Re: [Callers] What are they thunking? (was Re: Hand Turns & Safety)

Jim, I don't think theres any ill will intended, just a bit of laziness on the dancers part.  So Done has to WANT to change a habit and make a concerted  effort to focus and practice to make the changes.  Several folks don't think the caller is talking to them so they don't make the effort

Re: [Callers] Hand Turns & Safety

Ditto all that.I tell dancers (and demonstrate) that only my ring and pinky fingers are wrapped around the base of the other's thumb and the rest of my hand is loose.  I think that helps them understand that this isn't a "power" move (read "arm wrestle"), but more gentle but with a good

Re: [Callers] Calling techno?

Maia:Don't believe that.  I called with a DJ who didn't know how long their tracks were and couldn't tell me how they started and often went down on the floor to dance once the music started.  One track ended in the middle of the A2.  And there was no clear "start" to any of the phrasing in

Re: [Callers] Calling techno?

Yes, to what everyone said. When I program for techno I try for specific 8 +8 counts throughout the dance or 4+4+8 in a phrase.  I've found that the 4+12 ct of a Balance and swing is usually cut short or a flowing phrase of an allemande/star promenade/butterfly whirl gets interpreted

[Callers] New Dance

Hi All: I wrote a dance to honor my BFF and his long time service to the Swingin' Tern Dance in NJ, writing the puns for their fliers for 35 years and doing publicity (and to honor his upcoming birthday). Many of you know him, Doug Heacock (pronounced Heycock).  If you don't know him as a

Re: [Callers] Colds

When I got laryngitis the morning of a gig out of town, I contacted callers I knew in the town and asked if they were going to the dance if they would call a couple of dances. We had a coordinated "open" mic which worked well and I shared the fee. When I was a booker and someone

Re: [Callers] Transgressions

Is someone willing and able to share the choreography to the list? Thanks for considering that. Out of Bounds, Will Mentor Becket's Crossing, Chris Kermiet New and Improved, Super Ultra Snake Oil #9* (Seth's riff from) Roger Diggle Donna Hunt

[Callers] Would you do it for $20?

Hi All: I have some cryptic notes about the dance by Robert Cromartie: "Would you do it for $20", and it's not complete. Would someone, please, send me the figures so that I can correct my notes? Thanks. Donna Hunt Email: dhuntdan...@aol.com

Re: [Callers] Callers Digest, Vol 52, Issue 12

Amy what is in this attachment sent with your email (below)? Were you hacked? Donna Web Site: donnahuntcaller.com Email: dhuntdan...@aol.com Cell: 215-565-6050 -Original Message- From: amy--- via Callers To: callers Sent: Fri, Sep 7, 2018 5:27 am Subject: Re:

Re: [Callers] dances for Halloween

Barbara et al: There's a lot of Halloween postings in the archives. Check this out: https://www.mail-archive.com/search?q=halloween=callers%40lists.sharedweight.net Donna Web Site: donnahuntcaller.com Email: dhuntdan...@aol.com Cell: 215-565-6050 -Original Message-

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

Read: I also like teaching the Buzz step as a "gallop" (although not like that video he looks very awkward). I find that a demo and then telling new dancers to think of galloping with their right foot in front and even give them the "Lone Ranger" tune for accompaniment helps them to get the

Re: [Callers] New dance

I looked at it and thought "jigs" because of the 4 steps into the middle (and thinking of slowing folks down). What kind of tune did you use Chuck? Donna Web Site: donnahuntcaller.com Email: dhuntdan...@aol.com Cell: 215-565-6050 -Original Message- From: Charles via

[Callers] (no subject)

http://develop.dravivdiet.com Donna Hunt ___ List Name: Callers mailing list List Address: Callers@lists.sharedweight.net Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/

Re: [Callers] Multiple partner swings?

David: Would you please explain the A2 action for me? I cannot quite picture what "same roles balance (role) into the center" means. Thanks. Trip to IHOP by: Danner formation: improper A1 16 partners balance & swing A2 8 same roles

Re: [Callers] Politically Correct?

Ron: Would you please be more specific? There's not enough information here for me to understand what you're claiming, nor to clarify it, and I find it frustrating and misleading in it's generality. I'm going to assume that you not only mean callers in these areas but are also speaking of

Re: [Callers] Politically Correct?

