Contra Callers

contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net

24 participants
4363 discussions

by Tom Hinds

We shouldn't confuse new callers by failing to point out that there are other contras that use a different shadow. The shadow Brian speaks of is similar to the corner in a square. The other shadow could be compared to a right-hand lady (left-hand gent) in a square. Just by looking at the positioning and timing in the B2 it would make sense for the shadow to be of the 'corner' variety. If it was a r-h lady (left-hand gent) shadow the instructions would probably say allemande left partner once around. In this dance using a 'corner' shadow would ensure a longer partner swing. When you're not sure, it's always a good idea to diagram the choreography. Great dance! T

13 years, 4 months

Re: [Callers] Groundhog Day dance by Jim Hemphill

by tavi merrill

I have called it twice thus far; both times the dancers enjoyed the dance - and the joke implicit in its choreography. Both times i used it in mixed-level situations, without problems, calling it as written. IMO it's a really good dance for introducing the "shadow" concept to inexperienced dancers because it's grounded in partner interaction - you simply turn your back on your partner and there s/he is! Also having a simple, straightforward progression mid-dance is to my mind a strength, because it adds variety to a program without introducing the higher complexity typical of mid-dance progressions.

13 years, 4 months

Re: [Callers] Callers Digest, Vol 89, Issue 10

by Jim Hemphill

Thanks for the feedback. Barbara, once the dancers are in Becket formation have them take hands in long lines. Their partner will be in one hand and their shadow will be in the other hand. Jim Hemphill On Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 11:00 AM, <callers-request(a)sharedweight.net> wrote: > Send Callers mailing list submissions to > callers(a)sharedweight.net > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > callers-request(a)sharedweight.net > > You can reach the person managing the list at > callers-owner(a)sharedweight.net > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Callers digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Groundhog Day dance by Jim Hemphill (Luke Donforth) > 2. Re: Groundhog Day dance by Jim Hemphill (barbara153(a)aol.com) > 3. Re: Groundhog Day dance by Jim Hemphill (Richard Mckeever) > 4. Groundhog Daze dance by Jim Hemphill (Brian Hamshar) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:29:25 -0500 > From: Luke Donforth <luke.donev(a)gmail.com> > To: "Caller's discussion list" <callers(a)sharedweight.net> > Subject: Re: [Callers] Groundhog Day dance by Jim Hemphill > Message-ID: > <CAFrKOZbs=qRJROPdq5M7qkg6FEw95OhiTwfP=xYW6Hpns_QmCg(a)mail.gmail.com > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > Jim just wanted to let you know that I also called your dance to the > enjoyment of the audience. I started it at your B1 for an end-of-tune > progression (as Mark noted). > > On Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 6:09 PM, Mark Widmer <mark(a)harbormist.com> wrote: > > > Jim, your dance strikes me as a rather unique combination of moves, and I > > would be surprised if it had already been written. It looks like it has > > nice flow, have you called it to live dancers yet? > > > > Mark Widmer > > > > p.s. I notice it could also start at B1 (as a duple improper dance that > > progresses in the expected place), or at A2 (as a Becket dance that ends > > with a partner swing). > > > > > > On 12/28/2011 12:00 PM, callers-request(a)sharedweight.**net< > callers-request(a)sharedweight.net>wrote: > > > >> Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:31:08 -0600 > >> From: Jim Hemphill<arcadian35(a)gmail.com> > >> To: callers(a)sharedweight.net > >> Subject: Re: [Callers] Groundhog Day > >> Message-ID: > >> <CAL3h0BT9o_BurA+**LZyqXwepPagkAuVv5q386cwcMTW0Va** > >> 7rrTA(a)mail.gmail.com< > CAL3h0BT9o_BurA%2BLZyqXwepPagkAuVv5q386cwcMTW0Va7rrTA(a)mail.gmail.com> > >> > > >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > >> > >> I'm fairly new to Calling and fascinated with Contra dance choreography. > >> Below is my attempt at a Groundhog day dance. The groundhog starts his > >> day by looking for his