
*Subject:* Re: [Callers] Jets / rubies genderfree terms redux: gems?

Okay, this conversation, plus the lunch table at the Puttin’ On the Dance
Conference in Ottawa are FINALLY getting me to give up clinging to moons
and stars (the only non-gender term I’ve ever used, which I have liked with
families and have found works well, but which I understand is too gender-y
to be acceptable as the solution we’re looking for - dang!). I am herewith
committing to trying out Jets and Rubies next weekend at a dance I’m
calling for a wedding of two women. Will report back.




On May 29, 2015, at 1:56 AM, P. Campbell via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

I like jets & rubies (and have used the terms) for a number of reasons.
(Don't like gems for same reason about confusion).

In a weird way, it's close enough to "lefts & rights" for me to have no
trouble remembering who's who (with rubies starting with "r"), and,
(apologies to those who might be offended), because it fits the same
syllables for me as "gents & ladies" (which I use for historical dance) or
"men & women".

For some reason I just can't get a feel for larks & ravens (I have an idea
of why but not worth sharing), and I'm not at all comfortable using bands &
bares.

For me, it's whatever will be the easiest for me to remember which side is
which, and if my brain is wired to think of "jets" (black color) as more
masculine and "rubies" (red color) as more feminine (so easier for me to
link them to left & right), that's my mental visual process. (I tried
apples & oranges once with a group of kids - it was terrible because I
couldn't remember which was which side - I have to have some frame of
reference).

I think one of the reasons I have trouble with larks & ravens is because of
having learned a foreign language that has a gender for nouns, and I want
to make larks the right side and ravens the left, but then the syllable
structure doesn't work for me.

My 2 cents.

Patricia




Sent from my iPhone

On May 28, 2015, at 3:51 PM, Alan Winston via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:



On 5/28/15 12:30 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers wrote:

For those interested in gender free contra dance terms:
1. Do you like or dislike jets / rubies ?


Like. (I'm responding on personal preference alone; I'm aware of some
objections to this, which I don't personally share.)

 2. How would gems / rubies compare?


Less good, because the soft "ms" would make the call less clear.  Also,
rubies _are_ gems, so this is confusing.

-- Alan

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<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>

Delia Clark
PO Box 45
Taftsville, VT 05073
802-457-2075
deliacla...@gmail.com





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Re: [Callers] Identify dance

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Thanks everyone!



On May 6, 2015, at 8:29 AM, Linda Leslie <laleslie...@comcast.net> wrote:

This is a variation of a dance called “Feet in Flight”. In my notes, I have
the variation that you have below in the B1 as having been called by
Chrissy Fowler. I don’t know if Chrissy actually came up with the
variation, but she was the first caller I heard call it this way. The
original dance is below for you.
Linda

On May 5, 2015, at 8:12 PM, Amy Wimmer via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

Hive mind,

I've been calling this dance but don't know its name or author. Do
you? The link is to the YouTube video where I found it.

Improper contra

A1 Ring of 4 balance, gents roll away
Ladies chain
A2 Ladies gypsy once
Partner swing
B1 Circle left 3/4
Balance, Petronella
B2 Balance, Petronella
Balance, California twirl


*Feet in Flight*
by Dale Rempert
Contra/Improper

A1 ---
Balance the ring
Roll away neighbor (gents to the left)
Ladies chain
A2 ---
Ladies gypsy once
Partner Swing
B1 ---
Gents cross by the right
Ladies cross by the right
Tight circle left once
B2 ---
Balance the ring, Petronella twirl
Ring Balance
California Twirl

[Callers] Identify dance

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Hive mind,

I've been calling this dance but don't know its name or author. Do
you? The link is to the YouTube video where I found it.

Improper contra

A1 Ring of 4 balance, gents roll away
 Ladies chain
A2 Ladies gypsy once
 Partner swing
B1 Circle left 3/4
 Balance, Petronella
B2 Balance, Petronella
 Balance, California twirl

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MiY4bThBhnE

-Amy

Re: [Callers] Definition, description

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Thanks JD, et al, for your replies. I now know what to do!
-Amy



> On May 2, 2015, at 10:11 PM, JD Erskine via Callers 
> <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> On 02/May/15 17:47, Amy Wimmer via Callers wrote:
>> I collected a dance recommended by someone and do not quite understand
>> part of it. I need a description of what the gents are doing in B2
>> when they "loop over their left shoulder." Can you 'splain me?
>>
>> Catch a Falling Star, by Melanie Axel-Lute
>>
>> A1 Nbr B
>> A2 Cir L 3/4
>>   Ptr sw
>> B1 LLF
>>  Star R (hands across)
>> B2 Bal star, ladies pull by to trade places while gents loop over
>> their left shoulder
>>  Star L (hands across)
>>
>> Thanks!
>> -Amy
>
> Hullo Amy,
>
> Yup.
>
> At the end of the A2 the men are in their progressed places and return to 
> them after every action they take in the B parts. The women finalise their 
> progression with the diagonal pull-by.
>
> The bit you're asking about for the men is a Turn Single - Left (CCW).
>
> This is a loop over their left shoulder and back to where they started it, a 
> "go around a pizza/sewer hole/round piano stool" move.
>
> No other movement or change of position like one would find in a Petronella 
> turn. More a loop than a pivot or sharp turn on one's own axis.
>
> Like so much of dancing it is a burn-up time figure, in this case 4 beats or 
> 2 bars.
>
> As a style/enjoyment point I'd teach the Stars (certainly the first one) with 
> a hand-shake grasp. Compared to a pack-saddle/wrist-hold type it is nicer to 
> balance a Star with and allows for the ladies to retain their grasp without 
> having to switch it, for their pull-by. It also lets the men get free without 
> any rearrangement of limbs.
>
> Here is a handy page about elements of dance at The Round
> http://round.soc.srcf.net/dances/elements
>
> Cheers, John
> --
> J.D. Erskine
> Victoria, BC
>
> Island Dance - Folk & Country
> dance info - site & mail list
> http://members.shaw.ca/island.dance/
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[Callers] Definition, description

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

I collected a dance recommended by someone and do not quite understand
part of it. I need a description of what the gents are doing in B2
when they "loop over their left shoulder." Can you 'splain me?