And here lies the minefield, a caller is never sure who in the audience will object, or what they will object to. And organizers rarely give a clear indication of what their vision is...so the callers take the heat. As callers we're d@mned if we do and d@mned if we don't Call a square (or

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

My approach to programming is exactly like Woody's for regular contra, barn dances, and NEFFA type events. In addition, a Challenging Contra session (prior to a regular contra dance) I might program a week ahead with extensive walkthru in my living room (especially those dances where you

Re: [Callers] More substitute terms for the g-word

I've been using "walk'round" and it appears acceptable to the dancers. "Walk around" is already in the MWS jargon so I'm not creating new jargon. If I haven't been told not to use "gypsy" by the organizers then when I teach I say "gypsy walk'round" and which shoulder to use and how to do

Re: [Callers] The loss of one of our own

Does anyone have an address for Bob Golder? I'd love to send a card. Donna Hunt -Original Message- From: Kalia Kliban via Callers To: callers Sent: Tue, Feb 13, 2018 2:47 pm Subject: Re: [Callers] The loss of

[Callers] New dance?

Hi: I don't usually wake up with a dance in my brain so I'm wondering if it's already been written. Solistice '17 improper Donna Hunt Long waves with ladies facing in A1 Balance wave and Rory twirl to R to NEXT neighbor and Swing A2 Pass through to a wave and Balance, walk forward to

Re: [Callers] "pick her up"

If I evaluate the crowd of dancers and they require a lot of instruction for a move that they will see once in a evening (like the star promenade) then I get on the floor and do a demonstration. It is by far better for those learners who have to "see" rather than "hear". Its so much

Re: [Callers] Gender Free MWSD

ia Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> To: callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> Sent: Sun, Oct 8, 2017 10:47 am Subject: Re: [Callers] Gender Free MWSD On Fri, Oct 06, 2017, Donna Hunt via Callers wrote: > > Our callers are fantastic and I'm sure this isn't easy for t

Re: [Callers] Gender Free MWSD

Hi Jeremy: Independence Squares is an LGBTQ and straight member group located in downtown Philadelphia with dancers from NJ, De and Pa. We run workshops and classes for all levels up to C2. We use the terms Boys and Girls and everyone is free to dance whichever role they wish (gender free).

Re: [Callers] What to do?

Reminds me of a moment early in my calling career working with a band (with musicians who should have known better) who played a crooked tune. It took me 3 times through to realize what the problem was and I told the band we need to change tunes, NOW. They did. I asked them afterwards

Re: [Callers] Difficult dancers - Decision to ask not to return

ove when it happens, but that's not why I dance and I like it better when even those who aren't hotshots are having a great time. Jim Thaxter On Thu, Mar 9, 2017 at 1:48 PM Donna Hunt via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: Would you ever (or have you ever) asked someone not t

Re: [Callers] Difficult dancers - Decision to ask not to return

Would you ever (or have you ever) asked someone not to return based on their inability to dance? Is there some point at which you as organizers would consider and ultimately such a decision? Personally I think it's appropriate to ask someone not to dance if their inability puts other

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

You might consider including the new dancer into your discussion. He "seems to have some kind of impairment and walks very stiffly", I think he might be the best one to tell you the things that he has difficulty with and then you can brainstorm how best to assist him. Having someone in the

[Callers] "booker" fee for tour planning

Hi Just wondering aloud since this is not something I've ever seen discussed here. Do you (or a musician you're traveling with) take a "booker fee" for planning a tour, or even a single community dance when there is a lot of planning with the event host and time spent booking musicians? How

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'm sad to hear that so many groups are using different role terms and such a variety to boot. Not only do our beginners have to learn a brand new vocabulary (sometimes in a foreign language) and then remember the movement to go with those new words, but now they have to deal with remembering

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

Here's one I wrote. I mostly use the Balance and swing in B1 (read below) Mark and Robin's Nest by Donna Hunt Duple Improper Start with Actives (# 1 couple) in the center of line of 4 facing down the hall. A1 Down the hall as in the "Gay Gordon" couple dance(3 steps

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

Dugan: I'm sure there are many out there. Here's one that I wrote. Ken's 60th Birthday Bash by Donna Hunt Duple Improper A1 Neighbor #1 Balance and pull by Right Neighbor #2 pull by Left Neighbor #3 Balance and Box the Gnat with Right A2 Neighbor #3 pull by

[Callers] Title and author

Anyone know the Title and Author for this dance? Thanks! A1 Long Lines Fwd and Back Neighbor Allem Right 1x, Ladies Allem Left 1/2 A2 Balance and Rory twirl past partner Balance and Rory twirl past partner B1 Balance and Swing Partner B2 Circle Left 3/4, Swing Neighbor Donna