shadow and so does this dance. > >> > >> Groundhog Daze Becket > >> A1 Gypsy your shadow > >> Partner swing > >> A2 Circle left 3 places > >> Balance the circle, 1's make an arch, 2's dive thru > >> B1 Next neighbor balance and swing > >> B2 Long lines forward and back > >> Ladies allemande right 1/2, partner allemande left 3/4 > >> > >> I know there are thousands of dances out there so if this is not an > >> original, please let me know the true name. > >> > >> Thanks, Jim Hemphill > >> > >> > >> ______________________________**_________________ > > Callers mailing list > > Callers(a)sharedweight.net > > http://www.sharedweight.net/**mailman/listinfo/callers< > http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers> > > > > > > -- > Luke Donforth > Luke.Donforth(a)gmail.com <Luke.Donev(a)gmail.com> > www.lukedonev.com > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:16:04 -0500 (EST) > From: barbara153(a)aol.com > To: callers(a)sharedweight.net > Subject: Re: [Callers] Groundhog Day dance by Jim Hemphill > Message-ID: <8CEA40B3B27E876-1120-DFDD(a)Webmail-m105.sysops.aol.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > > In Groundhog Daze how would you teach this? If you are next to your > partner in becket where is your "shadow" in relation to you? Is he next to > you on the side or across from you your Nbr? Can't seem to figure this > out. Help please. Thanks. > > Barbara G > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Luke Donforth <luke.donev(a)gmail.com> > To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> > Sent: Tue, Jan 17, 2012 10:29 pm > Subject: Re: [Callers] Groundhog Day dance by Jim Hemphill > > > Jim just wanted to let you know that I also called your dance to the > njoyment of the audience. I started it at your B1 for an end-of-tune > rogression (as Mark noted). > On Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 6:09 PM, Mark Widmer <mark(a)harbormist.com> wrote: > > Jim, your dance strikes me as a rather unique combination of moves, and I > would be surprised if it had already been written. It looks like it has > nice flow, have you called it to live dancers yet? > > Mark Widmer > > p.s. I notice it could also start at B1 (as a duple improper dance that > progresses in the expected place), or at A2 (as a Becket dance that ends > with a partner swing). > > > On 12/28/2011 12:00 PM, callers-request(a)sharedweight.**net< > callers-request(a)sharedweight.net>wrote: > > > Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:31:08 -0600 > > From: Jim Hemphill<arcadian35(a)gmail.com> > > To: callers(a)sharedweight.net > > Subject: Re: [Callers] Groundhog Day > > Message-ID: > > <CAL3h0BT9o_BurA+**LZyqXwepPagkAuVv5q386cwcMTW0Va** > > 7rrTA(a)mail.gmail.com< > CAL3h0BT9o_BurA%2BLZyqXwepPagkAuVv5q386cwcMTW0Va7rrTA(a)mail.gmail.com> > > > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > > > I'm fairly new to Calling and fascinated with Contra dance choreography. > > Below is my attempt at a Groundhog day dance. The groundhog starts his > > day by looking for his shadow and so does this dance. > > > > Groundhog Daze Becket > > A1 Gypsy your shadow > > Partner swing > > A2 Circle left 3 places > > Balance the circle, 1's make an arch, 2's dive thru > > B1 Next neighbor balance and swing > > B2 Long lines forward and back > > Ladies allemande right 1/2, partner allemande left 3/4 > > > > I know there are thousands of dances out there so if this is not an > > original, please let me know the true name. > > > > Thanks, Jim Hemphill > > > > > > ______________________________**_________________ > Callers mailing list > Callers(a)sharedweight.net > http://www.sharedweight.net/**mailman/listinfo/callers< > http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers> > > > -- > uke Donforth > uke.Donforth(a)gmail.com <Luke.Donev(a)gmail.com> > ww.lukedonev.com > ______________________________________________ > allers mailing list > allers(a)sharedweight.net > ttp://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:49:21 -0800 (PST) > From: Richard Mckeever <macmck(a)ymail.com> > To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> > Subject: Re: [Callers] Groundhog Day dance by Jim Hemphill > Message-ID: > <1326901761.57988.YahooMailNeo(a)web120404.