I agree the video is a sweet local balfolk !
What got me excited about French Balfolk is Gennetines Le Grand Bal d’Europe in July/August 2024 in France!
Check out this video montage from 2024, it starts at 0:36 with Rap en Francais! https://youtu.be/0jjp32OtTTw?t=36
I’ve been teaching a few easy French Balfolk after the break at contra dances (instead of the old hambo slot) when the band can play the tunes.
I’m hoping to host a few balfolk events in Asheville, as there will be a big workshop at the LEAF in October (with Annie Fain and Geraud from Brasstown, John C Campbell Folkschool) and we’d like to get folks excited about it.
I’m going back to Gennetines this summer to dance more French Balfolk (as well as International folk dances- Israeli, English, Irish, Tango. Etc)
Let me know if you’re interested in meeting at camp!
Claire Takemori, Dance Caller
website <https://clairetakemoridanceteacher.godaddysites.com/>
email <mailto:clairedancecaller@gmail.com>
Follow on Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/clairedancecaller/>
Like my Facbeook page <https://www.facebook.com/ClaireTakemoriDanceCaller/>
408 874-6840
“To live is to dance, to dance is to live” ~Charles M. Schulz
Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2025 16:01:38 -0400
From: Luke Donforth <calling.luke(a)gmail.com <mailto:calling.luke@gmail.com>>
Subject: [Callers] Re: The next hot new thing!
Cc: Shared Weight Contra Callers
<contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>>
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I think this video is a good depiction of what balfolk can be:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8OUy5JM6Jw
As I understand it, balfolk (or bal folk) means a folk ball. The wikipedia
article gives a more in-depth description:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balfolk
but as a folk activity, there's a lot of variation and places where it has
its own flavor.
As for the John Cage link, yes, sorry. I debated between linking to
the pertinent
wikipedia article <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4%E2%80%B233%E2%80%B3>or
this other one <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYBUbBu4W08&t=8s>and
apparently in my indecision broke the link.
So Balfolk is a real thing, but Bubblefolk is just for April Fools.
What it says on the tin—I want more four-face-fours in my collection (not
least because I’m calling a session of them at NEFFA 😅), drop your
favorites here! Accepting recommendations of any difficulty level.
Thanks all!
- Maia (Brooklyn, NY)
--
Maia McCormick (she/her)
917.279.8194
Hi,
Sometime in recent history I captured the following sequence under the
title "Double Trouble" and Bob Isaacs' name. This would have either been
from a called dance or a random YouTube video.
In searching, it appears this isn't the true attribution - does anyone have
the correct information? There's a couple of dances under this name in C's
Box but none by Bob.
Thanks,
Don
*Double Trouble? - DI - Bob Isaacs?*
A1 GNT/LRK ALM LT 1+1/2x; PNR SW
A2 CIR LT 3/4x, NBR SW
B1 LDY/RBN CHAIN to PNR; H-Across LH STAR
B2 GNT/LRK LH CHAIN to NBR; RH STAR
I think this video is a good depiction of what balfolk can be:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8OUy5JM6Jw
As I understand it, balfolk (or bal folk) means a folk ball. The wikipedia
article gives a more in-depth description:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balfolk
but as a folk activity, there's a lot of variation and places where it has
its own flavor.
As for the John Cage link, yes, sorry. I debated between linking to
the pertinent
wikipedia article <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4%E2%80%B233%E2%80%B3>or
this other one <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYBUbBu4W08&t=8s>and
apparently in my indecision broke the link.
So Balfolk is a real thing, but Bubblefolk is just for April Fools.
On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 1:36 PM Luke Donforth <luke.donforth(a)gmail.com>
wrote:
> I think this video is a good depiction of what balfolk can be:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8OUy5JM6Jw
>
> As I understand it, balfolk (or bal folk) means a folk ball. The wikipedia
> article gives a more in-depth description:
> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balfolk
> but as a folk activity, there's a lot of variation and places where it has
> its own flavor.
>
> As for the John Cage link, yes, sorry. I debated between linking to the pertinent
> wikipedia article <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4%E2%80%B233%E2%80%B3>or
> this other one <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYBUbBu4W08&t=8s>and
> apparently in my indecision broke the link.
