Contra Callers February 2011

contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net

48 participants
42 discussions

by Luke Donev

Hello all, I think I've written a new dance, but I like to check. Anyone recognize this as pre-existing? Rory's Chewing Star by Luke Donev A1 Right Hand Star 1x Neighbor Do-si-do to a short wavy line A2 Balance Right and Left, slide Right Balance Left and Right, slide Left B1 Neighbor Allemande R 1/2x Men Allemande L 1/2x Partner swing B2 Men Allemande L 1 1/2x Women join in for a hands across Left hand star 1x Other comments also welcome. The name is from my niece's nickname. She's almost 1, and likes to chew on things. -- Luke Donev http://www.lukedonev.com Luke.Donev(a)gmail.com

14 years, 1 month

Ring Around the Daisy (was Dance Name)

by J L Korr

This is indeed a modified version of Shawn Brenneman's "Ring Around the Daisy," named by a dancer named Daisy who won the right to name it at a fundraising auction. I called the original version of the dance at a weekend in September 2009 that Nils was at, so it's possible he picked it up then and later modified it. Shawn's version was as follows: A1: Lines of 4 forward and back Ladies grand chain to diagonal opposite. [After the courtesy turn, turn away from that diagonal opposite to face corner.] A2: Corner gypsy x1, come back to diagonal opposite Swing diagonal opposite B1: All eight circle left 1/2 Four gents star L x1 while ladies walk CW 1/2 B2: Partner balance & swing --Jeremy > > From: Rich Goss <richgoss(a)comcast.net> > > Subject: [Callers] Dance Name > > To: "Shared Weight" <callers(a)sharedweight.net> > > Date: Thursday, February 3, 2011, 1:11 AM > > > > > > Danced a 4-face-4 dance tonight that Nils Fredland called. I wrote > > down the > > moves but forgot the name and author. I do remember that the author > > is from > > Chicago. Here are the moves: > > > > A1: Lines of 4 Forward and Back > > Ladies Grand Chain (to Opposite) > > > > A2: Opposite Balance and Swing > > > > B1: 8 Circle left 1/2, Gents in center, walk single file CCW > > 1x, > > while Ladies walk CW 1/2 > > > > B2: Partner Balance and Swing > > > > > > Anyone recognize it. > > Thanks

14 years, 1 month

Good grief, yet another cure

by Gary Shapiro

The conversation here about those petronella into swing dances inspired me to look through my collection and I found this: A1 Neighbor balance & swing A2 All four balance, petronella twirl and an immediate allemande left 1/2, 1/2 hey B1 Partner balance & swing B2 All four balance, petronella twirl and an immediate allemande left 1/2, 1/2 hey Anyone have a title and author?

14 years, 1 month

Re: [Callers] Dance Name

by richgoss＠comcast.net

That's the name he gave me. I asked when I was out at the top of the line, and promptly forgot it. It indeed is a chain to the diagonal opposite. Also, as Leslie points out, the CT uses up the remaining 4 beats. As one dancing it, I made sure to do a modified CT and transitioned into only having right hands joined for a balance. Thanks so much for the info and input. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jack Mitchell" <jamitch3(a)mindspring.com> To: "Caller's discussion list" <callers(a)sharedweight.net> Sent: Thursday, February 3, 2011 4:38:58 PM Subject: Re: [Callers] Dance Name I have it (also from nils) as follows. Nils mentioned at the time that it was a modification of the original (somewhat more complicated dance). Also notice that after the circle left it was a gents star rather than gents promenade -- for me that was a really cool moment in the dance...when the gents reach back for that Star and pop out of the circle. Possibly Nils has made more changes. At that point, it starts to really become a new dance, tho. *Ring Around the Daisy (modified)*-- Shawn Brenneman4 Face 4 NOTE:*Very* circular for the ladies -- probably not one to call. A1LL F&B 4 ladies chain to diagonal neighbor A2N B&S B1All 8 Circle L 1/2 Ladies keep walking, gents star left 1x Ladies continue walking in the same direction you were circling, Gents Reach back B2P B&S On 2/3/2011 6:54 PM, Linda Leslie wrote: > A couple of thoughts about the dance below: > 1. If no one on this list knows it, an email to Nils might be the next > step. I have found him quite happy to respond to requests! > 2. If I were to make an educated guess, I would say that it might be > an Al Olson dance. > 3. The ladies grand chain is actually to the diagonal opposite, rather > than the opposite neighbor across. Perhaps a small point, but an > important distinction when it comes to calling/teaching Four Face Four > (Mescolanza) formations. > 4. The problem with changing the half grand chain to a star is that > there will be time left over. A courtesy turn should take 4 counts of > the music; if a half star is done, which should take about 4 counts of > the music, the ladies will reach their diagonal opposites too soon, > and have to wait 4 counts before doing the Balance and Swing. While it > may not be the most flowing move to go from a courtesy turn into a > balance and swing, it certainly is readily done, and the dancers can > be playful with how they dance these moves. > > If no one knows the dance, then I will be happy to get in touch with > Nils! > warmly, Linda Leslie > > On Feb 3, 2011, at 1:28 AM, Dave Colestock wrote: > >> I might not know the name, but for proper flow the A1 should be >> ladies RH Star, not a grand chain, which is always followed by a >> courtesy turn. In this dance there should be no courtesy turn, as >> the next move is a balance and swing with the opposite. >> >> Dave Colestock >> Harrisburg, PA >> >> >> --- On Thu, 2/3/11, Rich Goss <richgoss(a)comcast.net> wrote: >> >> >> From: Rich Goss <richgoss(a)comcast.net> >> Subject: [Callers] Dance Name >> To: "Shared Weight" <callers(a)sharedweight.net> >> Date: Thursday, February 3, 2011, 1:11 AM >> >> >> Danced a 4-face-4 dance tonight that Nils Fredland called. I wrote >> down the >> moves but forgot the name and author. I do remember that the author >> is from >> Chicago. Here are the moves: >> >> A1: Lines of 4 Forward and Back >> Ladies Grand Chain (to Opposite) >> >> A2: Opposite Balance and Swing >> >> B1: 8 Circle left 1/2, Gents in center, walk single file CCW 1x, >> while Ladies walk CW 1/2 >> >> B2: Partner Balance and Swing >> >> >> Anyone recognize it. >> Thanks >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Callers mailing list >> Callers(a)sharedweight.net >> http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers >> _______________________________________________ >> Callers mailing list >> Callers(a)sharedweight.net >> http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers > > _______________________________________________ > Callers mailing list > Callers(a)sharedweight.net > http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers > _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers