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > I am not familiar with this dance - but if you are on the same side of the > set as your partner - a shadow cannot be located on the other side - so > they will be on the same side somewhere to your right or left. > > Mac > > > > ________________________________ > From: "barbara153(a)aol.com" <barbara153(a)aol.com> > To: callers(a)sharedweight.net > Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 9:16 AM > Subject: Re: [Callers] Groundhog Day dance by Jim Hemphill > > > In Groundhog Daze how would you teach this?? If you are next to your > partner in becket where is your "shadow" in relation to you?? Is he next to > you on the side or across from you your Nbr?? Can't seem to figure this > out.? Help please. Thanks. > > Barbara G > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Luke Donforth <luke.donev(a)gmail.com> > To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> > Sent: Tue, Jan 17, 2012 10:29 pm > Subject: Re: [Callers] Groundhog Day dance by Jim Hemphill > > > Jim just wanted to let you know that I also called your dance to the > njoyment of the audience. I started it at your B1 for an end-of-tune > rogression (as Mark noted). > On Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 6:09 PM, Mark Widmer <mark(a)harbormist.com> wrote: > > Jim, your dance strikes me as a rather unique combination of moves, and I > would be surprised if it had already been written.? It looks like it has > nice flow, have you called it to live dancers yet? > > Mark Widmer > > p.s. I notice it could also start at B1 (as a duple improper dance that > progresses in the expected place), or at A2 (as a Becket dance that ends > with a partner swing). > > > On 12/28/2011 12:00 PM, callers-request(a)sharedweight.**net< > callers-request(a)sharedweight.net>wrote: > > > Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:31:08 -0600 > > From: Jim Hemphill<arcadian35(a)gmail.com> > > To: callers(a)sharedweight.net > > Subject: Re: [Callers] Groundhog Day > > Message-ID: > >? ? ? ? <CAL3h0BT9o_BurA+**LZyqXwepPagkAuVv5q386cwcMTW0Va** > > 7rrTA(a)mail.gmail.com< > CAL3h0BT9o_BurA%2BLZyqXwepPagkAuVv5q386cwcMTW0Va7rrTA(a)mail.gmail.com> > > > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > > > I'm fairly new to Calling and fascinated with Contra dance choreography. > > Below is my attempt at a? Groundhog day dance.? The groundhog starts his > > day by looking for his shadow and so does this dance. > > > > Groundhog Daze? Becket > > A1 Gypsy your shadow > >? ? ? Partner swing > > A2 Circle left 3 places > >? ? ? Balance the circle, 1's make an arch, 2's dive thru > > B1 Next neighbor balance and swing > > B2 Long lines forward and back > >? ? ? Ladies allemande right 1/2, partner allemande left 3/4 > > > > I know there are thousands of dances out there so if this is not an > > original, please let me know the true name. > > > > Thanks, Jim Hemphill > > > > > >? ______________________________**_________________ > Callers mailing list > Callers(a)sharedweight.net > http://www.sharedweight.net/**mailman/listinfo/callers< > http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers> > > > -- > uke Donforth > uke.Donforth(a)gmail.com <Luke.Donev(a)gmail.com> > ww.lukedonev.com > ______________________________________________ > allers mailing list > allers(a)sharedweight.net > ttp://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers > > _______________________________________________ > Callers mailing list > Callers(a)sharedweight.net > http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:04:16 PST > From: "Brian Hamshar" <bhamshar(a)yahoo.com> > To: callers(a)sharedweight.net > Subject: [Callers] Groundhog Daze dance by Jim Hemphill > Message-ID: <501013.94923.qm(a)smtp111-mob.biz.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > In a becket formation, your shadows are all on the same side as you. For > this dance, if you're becket holding hands in long lines, your partner is > in one hand and your shadow is in the other. This is a neat dance. Thanks, > Jim! > > Brian Hamshar > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Callers mailing list > Callers(a)sharedweight.net > http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers > > > End of Callers Digest, Vol 89, Issue 10 > *************************************** >

