[Callers] Leading a 1 hr contra dance

[Bree Kalb]

Do Si Three by Linda Leslie is another excellent dance for newbies. It has
progression and swings (I encourage elbow swings) and it doesn't matter a
bit where one ends up. It's always been a great success when I've called it.

On Fri, Mar 29, 2019 at 11:02 AM Rich Sbardella via Callers <
callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Casey,
>
> In a one hour gig with lots of newbies, I would suggest not using any
> progressive contras.  There are too many fun dances that usr similar basics
> without the complication of progression.
>
> I have been hired to call such contra dances, but found the most success
> calling dances likes "Rakes of Mallow", La Bastringue, Rural Felicity, Heel
> & Toe Polka, etc.  Few people in the crowd understand what a "modern"
> contra dance is, they just want to move to the music.
>
> Goodluck,
> Rich Sbardella
> Stafford, CT
>
> On Fri, Mar 29, 2019 at 10:05 AM Casey Carr via Callers <
> callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> I would also start with a circle - teach giving weight, hand holds, 8
>> counts.  Might teach La Bastringue (keeping partners and 2 hand turn
>> instead of swing).   I would definitely not teach swings in an hour - no
>> ladies chains.   Just circles, stars, allemandes, dos si dos.
>>
>> Depending on the crowd could start with Gallopede or Virginia Reel, then
>> Family Contra would be perfect and end with another simple contra.
>>
>> Casey Carr
>>
>> On 3/29/2019 8:52 AM, Liz Burkhart via Callers wrote:
>>
>> I have a gig coming up at a library wherein I have one hour to teach and
>> call contra dances. It's a mixed crowd, and I heard there may be a lot of
>> tweens present. I think I'd like to focus on bigger picture things - moving
>> up and down the line, swinging, interacting with their set. I imagine I may
>> even cut out courtesy turns in order to minimize the time we spend on the
>> lesson. I've taught for small, mostly inexperienced crowds before but I
>> usually have a lot more time. I'd really rather get them moving than to get
>> bogged down in teaching. Does anyone have insight, suggestions, or advice?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Liz Burkhart
>>
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