14 years, 1 month

Re: [Callers] Back to Calling Medleys

by Mark Widmer

Rich, You've pretty much summed up my approach (and that of other callers I know) to calling medleys at a regular contra dance -- i.e., not at a festival. A medley is a fun surprise for the dancers, there is no need to "warn" them about it. Straightforward dances are used, so it is arguably less challenging to beginners than doing a dance with contra corners or having a shadow. That being said, I do occasionally encounter a hallful of dancers where I feel, on balance, a medley would not be a good idea. But that is the exception rather than the rule. Mark Widmer On Tue, 1 Feb 2011 19:27:31 +0000 (UTC),richgoss(a)comcast.net wrote: > Hi, > > My two cent regarding medleys. > > Most all medleys I've ever encountered were not extra length, usually lasting > at most six times through per unique dance.? Medleys by nature must be easy > dances with progressions that fit together nicely.? > > I frequently call a medley as the last dance of the evening.? None of the moves > are ones that have not been used somewhere else in the evening. > > Usually I will ask the band to play three tunes, 4-4-5, and I will?signal > the tune changes myself.? The dance changes when the > tune does, but you know that part well. > > I really don't see medleys as being any more challenging than any other contra > dance.? Every dance should be just fun, and the?switch is what makes it so. ? > Each dance in the medley should be totally accessible to all skill levels at > that point in the evening. ? If there is a bit of fumbling about at the switch, > I think that just adds to the fun.? I just make sure I make my calls a bit > earlier and very clearly, with a "Listen UP, Listen UP" thrown in at the dance switch. > > Perhaps we're talking about a different sort of medley. > > Hope all you northeasterners are braving the latest storm okay.? Looks > nasty.??Nice sunny day here in the Pacific NW. > > Rich

14 years, 1 month

Re: [Callers] Developing a Culture of Inclusiveness. Was: Calling medleys

by Greg McKenzie

Martha Asked: >So, Greg, since you are clearly a Good Guy, what was the meaning of your >original post, where you suggested the caller warn people that there was a >medley coming up so they could be sure they wouldn't have to dance the >medley with someone who wasn't skilled? That's what I'm reacting to - it >just sounded so...like a hotdogger. Which you otherwise don't seem to be. No. I am not a "Good Guy."...but I have the potential. Everyone does. I believe that calling contras can make you a better person, if you work at it. So maybe there is still hope. For the caller to gain the respect and support of the entire hall they need to be open with people and trust them with information. As a caller you want everyone invested in your success. If the dancers feel informed they are more likely to trust the caller. To "spring" an unusual formation on the dancers will erode that sense of trust. In a medley the dancer could possible be making a commitment the length of two regular contras. It only seems fair to warn the dancers of this increased commitment. Yes. There are some who will feel an increased sense of urgency in finding a particular partner, or kind of partner, for this extended commitment. This does not reflect poorly upon the dancer. It is a natural outcome of longer dance slots that dancers will feel what could be called an increased "partnering urgency." If you are going to put them in that position it is only fair that you warn them in advance. We use words like "hotdogger" to describe such people and it does have a derogatory sound to it. But, as in all other cases, it's always the caller's fault. If you want to encourage an increased culture of inclusiveness then shorter partnering slots is one strategy that really works. Even shortening the slots a small amount during the first third of the dance evening will create a sense that there will be many partnering opportunities and this will engender a more generous feeling in the partnering process. This, of course, speaks against the use of medleys. Because of their length, and because they are regarded as more challenging, medleys are more exclusive than a regular contra dance. So those are just two tips on generating a culture of inclusiveness: 1. Build a sense of trust with the dancers by giving them more information. 2. Keep the length of the partnering slots shorter, particularly early in the evening. - Greg

