Contra Callers

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4407 discussions

Contras which feature a "Dublin Bay" figure

by Tavi Merrill via Callers

Dance genealogy question: The figure first appearing in "Dublin Bay" (aka "We'll Wed and We'll Bed," its title in Playford) morphed in contra into a modified "lines of four down the hall." I know a version of it from Sue Rosen's dance "Handsome Young Maids," where dancers facing down take four steps forwards, turn alone, and continue down the hall with four backward steps, then repeat the figure to return up the hall. I'm curious how many other contras this figure, or a version of it, appears in. Does anyone know of other dances? And any astute dance historians out there know what the first contra to use this figure is? Tavi

8 years, 9 months

Another vote for "jets" and "rubies"

by Aahz via Callers

Not that Portland, the other Portland. ;-) http://bangordailynews.com/2017/01/09/news/portland/contra-dancing-takes-a-… I personally would prefer to settle on "larks" and "ravens" because that seems to have more traction -- but it doesn't matter as long as we get away from "bands" and "bares". -- Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6 http://rule6.info/ <*> <*> <*> Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html

8 years, 9 months

Re: [Callers] Contras which feature a "Dublin Bay" figure

by April Blum via Callers

I recall dancing one called Doublin Back. And I have written one called Doublin Dublin. April Blum On Jan 16, 2017 5:20 PM, Tavi Merrill via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > > > Dance genealogy question: The figure first appearing in "Dublin Bay" (aka "We'll Wed and We'll Bed," its title in Playford) morphed in contra into a modified "lines of four down the hall." > > I know a version of it from Sue Rosen's dance "Handsome Young Maids," where dancers facing down take four steps forwards, turn alone, and continue down the hall with four backward steps, then repeat the figure to return up the hall. > > I'm curious how many other contras this figure, or a version of it, appears in. Does anyone know of other dances? And any astute dance historians out there know what the first contra to use this figure is? > > Tavi

8 years, 9 months

Totals for taxes

by Luke Donforth via Callers

Hello all, 2016 is done, which for me means I can total up my calling for taxes and such. It doesn't come up here very often; but payment and mileage and whatnot is the unglamorous logistics side of calling. I figure it's worth sharing that type of information as well, so folks can be informed as they think about ramping up their calling. I'm rounding, but in looking back at 2016 in review, it comes to roughly:: 50 gigs 30 night on the road 10000 miles flown 5000 miles driven Earned $8000 A gig there is everything from fundraisers for the local library to week long dance camps. I apologize if that seems forward. It's information that I'd would have liked to have had to weigh as I started calling; and as I balance my calling against my day job and my time with family. I'm curious to hear what others are willing to share (on list, or privately) about their own financial/mileage impacts. I can break things out in private conversations if anyone wants to get into the weeds. (I admit, I like the occasional foray into data analysis). Happy new year to you all! I hope you're calling as much as you want, and that your taxes are easy! -- Luke Donforth Luke.Donforth(a)gmail.com <Luke.Donev(a)gmail.com>

8 years, 9 months

Four face fours

by Luke Donforth via Callers

Hello all. It's been a while since I've had enough folks at a house party to really walk through a 4x4 dance, so I'm sending this out for comment: I'm trying to increase my repertoire of accessible and entertaining 4x4s (my double reverse progression 4x4, etc, not qualifying) This one is in the "Midwestern Folklore" and "Will You Mary Me?" tradition of being two nearly identical halves. Plow and Cross Stitch by Luke Donforth Contra/Four Facing Four A1 ----------- (8) Lines of four, forward and back (8) Women's Chain up & down to facing neighbor A2 ----------- (8) 1/2 Hey up & down, women passing right shoulders (8) Neighbor swing (end facing partner, Women's line of direction; men opposite initial facing.) B1 ----------- (8) Women's Chain up and down to partner, power turn to face trail buddy couple (8) 1/2 Hey across, women passing right shoulders B2 ----------- (16) Partner balance and swing It could go lines of four again in B1, then the chain and power turn, with B2 being half hey and just a swing; but I figured try for the partner balance and longer swing. I'd appreciate hearing folks thoughts (too repetitive? too disorienting? basically X's dance Y), as well as your own favorite 4x4s; and why. My personal favorite is Rick Mohr's "Dance All Night", because you get a grand right and left in a contra. Take care, -- Luke Donforth Luke.Donforth(a)gmail.com <Luke.Donev(a)gmail.com>

8 years, 9 months

looking for Palm Springs CA area band(s) and sound people

by Andy Shore via Callers

I know this isn't the exact best forum, but ... I'm looking for leads on contra bands and sound people who might be available for a dance in Palm Springs California on Saturday, July 1, 2017 as part of the IAGSDC annual MWSD square dance convention. ( http://palmsprings2017.org/main/index.php ) Anyone with info please contact me directly at andyshore(a)gmail.com Thanks, /Andy

8 years, 9 months

Favorite NWT dances

by Kalia Kliban via Callers

Hi all There's often a long announcement segment toward the end of the first half at many of our local dances, and I've been figuring that after all that talk, folks just want to dance. The first time I tried doing a NWT in that slot, it got a great response. So for those of you who call no-walk-through dances, do you have any particular favorites? I'd love to add a few more good candidates to my collection. Kalia Kliban

8 years, 9 months

Re: [Callers] Favorite NWT dances

by K Panton via Callers

Kalia: I usually reserve my NWT til the end of the night but I can see the value in calling one after announcements. I might do that next time. I agree that announcements often are long and dancers wanna dance! I like the Nils Fredland approach to the NWT "walk-through". "Face your N. Do we need to walk that through a second time?" My NWT choices are simply those that have clean and clear starts and finishes for each figure that require very little brain power even for first-timers. All the figures have occurred at least twice in earlier dances that evening. Low piece count. Kiss the bride Delphiniums & Daisies Al's Safeway Produce A(nother) nice combo Rendezvous Simplicity Swing Streetsboro daisies Jubilation The boys from Urbana - if you're truly confident. Ken

8 years, 9 months

Circle Shuffle- author?

by Claire Takemori via Callers

8 years, 10 months

Catapult 2017 looking for callers

by Rob Harper via Callers

Any rising star callers out there ready for a chance to get out on the national circuit? Catapult is built to help you along the way. A stage. A mic. A fantastic collection of breakout bands. A hall full of dancers and organizers excited to find the best ready-to-be-discovered contra talent. A spotlight. Memorial Day 2017. For all the details check out www.catapultshowcase.com. ciao, rah -- Rob Harper thatrobharper(a)gmail.com (404) 307-3444

8 years, 10 months

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