[Callers] Floor Space Requirement

[Rich Sbardella via Callers]

Hello Woody,

I have not assumed that only 20 couples would dance, I was just using that
as a way to determine how much dance floor is needed.  I would love three
or four lines of 20 couples.  I have not yet visited the hall.

I have spoken at length with the B&G.  They are indeed contra dancers.  I
let them know that they could have a great time with few or no contras, but
they are insisting.  I will include a longways and a circle mixer, if space
allows, before I go to contras.  I will have some easy, gender free contras
to start, and a few very easy duple improper contras.  It is their day, and
they are calling the shots, but perhaps as the event develops, I can
persuade them to be flexible.  I have many ONS dances to draw from.

Thanks for the advice, it will be useful.

Rich Sbardella
Stafford, CT

On Mon, Aug 1, 2016 at 5:30 PM, Woody Lane via Callers <
callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hi Rich,
>
> Are the bride and groom actual contra dancers?
>
> I would talk with them first. Get a feel for their comfort about contras,
> and also dancing in general. Ask them if they waltz. If you hear a few
> moments of silence -- that says a lot about their dancing. Assure them that
> everyone will have a great time.
>
> With a 145 attendees, why assume that there will only be 40 dancers (20
> couples)? Maybe there will be only 40 if all the dances you call are modern
> contras. But if you, as the MC for that part of the event, can get all the
> attendees on the dance floor (or at least 100+), all happy and celebrating
> -- would that be an option? Would that be what the couple really wants but
> is either narrow in their perspective or doesn't know how to articulate it?
>
> This weekend, I called a wedding for some folks who wanted contras. That's
> what they advertised. Well, yes, except that the bride and groom had really
> never waltzed or had done real contras.
>
> Nonetheless, contras was what they had in their heads. There were 80
> attendees. The dance area was a relatively narrow rectangle of grass. But
> we began with a Grand March -- which everyone (and I mean everyone) could
> do, with a wind-up spiral. Even the non-dancers could walk through it and
> laugh. Then a very phrase-driven circle mixer, then a Virginia Reel style
> of dance. Nearly everyone was on the dance floor, having a great time. And
> they stayed on the floor, ignoring the free drinks. Yes, it was
> occasionally a bit crowded, but nobody cared. Actually, that's what I think
> the wedding couple really wanted -- to have lots of fun on their special
> day and share the celebration. They were absolutely delighted that so many
> of their non-dancer friends were clearly having a great time on the dance
> floor.  (and then we did more dances after a dessert break, ending with a
> simple fun mixer.) And at the end of the evening, they gave me an extra tip
> on top of my payment.
>
> Just some thoughts. Good luck.
>
> Woody
>
> --
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
> Woody Lane
> Caller, Percussive Dancer
> Roseburg, Oregon
> http://www.woodylanecaller.com
> home: 541-440-1926 cell: 541-556-0054
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
>
> On 8/1/2016 6:01 AM, Rich Sbardella via Callers wrote:
>
>> Friends,
>>
>> I have been hire to call a wedding with 145 attendees and 15 known
>> contra dancers.  The bride and groom are insisting on modern contras.
>>
>> I have never thought about floor space, what is the typical
>> requirement for a line of twenty couples?
>>
>> Any very easy duple improper dances to recommend?  I plan on using
>> "Family Contra" and "Jefferson and Lincoln".
>>
>> Thanls,
>> Rich
>>
>
>
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