14 years, 1 month

Re: [Callers] Developing a Culture of Inclusiveness. Was: Calling medleys

by richgoss＠comcast.net

No to both. For a no walk through, I say "The first move is a Neighbor dosido. That's all you need to know. We'll do it with music." The medleys just happen, with no announcement. Again, none of these dances can be difficult in any way, and would contain moves that have been done already in the evening. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Greg McKenzie" <grekenzie(a)gmail.com> To: "Caller's discussion list" <callers(a)sharedweight.net> Sent: Tuesday, February 1, 2011 12:48:03 PM Subject: Re: [Callers] Developing a Culture of Inclusiveness. Was: Calling medleys Rich wrote: >Perhaps we're talking about a different sort of medley. That may be the case. I have never seen the "short" medley you speak of. Do you announce your medley's in advance? Do you warn the dancers that there will be "no walk through?"

14 years, 1 month

Re: [Callers] Happy as a Warm Pig in Cold Mud

by Becky Nankivell

I have a "Cold Pig in Warm Mud", first heard it from Penn Fix in 1995, and it's published that way in Midwest Folklore. Maybe the slightly altered version is slightly renamed? I haven't used it much but have approached it as a "let loose and live with what happens" dance -- if the stars have more or fewer than four people, that's ok, you just have to come back to your partner. In the box next to Eric Zorn's "The Axiom of Choice". :-) ~ Becky Nankivell ------------------ Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:50:58 +1300 From: Liz and Bill <staf186(a)ext.canterbury.ac.nz> To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> Subject: Re: [Callers] Happy as a Warm Pig in Cold Mud Message-ID: <4D477512.6050003(a)ext.canterbury.ac.nz> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Interesting discussion, looks like a fun dance, but what temperature is the pig? I have a dance card with a cold pig and warm mud! The title on the you tube video title has a warm pig, but the title frame in the video has a cold pig. I suppose the pig would be happy either way. Cheers, Bill

14 years, 1 month

Re: [Callers] Back to Calling Medleys

by richgoss＠comcast.net

Hi, My two cent regarding medleys. Most all medleys I've ever encountered were not extra length, usually lasting at most six times through per unique dance. Medleys by nature must be easy dances with progressions that fit together nicely. I frequently call a medley as the last dance of the evening. None of the moves are ones that have not been used somewhere else in the evening. Usually I will ask the band to play three tunes, 4-4-5, and I will signal the tune changes myself. The dance changes when the tune does, but you know that part well. I really don't see medleys as being any more challenging than any other contra dance. Every dance should be just fun, and the switch is what makes it so. Each dance in the medley should be totally accessible to all skill levels at that point in the evening. If there is a bit of fumbling about at the switch, I think that just adds to the fun. I just make sure I make my calls a bit earlier and very clearly, with a "Listen UP, Listen UP" thrown in at the dance switch. Perhaps we're talking about a different sort of medley. Hope all you northeasterners are braving the latest storm okay. Looks nasty. Nice sunny day here in the Pacific NW. Rich ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Mckeever" <macmck(a)ymail.com> To: "Caller's discussion list" <callers(a)sharedweight.net> Sent: Tuesday, February 1, 2011 10:21:16 AM Subject: Re: [Callers] Developing a Culture of Inclusiveness. Was: Calling medleys This is all interesting - can someone explain where this leaves the less experienced dancer? A medley is the place where they need the most help from the more experienced. Unless we put them all in the same line and watch them scramble. Or should we just invite them not to dance? It really doesn't bother me to dance with a newer dancer for a couple extra minutes. Mac >From Greg: > In a medley the dancer could possible be making a commitment the length of > two regular contras... > > This, of course, speaks against the use of medleys. Because of their > length, and because they are regarded as more challenging, medleys are more > exclusive than a regular contra dance. >

14 years, 1 month

Another Cure for the Claps

by Bob Green

I am planning on calling *Another Cure fir the Claps *tonight. I did not have the author of the dance. does anyone have it? this version: *Another Cure for the Claps* A1 (8) Balance the ring and twirl to the right (Petronella) (8) Scoop up your Partner and swing on the side A2 (8) (8) Balance the ring and twirl to the right (Petronella) (8) Scoop up your Neighbor and swing on the side B1 (8) Down the hall, four in line (turn as couples) (8) Return and Bend the line B2 (8) Ladies Chain (8) Circle Right 3/4 Pass left up/down to face next couple (form ring) Thanks, Bob

14 years, 1 month

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Contra Callers February 2011