> see my comments sprinkled.......
> On Mar 6, 2018, at 12:21 AM, Jeanette Mill via Callers wrote:
>
>> Hello
>>
>> I am devising a workshop for a festival here in Australia, and
>> have long been of the opinion that there are no "leaders" in
>> contra dance couples.
>
>
> That's a great issue to discuss. My thought is that having a
> really fun time requires someone to take the initiative. Of course
> it's quite possible that dancing in Australia is different than
> dancing here in the states.
>
>
>> Moves should be executed with mutual consent, especially
>> embellishments such as turning under out of a ladies' chain.
>> Conventions such as waltz hold swings are really useful here. In
>> Australia, other related dance forms use a variety of swing holds,
>> which lead to confusion and interruption of flow. I plan to place
>> some emphasis on conventions of holds, such as allemande and star
>> holds.
> Would it depend on the situation? If there are new dancers would
> you expect or appreciate leading from a more experienced dancer? I
> would say skill level would play a part in this issue even between
> people who are not beginners.
>>
>> I would value people's opinions on this, as it may ruffle some
>> long-held conventions. Any words of wisdom from the gender free
>> dance community would be especially welcome.
>>
>>
>> Also, I believe that if dancers are to enjoy embellishments, they
>> must be by mutual consent. This is so difficult to establish in a
>> microsecond. I would value any thoughts on how to advise reaching
>> this consent in the context of a contra dance.
> I know in my small town everyone knows everyone and it's easy to
> adjust your style when it comes to embellishments. When you meet
> someone in line you know what to expect unless it's a new face.
>
> Would that be very different at a large dance or say at a festival
> where people from other areas attend?
>>
>> Looking forward to your thoughts
> My limited personal experience is that I'm the leader because I'm
> the stronger dancer.
>
> If I verbally suggest that my partner "twirl me" they will, but
> it's usually in the wrong direction or at the wrong time. There
> are good female leaders out there, but not here in my town. So how
> about a workshop where people are allowed or encouraged to try the
> role they may not be the most comfortable with?
>>
>> cheers
>> Jeanette
>>
>> __________
>>
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>
Linda Leslie Celebration of Life
Sunday, May 20
1:30-4:30 PM
at The Concord Scout House
Sharing of memories followed by a community dance.
The sharing is for us to remember Linda and her wonderful energy, generous spirit and warm love. The dance is for Linda—this is what she wanted us to do!
—Lisa Greenleaf
When was the last time you got a tan at an *indoor* contradance?
No, this is not a joke. I got sunburned while calling this past Saturday
(March 3rd, in Pennsylvania).
How is this possible? Probably a damaged metal halide bulb in the community
center gym where the dance was held. Apparently this is a problem that
occurs sporadically in gyms all over the country, as I found out after a
google search:
https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2004/05/19/damaged-metal-halide-
lamps-can-cause-indoor-sunburns-56964/
https://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationSafe
ty/AlertsandNotices/ucm116540.htm
I'm very fair-skinned and burn easily, but I'm not the only one who was
affected — the musicians got sunburns as well, and two of them have (mild)
eye irritation symptoms. It's only when we compared notes yesterday that we
realized what had happened.
We will all be ok, and thankfully there haven't been any reports of dancers
being affected — it was a large and lively crowd, and we kept them moving!
Other than the burns, it was an absolutely wonderful dance.
The problem had not occurred before at this monthly event because the bank
of lights that we now think the culprit bulb is a part of is not usually
on. It was needed that night because some of the other lights had burned
out.
I would like to commend the dance organizers who, once informed, took the
problem very seriously and immediately contacted the community center
management, who in turn promised to address the issue right away.
I don't mean to alarm anyone, but next time you call in a gym, you may want
to wear sunscreen!
Anne Lutun
Philadelphia, PA
Someone from Stratford, Ontario in Canada has contacted me-he has a
collection of square dance records from his parents that he would like to
give away to a good home. If you're interested please contact him directly
Larry Crisp beege318(a)hotmail.com
Also please let me know that you have done so. Thanks!
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