Re: [Callers] High-energy dances

The balance gets you stomping your feet a little and you whole body moving back and forth to create a momentum for what ever comes next.  It is a time when all of the dancers can be considered to have a 'lead' role by using the arm connections ('weight') to lead the others in the direction of

Re: [Callers] High-energy dances

One of my favorites that fits that criteria is Orace Johnson's Du Quoin Races the first half has 4 balances and the last have has the partner swing and a couple real quick cir half way and roll away - lots of energy if you do it right Mac McKeever From:

Re: [Callers] Suggestions for particularly flirty contra dances?

I tend to agree - especially in dances where newer dancers are present - Flirty situations are not comfortable for them - they have to be eased into it.  Don't try to make the dances seem like that is the primary goal. Mac McKeever From: Janet Bertog

Re: [Callers] What dance is this? (round 97)

Seth, The dance is named for Rock Creek that flowed through the original Kimmswick Dance weekend site - in the days when the weekends actually were near the town of Kimmswick MO.  The dance was probably written by David in the mid 1980s Mac From: Bill

Re: [Callers] Dance title?

While we are on this topic.. Here is a dance I collected a few years ago - but the caller did not mention the name or author.  Without that info - I haven't called it much even thought I really like the dance Help will be appreciated Becket A1 - Cir L 3/4 - pass thru swing next neighbor A2

Re: [Callers] Callers Digest, Vol 103, Issue 1 dances with ultimate partner time

Martha, Interesting dance - but the B2 seems confusing.  You end A1 with a partner swing and start B2 with a part balance across the set That doesn't seem to work What am I missing here? Mac Mckeever From: Martha Wild To:

Re: [Callers] Dances With Minimal Partner Time (Was: dances with ultimate partner time)

Greg, If you want the ultimate in low partner interaction - one where you don't actually touch your partner Snake River Reel by Peter Lippincott (he also wrote a great tune by the same name and they work well together) It is a really fun dance, except for that one minor flaw. Roger Diggle

Re: [Callers] Seeking on 80 beat "crooked" tune

When I call this dance - I just ask just ask the band if they have a 5 part tune.  Some do - dome don't If they don't - I just use a 4 part tune and know the dance will not start at the A1 each time - hasn't caused any problems You can call this as a 4 part dance if you leave out the Rory O

Re: [Callers] Memorizing dances (was cards - writing in pencil vs pen???)

I assune a big difference is the quantity and complexity of dances involved.  I know some of the rural community dances around here only dance a few dances over and over.  It not only allows the caller / dancemaster to memorize the dances - but so do the dancers and that eliminates wasting a

Re: [Callers] When Did Gender Role Terms Become a "Problem"

I think you are probably right about this being a minority numbers thing.  My observation has been that we as callers and administrators tent to make a bigger deal out of things than the general dance community. Case in point.. We recently had a very capable caller who just had a really bad

Re: [Callers] Alternate Role Terms

My feeling is a lot of the lead function is not needed in contra.  The caller and choreography eliminate the need for a leader who decides what and when things will happen and then the role of follower also becomes meaningless. We still have the component where one dancer will provide a firm

Re: [Callers] Favorite Dances

given that hint - I will submit Roger Diggle's Roll in the Hey (but many others from Roger might also qualify as candidates - and the same could be said for Gene Hubert - lots of great dances from the Midwest). Mac From: Michael Fuerst

Re: [Callers] Fw: What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

Michael - I think you would agree that Du Quion Races would need to be on this list Mac From: Michael Fuerst To: Caller's discussion list Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 10:46 AM Subject: [Callers] Fw:

Re: [Callers] What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

I often feel the best one ever written is the one I am currently dancing Mac From: Greg McKenzie To: Caller's discussion list Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 8:49 AM Subject: Re: [Callers] What is the best

Re: [Callers] Sung fiddle tunes?

A few Decembers ago the band surprised us with a holiday tune by playing the Chipmunk Song for the final waltz - everyone knew many of the words and  sung along - it was fun! Mac From: Alan Winston To: call...@sharedweight.net

Re: [Callers] Calling from memory?

I am pleased to see this topic get some attention.  I have always tried to call without cards.  I go over all my dances and alternates before the evening starts.  Some I have memorized and some I am just familiar with enough to get by with a quick review while the dancers are lining up for the

Re: [Callers] Walk the Plank

In my opinion - this is getting too regimented again. I never tell dancers if they should clap or not.  I have been known to let them know how I feel about it in light hearted way. Just let them dance and focus on the important stuff Mac From: Jeff Kaufman

Re: [Callers] Taking hands four

I like Andrea's approach. Remember - these are social events - let them socialize a bit - there is no race to see how fast you can start the next dance. Mention they need to take hands 4 a time or two while the lines are forming.  If (when) that doesn't happen, it looks like most of the

Re: [Callers] Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies")

We have found the real secret is to impress on the more experienced dancers the importance of identifying and asking new dancers to dance.  The new people canot be expected to go looking for experienced dancers.  We are fortunate that our regulars are really good at this and watch out for the

Re: [Callers] Callers Digest, Vol 98, Issue 12

For those who already offer child care - have you looked into the liability insurance issue?  Does the CDSS insurance cover this.  I suspect it might not - having a separate charge would seem to make it a separate type of service not covered.  This would seem to make it risky. Mac McKeever

Re: [Callers] Calling for Absolute Beginners?

First - I never attempt a contra with beginner groups - the closest I come is the Virginia Reel - progression is confusing and too many things have to happen right for the dance to work.  There are lots of dances that are more forgiving and a lot more fun for beginners. Teaching 'proper' swing

Re: [Callers] Shifting dance sequences

s through, and swing, usually means that the neighbor > swing is shortened. But I still make sure to credit the original > choreographer, stating "this is a slight variation of the > danceby.." > > Have fun calling in Concord! > warmly, Linda > > > On Aug 31

Re: [Callers] Shifting dance sequences

If I were calling this dance I would not hesitate to reverse the A parts.  I would announce the original name and author and mention it is slightly modified. I actually do this quite often.  There are some things I especially like (or don't like) and I have no issues tweaking a dance to add or

Re: [Callers] caller's insurance?

Actually - CDSS provides us the ability to purchase 2 different types of liability insurance One is caller's insurance - that is not what you are looking for - it is protection for the caller personally - not for the hall or group The other is group liability insurance - it protects our group

Re: [Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?

Let me add one more thing that may help.  Even though our local group has a headset available at every dance, I am the only caller who chooses to use it. All of the others (and we have a lot of them) prefer a wired hand held. Mac From: Emily Addison

Re: [Callers] wireless mics - headsets or handhelds?

Why are you considering a wireless mic? If it is to get out and move around during a lesson - I prefer a headset because I participate in the lesson as a dancer so I need both hands free If the instructor does not participate in the lesson a hand held might be better. Many callers just do not

Re: [Callers] Mentorship for Choreographers

of the 3 type of dance questions you listed - only the first seems to be a caller's issue.  The other 2 don't seem to fit as well in this forum. While I like the idea of sharing new dances - there are a lot of them out there and that would pretty much take over this group.  I don't write

Re: [Callers] Name of the Dance

That has been know to happen. From: Colin Hume <co...@colinhume.com> To: Caller's discussion list <call...@sharedweight.net> Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 9:30 AM Subject: Re: [Callers] Name of the Dance On 10/04/2012 15:25, Richard Mc

Re: [Callers] Name of the Dance

Subject: Re: [Callers] Name of the Dance On 10/04/2012 14:45, Richard Mckeever wrote: > If you start the hey with the ladies turning left half way - wouldn't that > shorten the hey and avoid the timing issue for the balance? When I read the original post I thought "Surely the hey should

Re: [Callers] What makes a program varied, how important is that

Do you object to having 6 dances in a row with a partner swing? Mac From: mavis mcgaugh To: Caller's discussion list Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 7:38 PM Subject: Re: [Callers] What makes a program varied,

Re: [Callers] teaching a balance

I approach the balance a little differently.  At the beginners' workshop I walk them through a simple 4 step foot work (step forward - step back).  then I tell them to forget it because the really important part happens in the arms.  If you get that down - footwork will follow and it doesn't

Re: [Callers] Request about requests

Greg - I think you have hit on an important point.  My experience has been that much of the objection to a mixer is you ask someone to dance and the don't get to keep them as a partner.  Announcing the mixer in advance (the dance after this one will be a mixer) would address this and,

Re: [Callers] Request about requests

I frequently solicit requests - sometimes for a week or so before I call - sometimes near the end of the first half - before the break I ask for suggestions for the second half.  I like to have the dancers feel they have a say in what is presented.  If I ask far enough in advance - I will get a

Re: [Callers] What formation is this improper dance?

I would still call that improper because I would start the walk thru in improper formation at the end of B2. Then do the alle R 3/4 and then start the dance.  Getting into that wave any other way would be very difficult and confusing. Then to start the dance - bring them back to improper -

Re: [Callers] Star Promenade - communicate the feeling of a good one?

I like star promenades and frequently call contras and squares that include that figure. I watching these for some time I frequently see something a little different.  Often the dance leaves the ladies (assuming the gents are the ones doing the allemands) in a spot a little distance from

Re: [Callers] Groundhog Day dance by Jim Hemphill

I am not familiar with this dance - but if you are on the same side of the set as your partner - a shadow cannot be located on the other side - so they will be on the same side somewhere to your right or left. Mac From: "barbara...@aol.com"

Re: [Callers] Double contra - whodunnit?

is way? ~ Becky Nankivell - Date: Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:54:29 -0800 (PST) From: Richard Mckeever <mac...@ymail.com> To: Caller's discussion list <call...@sharedweight.net> Subject: Re: [Callers] Double contra - whodunnit? Message-ID:       <1324929269.90143.yahoomail...@web120401.m

Re: [Callers] Double contra - whodunnit?

good question Get in 4 face 4 so you recognize the other couple in your line then take traditional hands 4 in regular contra lines then turn 1/4 turn to Becket Mac From: Becky Nankivell To: call...@sharedweight.net Sent: Monday,

Re: [Callers] Double contra - whodunnit?

That sounds like the one you are looking for.  I have called this many times.  The one modification I have been making lately is to take the balance out of the C1 part.  The hey for 8 is something different for most dancers and they seem to have trouble finishing it on time.  Those who do get

Re: [Callers] Holiday dances and tunes

One I remember was when the band played the Chipmunk Song (it is a Christmas themed waltz) for the ending waltz and everyone started singing the few words they could remember. Of course Jingle Bells works well if you need something with phrasing for contras, etc. - again,you can encourage sing

Re: [Callers] Callers Companion - how is it working for you?

I had my dances on an Access db - but purchased the Caller's companion to use some of its nice features.  It does some things very well - but I had difficulty with program planning and getting output in a format I could use - so I stopped using it. That is just me - it might work very well for

Re: [Callers] The Beginners' Lesson Tips?

It makes me cringe when I see anyone trying to teach beginners a buzz step.  We emphasize the dance is done with a smooth walking step - so let them continue that into the swing rather than encouraging them to start bouncing up and down. Once they are comfortable with the walking swing they can

Re: [Callers] Recruiting new dancers

Greg, I hadn't thought about that before - but it makes sense.  The caller's name is meaningless to new dancers and could even be a distraction.  The bands often have colorful names that could attract attention.  You do have to try to look at it from a potential dancer's perspective.  I want

Re: [Callers] contra dance webmasters unite! (?)

sure - I would join.  I don't do any web design but I always have an opinion about it - and I do occasionally create some content I could share. We have been at this for a while and have learned a lot from our mistakes we could share and learn from others. there is a lot out there - but it is

Re: [Callers] Implied Messages in First-Timer's Orientation (Was: Head Mikes and Mike Heads)

Greg, I can agree with you to a certain extent.  We have new dancers show up after the workshops and they do reasonably well.  Our experienced dancers are very good about finding new dancers who will benefit from dancing wiht them (unfortunately - we also have some less accomplished but

[Callers] alternate formations

Here is a new topic... Recently I have noticed that many of the programs presented have consisted solely of duple improper contras with a couple Becket dances thrown in for variety. I would be interesting to hear how other callers incorporate other formations in their programs and how they

Re: [Callers] What makes a caller a great caller?

Can I offer another 2 cents worth? Every notice how when we have one of the great callers - the dancers listen to every words and follow the directions more readily? That is not an accident - but a real skill. Everything they say is important - even if they are just thanking the sound guy.

Re: [Callers] What makes a caller a great caller?

There are certainly many things that make a caller good or even great. One I don't find mentioned very often is their role as an entertainer. When I first started calling I attended a workshop with Fred Park and he emphasized this. It stuck with me even though I don't think I have ever

Re: [Callers] cast off

A similar thing happens on one side of the dance floor in Ely, England - Lisa G was calling LL go forward and forward From: Donald Primrose To: Caller's discussion list Sent: Wed, February 23, 2011 11:13:17

Re: [Callers] How much is too much? How little is too little?

I take a much different approach. There are far too many variables to try to attach a number to anything. The most important is how the dance is designed - and I mean each transition - not the whole dance. That is far more important than the experience level, difficulty of the dance or

Re: [Callers] New(?) dance

Actually - that makes sense. With one star flowing into the next, it would feel awkward if they were not done the same. I still can't picture that transition to the do-si-do - I'll have to try it - or better yet - we have a weekly party her that is perfect for analyzing dances in great

Re: [Callers] Back to Calling Medleys

Mark, Well said. Personally, I don't often call medleys - but it has nothing to do with the dancers abilities. I did call one at a regular dance a couple weeks ago as the last dance of the evening. By that time everyone there had enough experience to handle a couple easy dances without

Re: [Callers] Developing a Culture of Inclusiveness. Was: Calling medleys

That's fine for a dance weekend. I would NEVER do anything at a community dance event that excludes anyone - especially new dancers. Consider this... When you know a medley is coming - make it a point to dance with a new dancer. What an accomplishment to help them successfully navigate

Re: [Callers] Developing a Culture of Inclusiveness. Was: Calling medleys

This is all interesting - can someone explain where this leaves the less experienced dancer? A medley is the place where they need the most help from the more experienced. Unless we put them all in the same line and watch them scramble. Or should we just invite them not to dance? It really