[Callers] Floor Space Requirement

[Richard Hart via Callers]

Woodie got it right. Talk with the B&G. Most everyone would much
prefer the dances to be fun for everyone, rather than more complicated
and difficult dances that fail with all the beginners.  Just be sure
you have a good band who can keep a strong beat and great tunes.

For the grand march have the B&G lead the march (talk with them about
how this will work beforehand). Then have them end up in front and
middle where all can applaud them. A Virginia reel is good for
beginners, as is the Galopede. I've found that with good music and an
enthusiastic crowd, most good dancers enjoy the Galopede, or Virginia
reel as much as the most modern contras, as they are dancing with (at
lest some) friends, and they can always add their own flourishes.

And when all are lined up after the grand march, immediately form
lines from where they stand. Don't let them sit down. Keep them
dancing.

On Mon, Aug 1, 2016 at 5:53 PM, Rich Sbardella via Callers
<callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> 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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