>
> On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 12:53 PM Gregory <glibguide(a)protonmail.com> wrote:
>
>> To make matters more confusing for me, I've found an unlisted youtuve
>> video on a Bal Folk playlist which has an italian name and film maker
>> (Produzioni Clandestine), with people dancing Bal Folk who are all speaking
>> Spanish, to French music, and the title of the video is "Bal Folk Scottish"
>>
>> ....help me out?
>>
>> Greg
>>
>>
>>
>> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod
>> tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim
>> veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea
>> commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate
>> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
>> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id
>> est laborum. *This is filler text that changes the size of the messages
>> I send - an added layer of security *
>> *for detection and identification of encrypted information using
>> metadata.*
>> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod
>> tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim
>> veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea
>> commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate
>> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
>> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id
>> est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed
>> do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad
>> minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex
>> ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate
>> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
>> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id
>> est laborum. *This is filler text that changes the size of the messages
>> I send - an added layer of security *
>> *for detection and identification of encrypted information using
>> metadata.*
>> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod
>> tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim
>> veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea
>> commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate
>> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
>> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id
>> est laborum.
>>
>> Sent with Proton Mail <https://proton.me/mail/home> secure email.
>>
>> On Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 at 11:39 AM, Gregory via Contra Callers <
>> contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>> Im trying to understand this. What is Bal Folk? I gather from preliminary
>> research
>>
>>
>> - bal is short for ballroom? because it's primarily partner dances?
>> kind of like what old time waltzing and polka is? some sort of mixture of
>> partner dances with structure patterns sort of like squares or English
>> major dances
>>
>>
>>
>> - why is it done to french music? is it french? At first I assumed
>> Bal was short for Balkan and envisioned people in lines holding hands
>> (which would be fun to 60's pop for sure)
>>
>>
>> Luke - you were missing a link for "John Cage Classics".
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Greg
>>
>>
>>
>> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod
>> tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim
>> veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea
>> commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate
>> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
>> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id
>> est laborum. *This is filler text that changes the size of the messages
>> I send - an added layer of security *
>> *for detection and identification of encrypted information using
>> metadata.*
>> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod
>> tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim
>> veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea
>> commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate
>> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
>> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id
>> est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed
>> do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad
>> minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex
>> ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate
>> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
>> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id
>> est laborum. *This is filler text that changes the size of the messages
>> I send - an added layer of security *
>> *for detection and identification of encrypted information using
>> metadata.*
>> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod
>> tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim
>> veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea
>> commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate
>> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
>> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id
>> est laborum.
>>
>> Sent with Proton Mail <https://proton.me/mail/home> secure email.
>>
>> On Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 at 5:02 AM, Luke Donforth via Contra Callers <
>> contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I'm not sure if you've experienced it where you are, but up here in
>> Vermont, the big hot thing lately has been Bal Folk dancing. Driven by the
>> beautiful music, it seems to be popping up like mushrooms after a
>> thunderstorm. Bal Folk is happening in southern Vermont, with a monthly
>> dance in Brattleboro <https://www.rachelbellmusic.com/calendar>, as well
>> as occasional ones in Burlington
>> <https://www.marywesley.com/gig/burlington-balfolk-party/>.
>>
>> But the real sign that Bal Folk has come into the mainstream is that
>> there's now a splinter style. Just as contra beget techno contra, Bal Folk
>> has spawned Bubble Folk. Yes, that's right, it's Bal Folk dances but
>> instead of traditional French tunes it's done to Bubblegum Pop from the
>> 1960s like Sugar, Sugar by the Archies
>> <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7T4aQMxTTM>. These rocking classics
>> increase the intergenerational appeal, as does the fact that everyone can
>> chew gum while dancing; popping bubbles in time with the music of course.
>>
>> Stay tuned for next year, as the smart money is on ECD; with trendsetters
>> now embarking on writing dances for John Cage classics <http:///>.
>>
>> Happy dancing!
>> Luke Donforth
>> calling.luke(a)gmail.com
>> Click here for publicity information.