Re: [Callers] Wrist Lock Stars - Summary

So TRUE! Especially for a bunch of beginners. It's more important to get the feet moving than to make it "perfect" Donna Hunt Email: dhuntdan...@aol.com -Original Message- From: David Harding via Callers To: callers

[Callers] Fwd: Boys and Girls

Not sure if this reply from Betsy Gotta went through on the list. I'm reprinting it here for her. Read below Donna -Original Message- From: Betsy Gotta To: 'Donna Hunt' ; jeremy.m.child Cc: Callers

Re: [Callers] Boys and Girls

When there's a role specific move called ie, "Boys trade from a wave" the dancers in that role say "Boy" (or "Girl" if it's "girl" specific). The dancers only say it loud enough for their set to hear, the dancers don't yell it loud enough for the callers to hear. The callers usually make a

Re: [Callers] Floor Space Requirement

Woody: Great observations. Glad your experience was so positive. Rich: So sorry to hear that they are "insistent" on MUC. Many of us have been in this situation and we know from experience that the Bride and Groom are often too busy with photos, greeting families and friends that they often

Re: [Callers] caller suggestions for beginner handout

http://www.thursdaycontra.com/welcome.html The Mt. Airy (in Philadelphia) Thursday Night Dance has this on our website. We are in the process of revamping it, but feel free to pick and choose whatever might work for your group. Donna Web Site: donnahuntcaller.com Email:

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

Sorry John, but you lost me in A1 If the ladies DSD 1 1/2 they are with their neighbor not partner if the gents Lasso the Lady (by definition) they should be going CCW (ladies pass in front) Or am I reading this incorrectly? Donna Hunt -Original Message- From: John Sweeney

Re: [Callers] looking for zesty Proper dances?

Andy: Here are a few that I have. Haven't called them in awhile, but I think I'll dig them out again, as they can be fun. Thanks for asking. Don't know title or author Proper A1 1stcorners Balance and Box the Gnat 2ndcorners join R hands make hands across star

[Callers] Fwd: dances in unusual formations

Many thanks to everyone for your suggestions. There's enough material here for several workshops! Donna Hunt -Original Message- From: Liz and Bill via Callers To: David Harding Cc: callers

Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations

a Hunt <dhuntdan...@aol.com>; callers <call...@sharedweight.net> Sent: Sun, Nov 1, 2015 7:18 am Subject: Re: [Callers] dances in unusual formations Levi Jackson Rag is a favorite of mine but not all bands know the tune. -Original Message- From: Donna Hunt via Callers

[Callers] dances in unusual formations

Hi I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or contras). Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the criteria? I have Tom Hinds "Hexitation" and several triplets, a Zia and a Tempest, and have looked through the Ralph Page weekend

Re: [Callers] Sticky floors

We often use cornmeal on our floors to increase slide. Unfortunately the floor is not usually clean when we apply to cornmeal and some dancers have complained of "build up" on the soles of their suede shoes (this doesn not seem to be a problem with dance sneakers with hard plastic soles. Even

Re: [Callers] Buzz Step Swing

Personally, I never use the "skateboard" example because folks plant the right foot and never move it forward essentially becoming the "sun" while their partner revolves around them. Think about it...when you use a skateboard the only foot you move is the left one...the right one is on top of

Re: [Callers] How to Describe a Ricochet Hey

"A picture is worth 1,000 words" is so true. Most dances are not so large that a caller cannot get on the floor (even without a headset) and teach a move that's new or teach a style point for an old favorite. Pick your "volunteers" carefully and be sure to publicly thank them for

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

ms? On Sun, May 31, 2015, Donna Hunt via Callers wrote: > > Personally I'd like to see this rest for awhile. We just discussed > this at length 6 months ago. My experience is that introducing a different interesting subject is far more likely to result in ending a discussion that y

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

I agree. Personally I'd like to see this rest for awhile. We just discussed this at length 6 months ago. It's my understanding that the folks who started it all (Hampshire College) have not yet decided on which terms to use. I think that talking about terms to use is a bit "cart before the

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

Erik wrote: Often, after people have lined up, they talk with each other, their partner, their minor set, or other people around them. Often callers strive to get everyone to shut-up so they can start the dance. I've come to believe this time of conversation is the main time we get to know