13 years, 4 months

Groundhog Daze dance by Jim Hemphill

by Brian Hamshar

In a becket formation, your shadows are all on the same side as you. For this dance, if you're becket holding hands in long lines, your partner is in one hand and your shadow is in the other. This is a neat dance. Thanks, Jim! Brian Hamshar

13 years, 4 months

Re: [Callers] Family dances

by jill allen

Hi Chris, I love the New England Dancing Masters Productions books, edited by Andy Davis, Peter Amidon, and Mary Cay Brass, if you will be doing more family dances. Until then, here are some of my tried and trues: Grand March, can be done to just about any tune, ask for a "marchy" tune Circassian Circle Mixer, just needs a 32 bar tune (it's in the above mentioned series, and the book titled Listen to the Mockingbird) People love to go into the middle, clap, and spin back to place. Gallopede, (an ECD) it has it's own tune or many 32 bar tunes will work Zodiac (most bands can play along with the singing "Here come's Zodiac" to the tune "Mammy's little Baby..) I often do a random couple dance using southern figures (circle 4, stars, dosido ptnr, dosido crnr, swings, birdie in the cage, weathervane, duck for the oyster, etc, promenade with your partner around and find another couple..) Virginia Reel Just get them up having fun and feeling success right away before the adults have a chance to think they can't do it, then morph one dance into the next to make it difficult to sit out! Good luck, and feel free to contact me off list for more details about dances. Jill Allen On Jan 14, 2012, at 4:11 PM, callers-request(a)sharedweight.net wrote: > Send Callers mailing list submissions to > callers(a)sharedweight.net > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > callers-request(a)sharedweight.net > > You can reach the person managing the list at > callers-owner(a)sharedweight.net > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Callers digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Family dances (Chris Weiler (home)) > 2. Re: Family dances (Laur) > 3. Re: Family dances (mavis mcgaugh) > 4. Re: Family dances (Paul Wilde) > 5. Re: Family dances (Laur) > 6. Re: Family dances (JD Erskine) > 7. Re: Family dances (JohnFreem(a)aol.com) > 8. Re: Family dances (mavis mcgaugh) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:50:49 -0500 > From: "Chris Weiler (home)" <chris.weiler(a)weirdtable.org> > To: callers(a)sharedweight.net > Subject: [Callers] Family dances > Message-ID: <92811735-15B4-4B13-B36A-CEA257BE2724(a)weirdtable.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > I'm calling my first family dance tonight and I haven't been able to coordinate with the band on music for specific dances. > > What are your favorite family dances that do not have a specific tune to go with them? I'll be looking through my books, but could use some suggestions. > > Thanks! > > Chris > > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:16:48 -0800 (PST) > From: Laur <lcpgr(a)yahoo.com> > To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> > Subject: Re: [Callers] Family dances > Message-ID: > <1326572208.7217.YahooMailNeo(a)web121703.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > I think many of these have been posted before.? This is an example of what I've done with our > > Wheat Scout's program.? typically younger Kids (not preadolescence) and their parents at a family dance. > > > The "Blob" dance > Patty Cake Polka - hell and toe polka > > Big Circle for little kids (I think this was in the White Mt. Reel book) > Portland Fancy (same book) > Family Contra - Sherry Nevin > > Moons and Stars (Lisa Greenleaf, I believe) > > > I've also used the hat dance? I use a feather or something like that. > I have Sashay the Donut referenced for upper elementary > Seth Tepfer wrote Family Contra in the Castle > > > Rick Gross also has family dances to share. > > Laurie > > Grand Rapids, MI > > > > ? > > > >> ________________________________ >> From: Chris Weiler (home) <chris.weiler(a)weirdtable.org> >> To: callers(a)sharedweight.net >> Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2012 2:50 PM >> Subject: [Callers] Family dances >> >> I'm calling my first family dance tonight and I haven't been able to coordinate with the band on music for specific dances. >> >> What are your favorite family dances that do not have a specific tune to go with them? I'll be looking through my books, but could use some suggestions. >> >> Thanks! >> >> Chris >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Callers mailing list >> Callers(a)sharedweight.net >> http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers >> >> >> > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:22:32 -0800 (PST) > From: mavis mcgaugh <yankeecalls(a)yahoo.com> > To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> > Subject: Re: [Callers] Family dances > Message-ID: > <1326572552.47258.YahooMailNeo(a)web113213.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > > > ?I?love La Bastrigne - because?the band can play?any?32 bar tune.??? > the dance is easy to teach and folks quickly get the pattern down ---?? > > couples in a big circle facing in? - Mixer? > > A1)?? forward & back > ??????? forward & back > > A2)?? circle left? and? back to the right > > B1)? ALL turn to corner and? SWING?? > > B2?? w?corner (new partner)? Promenade??? ? > > > > FAMILY Contra? by Sherry Nevins? ---? Sicilian Circle???????? No swings?? ---??and fun? and folks get into the pattern quickly > > A1)? Balance Ring 2x > ???????? circle? Left > > A2)? Balance Ring 2x > ???????? Circle Right > > B1)? Neighbor d-s-d > ???????? Partner? d-s-d > > B2? as couples? > ?????? D-s-d? 1 1/2? > > any version of a virginia reel dance -? is always popular? -? especially if the top couple??get to do the?? Reel the Set figure [also known as Strip the willow]? > > > Le Brandy????? proper longways????? 