[Callers] Advice about "gypsy"

[Don Veino via Callers]

Before I respond directly, I ask that all of us posting what I expect to be
many replies to trim post quotes to just the pertinent bits (particularly
those reading the "digest" version).

I don't stress flirtation with this move - if so inclined, it appears to
develop quite naturally on its own. What I typically say to a first time
group of dancers is something along the lines of "lock [tractor beam] eyes
with this person, slightly present your right [left] shoulder to them and
walk around them [counter-]clockwise without touching - we call this a
Gypsy".

In response to this person from your dance I would personally reply with
something like:

"I'm sorry that you were offended and take your input seriously. The
"gypsy" move in Contra dancing is shared from English Country Dance, and is
a standardized term in this context. As a result of your input I've raised
this issue with a group of dance leaders I participate in and there may be
an opportunity to rename this move over time. Thanks for coming to our
dance and I hope you'll join us again."

Curiously enough, I'd raised this naming issue with a group of callers (and
dancers glommed on) at a house party recently. An area caller had tried
rebranding the Gypsy as an Orbit, which this group rejected due to the
existing usage & meaning for that term. One participant was of Romani
heritage and expressed pride at the existing term and satisfaction at it
being used for such a nice dance move and would feel loss were it to be
renamed. I don't mention this to make excuses for anything that might
offend but rather to show that there are many possible perspectives. I'd
since thought of other possible names and came up with these:

   - Swirl - gentlest, unfortunately similar to "twirl" in sound
   - Cyclone - too "violent", encouraging abandon?
   - Vortex - distinct in sound, 2 syllables and short when spelled out.

Sorry you find yourself in this situation. We know your actual intent was
to bring happiness, not offend.

-Don

On Sat, Oct 24, 2015 at 3:12 AM, Amy Wimmer via Callers <
callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> 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.
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.sharedweight.net/pipermail/callers-sharedweight.net/attachments/20151024/b690167f/attachment.htm>