[Callers] Global terminology in contra dances

Tue Jun 2 00:40:10 PDT 2015

I've also enjoyed calling the Jamaica Plain dance a couple of times.  I called them clocks and windows once and things got confused because I thought was a role that stuck through the whole sequence and at least some of them thought it meant the side of the set they're on now.  But then I called a gendered English dance on Saturday, explained how progression worked and that you keep your number until you're out at the end and I had one couple who after an intermediate progression thought they'd changed to twos.

Can't always win.

Alan

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 1, 2015, at 9:33 AM, Linda Leslie via Callers <callers at lists.sharedweight.net<mailto:callers at lists.sharedweight.net>> wrote:

In Jamaica Plain, MA, the ECD dancers use Window Wall and Clock Wall, rather than left/right file. It is different global terminology, but works very well. I don't know the history of why these words were chosen, but I could probably find out. The dancers also line up without identifying a partner, as discussed at Brooke's site. This tradition is really quite lovely. I have had the opportunity to call this dance many times, so the terminology is very second nature to me.

For me, the major challenge with incorporating global language into contra dances has to do with ending the swing. So many contra dances depend on the dancers having learned that the lady/lark/barearm/ruby/right file end on the right.
How do we help completely new dancers learn this?
Do we say "swing your Neighbor and change places"? Swing your Partner and change places"?
I recognize that experienced dancers will know this instinctively; just as many dancers line up and automatically form improper lines at many contra dances.

But I am curious about how callers out there see us helping the new folks, without using any role language at all.

Thanks!
Linda

On Jun 1, 2015, at 11:59 AM, Andrea Nettleton via Callers <callers at lists.sharedweight.net<mailto:callers at lists.sharedweight.net>> wrote:

In previous discussions here, on FB, and privately with organizers at Hampshire over the last two years, I have discussed the possible use of global terminology for gender free contra.  I would contend that if used, everyone would become more aware of the structure of dances.  Only the most unusual figures/sequences would be unable to be called.  The addition of first and second corner positions to the arsenal makes it possible for same role dancers to also be called upon to dance together without reference to gender.  Second corners chain, or first corners allemande L 1 1/2 for example.  It would have to be agreed that this refers to those standing in those positions at that moment.  In ECD we use first and second corners to refer to the people, first and second diagonals for the positions.  But since we use diagonal to refer to those across and over one set, this seems unhelpful.  Simply corner positions works better.  I'm glad some folks are trying it out at last.  I had hoped for an opportunity myself before now.
Cheers,
Andrea

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On Jun 1, 2015, at 8:37 AM, Jim Hemphill via Callers <callers at lists.sharedweight.net<mailto:callers at lists.sharedweight.net>> wrote:

The recent discussions on this topic inspired me to try an experiment in gender free calling.  Last night I called the contra dance in St. Louis using gender free calling without telling anyone.    The experiment was a great success.  I received lots of  positive feedback on the evenings dance.  At the break and after the dance I made a point to ask several dancers, some were callers as well, if they noticed anything different or unusual about the dances or how I taught them.   One person noticed that there were more dances that included a swing in the center for couple 2 than usual.  No one I talked to noticed that the calls and teaching were gender free.

It took some extra time to construct a fun, diverse 3 hour program, but it is certainly possible.  Re-labeling the dancers is not the only way to call gender free.

If you are interested in the program I used or the larger collection of gender free dances I chose the program from, send me an email,  arcadian35 at gmail.com<mailto:arcadian35 at gmail.com>.

Thanks,
Jim Hemphill

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