10-12 couples > > A1)??? lines forward & back > ??????????? w/ Partner seesaw > > A2)?? lines forward & back > ????????????? w/ Partner d-s-d? 1 and 1/2 to end back to back? > > B1)??? ALL count in french? -?[1,2,3]????? then once?dance is going I will yell in? German or Japanese or Spanish??or ?Russian? -? and see how many are able to count > ????? and then shout Poussez? -? PUSH ---?? they bump 'behinds' with each other turn around and SWING? > > B2)? ONLY? Top couple sashays down to the bottom?? while everyone else claps?? and all then move 2 steps ?up the hall???? --? > > > > > Mavis L McGaugh > 510-814-8118 (answering machine-leave message) > > > ________________________________ > From: Chris Weiler (home) <chris.weiler(a)weirdtable.org> > To: callers(a)sharedweight.net > Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2012 11:50 AM > Subject: [Callers] Family dances > > I'm calling my first family dance tonight and I haven't been able to coordinate with the band on music for specific dances. > > What are your favorite family dances that do not have a specific tune to go with them? I'll be looking through my books, but could use some suggestions. > > Thanks! > > Chris > > > _______________________________________________ > Callers mailing list > Callers(a)sharedweight.net > http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:26:58 -0500 > From: Paul Wilde <zenyente(a)gmail.com> > To: "Caller's discussion list" <callers(a)sharedweight.net> > Subject: Re: [Callers] Family dances > Message-ID: > <CACyeUsNMfjzJ7Xjnji+4XCr=014A4-BnGeJNEB2Nvv6BvJrnmg(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > Chris, > > I highly recommend the Suites of May. It's a 3 part dance, but as long as > you keep the general phrasing matched, no one seems to notice the dance > doesn't always begin on the A-1 of the music. It is a surprisingly fun and > exciting dance, compared to how it looks on paper. Keep lines to 6 or 7 > couples or less. Sometimes I let them run the cast off longer than it > should, but as they get the hang of it, speed up the sequential cast off > calls. It adds an element of excitement, especially when the men's line is > getting back to starting position and you are calling both lines to cast > off. > > Have fun! > Paul > > PS Top cpl that makes arch at bottom has to go down far enough to avoid > cramping at the top of the set. > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 5 > Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:29:22 -0800 (PST) > From: Laur <lcpgr(a)yahoo.com> > To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> > Subject: Re: [Callers] Family dances > Message-ID: > <1326572962.90141.YahooMailNeo(a)web121703.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > Chris - do you have any idea how old the kids in the family are?? I have some other things I do at ONS that may be appropriate.? If you need to know details of the dances I gave before send a PM.? I'll be around for the next 2 hours. > > ? > Laurie > > >> ________________________________ >> From: Chris Weiler (home) <chris.weiler(a)weirdtable.org> >> To: callers(a)sharedweight.net >> Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2012 2:50 PM >> Subject: [Callers] Family dances >> >> I'm calling my first family dance tonight and I haven't been able to coordinate with the band on music for specific dances. >> >> What are your favorite family dances that do not have a specific tune to go with them? I'll be looking through my books, but could use some suggestions. >> >> Thanks! >> >> Chris >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Callers mailing list >> Callers(a)sharedweight.net >> http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers >> >> >> > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 6 > Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:42:04 -0800 > From: JD Erskine <sailargh(a)victoria.tc.ca> > To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> > Subject: Re: [Callers] Family dances > Message-ID: <4F11E89C.3080909(a)victoria.tc.ca> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > On 14/Jan/12 11:50, Chris Weiler (home) wrote: >> I'm calling my first family dance tonight and I haven't been able to coordinate with the band on music for specific dances. >> >> What are your favorite family dances that do not have a specific tune to go with them? I'll be looking through my books, but could use some suggestions. >> >> Thanks! >> >> Chris > > I understand the situation and the approach. > > I wouldn't overly worry if you don't have the married tune. > > If the band is happy picking tunes between dances just give them any > figures that may be helped by an emphasis of playing, show them the > tempo you want by walking/dancing at speed some of the figure. You'll be > providing them with what they can use. My friend told me in the fall, > "You didn't ask for that tune!", which I had assumed was now "in there" > and found a lovely matching piece for Galopede. I called it "American > Galopede" after the fact. > > If they're not able this or happy to work that way then you'll want to > meet earlier and go over some stuff. > > I've sat at (music) Sessions, or when hanging around with musical > friends, parties, bands, band rehearsals (my performances are singing, > dancing, tactile instruments aren't really played in public) and noticed > myself thinking, "Hmm, this tune would work for ____." > > There are seemingly innumerable pieces to which one may dance Canadian > Barn Dance, Patty Cake Polka, etc. Innumerable to me. I have no doubt > that if differences in regional tune/dance marriages occurred it was > when one band/musician thought similarly and it was repeated by them to > the point of being so associated. > > Cheers, John > -- > J.D. Erskine > Victoria, BC > Skype: > island.dance > > Island Dance -- Folk & Country dance info for Vancouver Island > Now at http://members.shaw.ca/island.dance please update links > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 10.0.1416 / Virus Database: 2109/4142 - Release Date: 01/14/12 > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 7 > Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:14:49 -0500 (EST) > From: JohnFreem(a)aol.com > To: callers(a)sharedweight.net > Subject: Re: [Callers] Family dances > Message-ID: <5bdcf.7df594c8.3c434a48(a)aol.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" > > Chris, > > There is not "correct" answer for this. This is "folk dance". > > That said, do you know your audience? I've been leading a family dance > series for 21 years now. We've learned to plan a wide variety of dances because > we never know who is going to show up. I am a huge fan of play party singing > games and very simple dances for a younger set. We usually have a group > of high school foreign exchange students show up for either our January or > February dance. I've warned the band and the other leaders to be prepared! > > Many simple play party games can be done to almost any reel or jig if YOU > make it okay. If this is an ONS, then make it fun and don't worry too much > about form or what is "correct". Keep it simple and keep it fun. > > You should be able to find a ton of play party games and simple dances > online. > > Good luck! > > John B. Freeman, SFTPOCTJ > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 8 > Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:11:22 -0800 (PST) > From: mavis mcgaugh <yankeecalls(a)yahoo.com> > To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> > Subject: Re: [Callers] Family dances > Message-ID: > <1326579082.52606.YahooMailNeo(a)web113210.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > if you have a number of kids? under the age of ten?(especially boys)? --?? I use this one anytime I?have youngsters? > ? > Can't Jump? Josie -??? it is a big circle dance?No Partners? ?--??? I never have the band play anything? --? > ?I tell the dancers? -? you better learn this?song??quickly - or you will have to listen to me sing!?? they always pick it up quickly? ---????? > ? > you identify?? 1 young person to stand in the ?center of the circle??--? everyone else? walks **single file? CW?? singing? (or? they join hands and circle left ) > ? > We're floating?down the river? > We're floating down below? > We're floating down the river > Down the old Saint Jo????? (?have also heard it done saying?? O H I O)? > ? > then all in outer circle? face in? - and point to the person in the middle? [who NOW begins jumping up and down ] and they sing? > ? > :1 in the middle and he can't jump Josie > 1 in the middle and he can't jump Josie > 1 in the middle and he can''t jump Josie??? > ?Oh Susie Brown??:?? Repeat > ? > while all are singing OH SUZIE BROWN?? the 2nd time? -?the person??in middle? grabs someone from the outer circle and now there are two in the middle > ? > those in outer circle face CW walking &??singing?? or Circle Left > ? > ? > We're floating down the river > We're floating down below > We're floating down the river > Down the? old Saint Joe? > ? > ALL face to center and point at the 2 in the middle? who commence jumping? while others point and sing > ? > :? 2 in the middle and they can't jump Josie > ? 2 in the middle and they can't jump Josie > ? 2 in the middle and they can't jump Josie? > ? OH SUZIE BROWN :? Repeat > ? > ? > last time? I just say? ALL in the middle ......??? > ? > **?I usually tell the folks in the outer circle? -? they need to face left and step ?onto ?their raft - so they can float down the river? - so we have our arms?outstretched??and we kind of rock from side to side as we move over the water > ? > ? > the dance and tune are in the??? PEEL the BANANA? dance book? > also in the book? DOWN IN THE VALLEY? > also in the book? STEP LIVELY?? (Red Cover)?? > ? > Mavis L McGaugh > 510-814-8118 (answering machine-leave message) > > > ________________________________ > From: Chris Weiler (home) <chris.weiler(a)weirdtable.org> > To: callers(a)sharedweight.net > Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2012 11:50 AM > Subject: [Callers] Family dances > > I'm calling my first family dance tonight and I haven't been able to coordinate with the band on music for specific dances. > > What are your favorite family dances that do not have a specific tune to go with them? I'll be looking through my books, but could use some suggestions. > > Thanks! > > Chris > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > End of Callers Digest, Vol 89, Issue 8 > **************************************

13 years, 4 months

Family dances

by Chris Weiler (home)

I'm calling my first family dance tonight and I haven't been able to coordinate with the band on music for specific dances. What are your favorite family dances that do not have a specific tune to go with them? I'll be looking through my books, but could use some suggestions. Thanks! Chris

13 years, 4 months

Re: [Callers] Family dances

by JohnFreem＠aol.com

Chris, There is not "correct" answer for this. This is "folk dance". That said, do you know your audience? I've been leading a family dance series for 21 years now. We've learned to plan a wide variety of dances because we never know who is going to show up. I am a huge fan of play party singing games and very simple dances for a younger set. We usually have a group of high school foreign exchange students show up for either our January or February dance. I've warned the band and the other leaders to be prepared! Many simple play party games can be done to almost any reel or jig if YOU make it okay. If this is an ONS, then make it fun and don't worry too much about form or what is "correct". Keep it simple and keep it fun. You should be able to find a ton of play party games and simple dances online. Good luck! John B. Freeman, SFTPOCTJ

13 years, 4 months

Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend 2012

by Chris Weiler (SW)

Hello everyone! Once again, this weekend is the Ralph Page event at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. Once again, many of us will be there. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this year, as I have for the past several years. I sincerely hope that all of you that are attending will continue the SharedWeight lunches on Saturday and Sunday during the festival. Would someone like to step up and volunteer to push tables together for everyone? Maybe this year someone would like to coordinate a potluck? I'll miss seeing everyone and all of the wonderful dancing and conversations that happen every year. Have a blast! Thanks, everyone, for your participation on these lists in 2011. You make these lists the valuable resources that they are. Looking forward to an even better 2012! Happy dancing! Chris Weiler Craftsbury, VT

13 years, 4 months

Re: [Callers] Changing on the last round for a partner swing

by John W Gintell

> > From: Alan Winston - SSRL Central Computing > Subject: [Callers] Changing on the last round for a partner swing > > Callers -- > > > > So what do y'all think? What do you do? How you do think people like it? There are some dances where you are placed far from your partner at the end which I think should always be altered for a partner swing. Otherwise, I'd say just sometimes is appropriate.

13 years, 4 months

Re: [Callers] Changing on the last round for a partner swing

by tavi merrill

I also speak from limited calling experience (4 years, in Maine and more recently Boston). I do give more programmatic weight to becket dances towards the end of the halves, and occasionally i'll modify a B part that already circles left to end with a partner swing. (I take a fairly conservative approach based on my own experience as a dancer. I may be atypical but i rarely find partners i'm so into that i want every dance to end with a swing. IMO, if this were all about partners, people would be dancing salsa or swing; i prefer the more communally-oriented tradition of contra. No doubt there are also a variety of opinions among the dancers.) I'd say there are two basic approaches a caller can take to this question: develop a style that is authentically your own (if you love to end with a swing, do it; if not, why bother?) or consult people in the dance communities you're visiting as a caller and modify your approach to suit local tastes. There is however a technique no one has brought up so far, one used by several callers i know. I don't think it at all awkward to acknowledge a new neighbor and then acknowledge my partner, and to that end some callers simply say "and bow to your partner" as the music finishes, always careful to ensure it dovetails with what the band is doing. Will however agree with Chris, the most disappointing of common B2 options to end with is ladies chain to a left hand star, though i do not think disappointment is intrinsic to the moves. Perhaps it is because we have failed to cultivate the basic sense of dancing 'with' the others on all moves, even the most mundane connective tissue of the dance. The great strength of this tradition is its plurality.

13 years, 4 months

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