Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

I usually program an evening dance the day before the event, since my mental and metaphysical state will be closest to how I will be at the event, and I think it’s important for my own energy and enthusiasm to be focused on the present. My programming always has a “Plan A” set of dances,

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

Subject: Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance I might be a bit different than most of the replies to yourquestion. For a regular contra dance, I usually set up a program onthat day or one day prior. Sometimes in the car enroute to the dance(if someone else is driving). I may be thinki

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

My approach varies considerably depending on what kind of dance it is, and it also depends on my attitude about it and the musicians attitude about it. I work with a lot of different musicians in my different dance worlds (English, contra, Civil War, Regency, Early American, Victorian,

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

I almost always program a regular dance the day of. This has gotten a lot easier since I now keep a digital record of every program I call -- I can look through and find a program I called for a similar dance, pull out those cards, and modify and make changes as necessary. I try to also make notes

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

I might be a bit different than most of the replies to your question. For a regular contra dance, I usually set up a program on that day or one day prior. Sometimes in the car enroute to the dance (if someone else is driving). I may be thinking of dances that I'd like to call during the

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

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

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

I should addend my previous response to say I approach a dance preparation as I do a horse show. That's how my mind works. There is a plan and steps to it. Mary On Mar 13, 2018 6:15 PM, "Mary Collins" wrote: I usually start thinking about the program as soon as I book.

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

I usually start thinking about the program as soon as I book. Then as far out as two weeks I pull and practice dances, determine suitable music, refine a day or two before and then once at the dance change the whole program. Lol. Not really but once I get there I end up changing order or some

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

As a new caller I spend way too many hours preparing. I used to start weeks in advance, just so I could read all the choreography books I have. Now I’m down to 1 or 2 weeks. LOL. Where I’m spending most of my time nowadays is developing a sense of “story” and “biorhythm” to the program, and not

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

;call...@sharedweight.net> > Subject: [Callers] Programming a Dance > > I am curious how much time you all plan programming a dance before arriving > at a venue. If you do not preprogram, what is your approach for on the fly > p

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

This is why they pay us the big bucks! My process is very much like Jonathan. My calling took a big leap forward when I started paying more attention to what I would say during the walk-thru, and practicing saying it out loud as concisely as possible (Lisa Greenleaf influence!). Jean > On

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

I like to have a program of dances selected and laid out for my gigs. Of course I know that sometimes the prepared program has to be departed from, or completely replaced, but I like to at least start from the point of having a prepared program. For a typical contra dance I will spend

Re: [Callers] Programming a Dance

Usually from 2-4 hours, I’d say. I plan in alternatives for harder dances, and I also provide suggestions to the band for what sorts of tunes are needed, smooth, bouncy, marchy, where the balances are. I always pre-program. Occasionally I have to change something on the fly, but not usually an

[Callers] Programming a Dance

I am curious how much time you all plan programming a dance before arriving at a venue. If you do not preprogram, what is your approach for on the fly programming? Rich Sbardella Stafford, CT ___ List Name: Callers mailing list List Address: