Contra Callers October 2015

contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net

1 participants
34 discussions

by James Saxe via Callers

In a couple weeks, I'm scheduled to call at a contra dance series whose usual hall is unavailable for that evening. The alternative hall where I'll be calling is smaller than the usual one, so may be rather crowded. I'd like to have anyone's suggestions of contras suitable for a crowded hall. Being more crowded than usual might also mean that it will be hotter than usual, especially in the later part of the evening, when we'll need to close windows on account of noise restrictions. So I'd like to the program to include some dances that give people a chance to relax a little, and that can be done at moderate tempo without feeling draggy. The series is well established series of the "modern urban contra" sort. While I don't want to have people crashing into each other if it's crowded, and I don't want to wear them out if it's hot, I also don't want to stray too far from dancers' expectations of most dances having both partner and neighbor swings, etc. [In case anyone's wondering, I do have a copy of the CDSS booklet "Dances for a Crowded Hall"m which talks about stuff like avoiding expansive figures. The specific dances listed in that book, however, are English Country Dances.] Thanks in advance for any ideas. --Jim

9 years, 2 months

Shadow Swing Disclaimers?

by Maia McCormick via Callers

Hey all, First, a disclaimer: Some people on this listserv thing shadow swings are problematic. Some don't see any issue with them. This is NOT the conversation I want to have in this thread; *I ask that you respond to the question I'm asking and do not debate my premise--at least not in this particular thread. *This should help keep this thread on track and hopefully reduce excess noise and go-nowhere discussions on this listserv. Thanks! Anyway, the actual question I wanted to ask (whew!)-- There do exist some really fabulous shadow-swing dances that I would love to be able to call, as long as I could do so without putting anyone in an uncomfortable position. Do folks have ideas for ways to mitigate the potential harms of shadow swing dances? I was considering, at the beginning of the dance, having dancers identify their shadow and mentioning, "this will be a shadow swing dance, so if you need to make any changes, do so now" (or something like that)--haven't gotten the wording down-pat, but the idea is giving dancers advance warning of a shadow swing so they can move (thereby changing their shadow) if they need to. Any thoughts on this method? Suggestions of others? Cheers. Maia

9 years, 2 months

One caller slot remaining for 2016 New Zealand tour

by Vicki Morrison via Callers

Hello! The Allemande Joy Contra Dance Tour is a group of 32 dancers, musicians, and callers from the US who spend a month every other year touring New Zealand, mostly the south island. We stop in cities along the way to conduct and/or participate in local contra dances. The trip also includes a dance weekend. The next trip is January 29-February 29, 2016. The 2016 trip is sold out except we are saving a slot for one more caller. Price is $4,050 for a single, which includes round trip air fare from LAX, lodging, meals, tour bus, and dances. If you or a caller you may know is interested in joining us, please contact Julie, 2016NZContra(a)gmail.com. You can also find more information on our Facebook page. Search for Allemande Joy 2016 New Zealand Contra Dance Tour. Please feel free to share this information. Thanks! Vicki MorrisonTallahassee, FLtallygal007(a)yahoo.com

9 years, 2 months

Dick Henschel

by Rich Sbardella via Callers

I am relaying this information to any concerned. Dick Henschel was the voice of Hilton Sound Equipment, and was always a helpful voice to callers. He will be missed. It is with the greatest of sadness, to inform you of the sudden passing of Dick Henschel on Saturday evening. > > Eight months ago, Dick discovered that he had cancer...specifically Mantle Cell Lymphoma, which originates in the lymphatic system. This particular form is a very rare form of non-Hodgkinâ€™s lymphoma. There are only 11,000 cases of this in the US. > > Dick entered treatment at Walnut Creek Hospital six months ago and recently symptoms showed up which led to the suspension of that treatment and the investigation of other therapies. Saturday he became very ill and he was rushed to the hospital. Doctors discovered he had a massive abdominal infection resulting in sepsis, a life-threatening response which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. Sadly he passed very quickly and peacefully with Vicky holding his hand. > > Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized, but will be shared as soon as they are available. > > Sympathies my be extended to Vicky by emailing her at RHandVH24 at gmail.com or by mail at: > 1631 Rio Blanco Drive > Concord, CA 94521 > > In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CALLERLAB Foundation for the Preservation of Square Dancing at: > CALLERLAB Foundation > Dana Schirmer, Executive Director > 200 SW 30th Street, Suite 104 > Topeka, KS 66611 > > Phone: (785) 783-3665 > Email: info at callerlab.org > > Please share this sad news with your square dance friends. > > > Bill Heyman > P.O. Box 550 > Marlborough, NH 03455-0550 >

9 years, 2 months

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Contra Callers October 2015