>> <https://www.uvm.edu/~ldonfort/ContraPublicity/>
>>
>>
>>
>>
--
--
Luke Donforth
calling.luke(a)gmail.com
802-448-4533
Click here for publicity information.
<https://www.uvm.edu/~ldonfort/ContraPublicity/>
Hi all,
I'm not sure if you've experienced it where you are, but up here in
Vermont, the big hot thing lately has been Bal Folk dancing. Driven by the
beautiful music, it seems to be popping up like mushrooms after a
thunderstorm. Bal Folk is happening in southern Vermont, with a monthly
dance in Brattleboro <https://www.rachelbellmusic.com/calendar>, as
well as occasional
ones in Burlington
<https://www.marywesley.com/gig/burlington-balfolk-party/>.
But the real sign that Bal Folk has come into the mainstream is that
there's now a splinter style. Just as contra beget techno contra, Bal Folk
has spawned Bubble Folk. Yes, that's right, it's Bal Folk dances but
instead of traditional French tunes it's done to Bubblegum Pop from the
1960s like Sugar, Sugar by the Archies
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7T4aQMxTTM>. These rocking classics
increase the intergenerational appeal, as does the fact that everyone can
chew gum while dancing; popping bubbles in time with the music of course.
Stay tuned for next year, as the smart money is on ECD; with trendsetters
now embarking on writing dances for John Cage classics </>.
Happy dancing!
Luke Donforth
calling.luke(a)gmail.com
Click here for publicity information.
<https://www.uvm.edu/~ldonfort/ContraPublicity/>
From the notes:
This is an Officially Compliant Contra DanceTM. It has two swings, one with
the same person each time and one with someone else...
Most Perfect Holiday (written April 1, 2025)
Joe Harrington <contradancerjoe(a)gmail.com>
Contra
Becket CW
A 8 Long lines backward and forth (1)
16 Swing shadow (2,3)
8 w/ neighbor across, balance right & square through two, find your
partner
B1 8 Balance the original ring & spin to the right
8 Balance the ring & Arky twirl (4)
B2 4 Larks swat the flea (5) while robins balance anyone but your
neighbor robin (6)
12 Swing this one (7)
Notes:
1. Loud, whooping, "WOO!" on four. Don't knock into the people behind you!
2. Yeah? So? (*sigh*...if you don't like it, then do-si-do twice or
two-hand turn. Sheesh.)
3. Recommend twirl at end, so lark's right hand is free.
4. Like California twirl. Take inside hands with partner, trade places and
directions, taller person ducks under shorter person's raised hand.
5. No balance. You figure out who ducks. Maybe the taller one.
6. Recommend the robin behind you in the next line, or next to you if in a
side or only line. No limit on the number of dancers. Best to flout quickly
over your left shoulder and ignore the lark antics.
7. Larks' setup is for wedding-cake swing, but hey, be creative. I told 'em
not to look...
This is an Officially Compliant Contra DanceTM. It has two swings, one with
the same person each time and one with someone else.
Source:
Posted to Shared Weight callers email list April 1, 2025. Without testing,
of course.
--jh--
Hi Fellow Dance Organizers!
Wow - it's already April first - hoping that many of you are enjoying some
early spring flowers. 🪻🪻🪻
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
*Puttin' On The Dance 3 registration is now officially open to those
outside our catchment area!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
All details about the conference are here.
<https://www.puttinonthedance.org/potd-3/>
There are even still a few scholarships available.
*Heads up that registration CLOSES April 15th.*
Our team is in the midst of program planning and it's looking pretty darn
exciting!
So thankful that many of you will be joining us for this co-created weekend
of learning, connection, and inspiration for dance organizers.
♥️♥️♥️
The POTD3 organizing team
Chrissy Fowler, Patty Giavara, and Emily Addison
--
puttinonthedance.orgfacebook.com/PuttinOnTheDance
*You're on the POTD email list because we think you're interested in
conferences for dance organizers. Let us know if you want your address
removed. *
Hi all,
Please could you let me know what the new gender-free names
for Ladies' Chains are? Has anything evolved as the definitive new name?
Thanks.
