Tony Parkes has been running a square series in Belmont that's starting up
again tonight. He calls, I anchor the band. I've had a great time doing this
and have learned TONS, partly because the whole evening is squares (New
England and southern, plus Kentucky running sets/circles/Fr.Can longways, a
huge mix) so I can get out of the contra groove for a whole evening, really
sink into a different way of playing/responding to the caller/dancers.
The other reason I've learned so much is because of the dancers - there's a
small but loyal core of dancers who are old enough to have been dancing
since before the big split - they were doing evenings of mixed contras and
squares back in the days when that was still the norm. Just watching them,
cueing in to their body language and phrasing, has taught me more than I can
explain in words.
I've heard contra callers say that they'd like more time with squares - that
it's hard to improve when you can only call one or two per night at the
usual contracentric dances. Tony and I have been talking about opening up
the evening to other callers - letting this dance be a venue where other
folks can come in and share the mike. Any interest out there? Anyone
Boston/New England callers who'd like the chance to call a whole bunch of
squares in an evening, practice communicating with a supportive/seasoned
band, observe how Tony does it, get feedback etc? Is this an idea we should
pursue?
I'd be interested in your feedback - thanks!
Cheers,
Amy