Catch a Falling Star, by Melanie Axel-Lute

A1 Nbr B
A2 Cir L 3/4
  Ptr sw
B1 LLF
 Star R (hands across)
B2 Bal star, ladies pull by to trade places while gents loop over
their left shoulder
 Star L (hands across)

Thanks!
-Amy

Re: [Callers] Dance length/dances per evening

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

The biggest problem with this is that the leader of the band is a good
friend..who is always right...and I have the honor of being
this person's favorite caller. Tricky.

I'll take notes and review them with the band afterward. Over a beverage.

-Amy



> On Apr 27, 2015, at 2:12 PM, Kalia Kliban via Callers 
> <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> Yeesh.  This sounds like a recipe for a difficult evening, unless it's one of 
> those very rare bands where the musicians are really watching what's 
> happening on the floor.
>
> Do you have the option of not working with this band in the future?
>
> Kalia
>
>> On 4/27/2015 1:58 PM, Donald Perley via Callers wrote:
>> Just a guess.. they have arrangements for each set and feel miffed if
>> they get cut short without getting through each variation.
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 27, 2015 at 4:52 PM, Amy Wimmer via Callers
>> <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> I have an oddity coming up: a band for which I am calling has asked to
>>> take the lead on when to end the dances. I figure one evening of that
>>> can't hurt, if it keeps the band happy. I will take notes. The leader
>>> of this band has control issues and knows what's best for everyone.
>> ___
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Re: [Callers] Dance length/dances per evening

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

My mileage varies considerably in numbers of dances I get through in
an evening. The biggest factors are 1) number of beginners, 2)
chattiness/inattention of dancers, 3) flexibility of band, 4) length
of break.

I have tried to pay attention to specific couples and track them in a
dance, but ALWAYS get confused. Were they twos and now are ones? That
just doesn't work for me. Nor does counting iterations of a dance, for
the same reasons others have mentioned. I use a watch or clock and
even then I forget what time they started. I mostly go by feel.

I prepare 10-11 dances for a 2 1/2 hour dance (our regular dance),
usually getting 9-10 done, and 12-13 for a 3 hour dance, usually doing
at least 12. I have had to pull out more once in a while.

I have an oddity coming up: a band for which I am calling has asked to
take the lead on when to end the dances. I figure one evening of that
can't hurt, if it keeps the band happy. I will take notes. The leader
of this band has control issues and knows what's best for everyone.

Generally I plan for 15 minutes from start to start of each dance and
if I get in more, that's great.

-Amy



> On Apr 26, 2015, at 5:54 PM, Maia McCormick via Callers 
>  wrote:
>
> Just polling the masses here--how long do you generally run your dances (in 
> times through the dance, time take, couples going up and back, etc.)? How 
> many dances do you generally manage to fit into a 3-hour contra evening? I've 
> heard different wisdom from different folks and am curious to add some more 
> data points!
>
> Cheers,
> Maia
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[Callers] Showing Appreciation

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

I called a dance last night in the town where I grew up (Bellingham, WA).
It's always great to go back and see people with whom I learned to dance.
Calling there makes me a little nervous, though, because I didn't start
calling until I left there about 11 years ago.

Anyway, keeping in mind the recent discussion about clapping for the band,
I did my utmost to make sure last night's band was well appreciated. They
are a really good home-town band, and very fun to work with, so I didn't
feel a need to fake it.

After the first dance there was a smattering of applause, so I said, "It is
customary to applaud the band after each set." This sort of stopped them in
their tracks and they responded well. The band was grinning at me. I then
said, "I have also heard that bands perform better when they know they are
being appreciated." This brought even more applause. I said they were
dancing to the playing of "Northern Contraband" and I'd introduce the
individual members later.

During the evening I smiled broadly at the band members, they responded
with the same; I applauded at the ends of each dance, while looking and
smiling at them; I whooped when it was appropriate (they threw in some
really cool stuff, off the cuff) and the dancers joined in. All-in-all the
band was very well-received and appreciated, they responded well to the
attention, and the dancers were consistently appreciative the rest of the
evening. I introduced the individual band members twice - once in the first
half and once in the second. It helps that I know them and didn't have to
read their names. I mentioned the sound person a few times, too. Everyone
was smiling and happy. It was good.

I hope I can spread the joy at other gigs.

-Amy

Re: [Callers] Yet more unknown dances!

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

Mve over, boys!

> On Jun 2, 2014, at 8:35 AM, Aahz Maruch via Callers 
>  wrote:
>
>> On Sun, Jun 01, 2014, Maia McCormick via Callers wrote:
>>
>> A2: ladies bull by right to allemande partner L 3/4; shadow allemande 1 1/2
>
> Just wanna say that I'd love to see that figure as written.
> --
> Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6http://rule6.info/
>  <*>   <*>   <*>
> Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html
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