Happy dancing,
John
John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802
940 574
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
I was called on Tuesday by someone looking for an hour of dancing at their
church retreat this Saturday. We talked and quickly agreed on the
parameters. Then, she asked for an invoice and a statement of work.
Hmmm. I have not called that many one-night stands, and this is the first
time I've been asked for either. So, of course, I asked ChatGPT. It
produced the SOW below. Is it missing anything important? Does anyone
here use a contract or SOW and is willing to share it? (Is the SOW below
in fact *your* SOW, scraped in the training of ChatGPT??) The prompt was:
"Write the Statement of Work for a contract for a contra dance caller who
will teach and lead community dances (circles, contra dances, and related
dance forms) to a group for one hour. The caller will bring their own music
and microphone and will connect to the host organization's sound system."
I looked at CDSS and found Erik Hoffman's excellent, short guide. It has a
super-simple SOW, too. I'm wondering if there are terms one should add
involving liability or such. Should I be worried that, if one person
doesn't like it, I won't satisfy the "enjoyable experience for all" clause?
(I mean, I'll do my best!)
A quick search at CALLERLAB didn't turn up anything, but it's a big site.
Thanks,
--jh--
Joe Harrington
Contra dance caller and DJ
Organizer, Orlando Contra Dance
orlandocontra.org
FB: Orlando Contra Dance Community
Ig: orlandocontradance
contradancerjoe(a)gmail.com
Statement of Work (SOW)
*Project Title:* Contra Dance Calling Services
*Prepared By:* [Your Name/Organization]
*Date:* [Insert Date]
*Contractor:* [Caller’s Name]
*Contractor Contact Information:* [Caller’s Contact Information]
------------------------------
1. *Purpose*
The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to outline the
responsibilities, deliverables, and terms of engagement for the contra
dance caller who will teach and lead community dances, including circles,
contra dances, and related dance forms, for a designated group.
2. *Scope of Work*
The contractor will provide the following services:
-
*Dance Instruction and Leadership:*
- Lead a one-hour session of community dances, including but not limited
to contra dances, circles, and related dance forms.
- Provide clear and engaging instruction to participants of varying
skill levels, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.
-
*Music and Equipment:*
- Bring personal music and a microphone for the session.
- Connect to the host organization's sound system to ensure audio
clarity for all participants.
3. *Deliverables*
The contractor will deliver the following:
-
A one-hour dance session, including:
- A selection of dances appropriate for the group’s skill level and
experience.
- Instructional guidance and support throughout the session.
- A positive and engaging atmosphere that encourages participation.
-
Coordination with the host organization to ensure the sound system is
set up and functioning prior to the start of the session.
4. *Timeline*
- *Date of Service:* [Insert Date]
- *Time of Service:* [Insert Time]
- *Duration:* 1 hour
5. *Location*
The dance session will take place at [Insert Venue/Location], as agreed
upon by both parties.
6. *Payment Terms*
- The total fee for the services rendered will be [Insert Amount].
- Payment will be made [Insert Payment Terms, e.g., upon completion of
the service, within 30 days of the invoice, etc.].
7. *Responsibilities of the Host Organization*
The host organization will:
- Provide access to the venue and ensure it is set up for the dance
session.
- Ensure the sound system is operational and compatible with the
contractor’s equipment.
- Promote the event to encourage community participation.
8. *Cancellation Policy*
- Either party may cancel the engagement with [Insert Notice Period,
e.g., 48 hours] notice.
- In the event of cancellation by the host organization, any deposits or
fees paid will be refunded, provided the notice period is adhered to.
9. *Signatures*
By signing below, both parties agree to the terms outlined in this
Statement of Work.
*Contractor Signature:* ___________________________
*Date:* ___________________________
*Host Organization Representative Signature:* ___________________________
*Date:* ___________________________
------------------------------
This Statement of Work can be customized further based on specific needs or
requirements. Be sure to fill in the placeholders with the relevant
information before finalizing the document.
Hi all,
I was trying to do a search in the Shared weight Contra-callers archives
and kept getting "Server error. An error occurred while processing your
request."
Are any admins around and able to take a look at that?
Thanks,
Kalia