Contra Callers

contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net

21 participants
4391 discussions

Wanting to learn more about Becky Hill - the choreographer

by Emily Addison

Hi folks, Over the past year, I'm realizing how many dances written by Becky Hill I absolutely adore. So, naively, I wrote to Becky Hill (this one! <https://www.rebeccahill.org/>) whom I admire thinking that it was her who wrote dances. Turns out that flatfooter and old time square dance leader Becky Hill is not the same Becky Hill who wrote the contras and square that I have in my dance box. So... I naturally became curious ... who is the other Becky Hill??? And this is all I've been able to find <https://www.heritagecremationsociety.com/obituaries/rebecca-ellen-becky-hill> . Did any of you know Becky? Any further information on her? I know that many of her dances are super popular and called by so many folk. Thanks, Emily Addison in Ottawa ON

1 year, 4 months

Re: Contra Callers Digest, Vol 118, Issue 5

by Lissa Bengtson

A secret contra/ECD dance that can't be shared. That's too bad. Maybe the author could share it? Patricia. our local dancers do "The Source" which is a dance I learned at Pourparler (when it was in Vermont before the most recent Vermont PP.) If I recall correctly it's a Navajo dance but I learned it to a Loreena McKennit rendition of the tune "The Mummer's Dance." We've done it at a couple of folk dance memorial services. Quite spiritual. A circle dance though, not a contra. Lissa Bengtson San Antonio On Thu, May 9, 2024 at 11:00 PM < contracallers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > Send Contra Callers mailing list submissions to > contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send a message with subject or > body 'help' to > contracallers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > You can reach the person managing the list at > contracallers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Contra Callers digest..."Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024 (Neal Schlein) > 2. Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024 (Tina Fields) > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Neal Schlein <nschlein(a)gmail.com> > To: Patricia Campbell <countrydancecaller(a)gmail.com> > Cc: Claire Takemori <cht(a)mac.com>, Shared Weight Contra Callers < > contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > Bcc: > Date: Wed, 8 May 2024 23:00:00 -0600 > Subject: [Callers] Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024 > Actually, I don’t think I can give details. Sorry. > > I’m not the author of Empty Shoes and can’t claim I have permission to > share the full choreography widely. It was written by a musician/caller > (Rodney Barnes?) after his father died, and I first learned it from him at > one of the last Folk Fellowship dance camps. Those were invitation-only > groups and the notes were printed in the syllabus/yearbook, which is what I > refer to every time we need it. (Which I regretfully have to do soon, as we > just lost one of our longest-term dancers. I’ve only taught it five or six > times in the last 15 years.) > > While I assume it would probably be fine for me to share the details, I’ve > never seen the dance posted online anywhere and I don’t know the author > that well. I would prefer not to violate his copyrights on something that > could still be sensitive. > > However, I will say that it require a fairly large number of people, > because it is a circular contra with a definite ECD feel and rather more > intricate than the typical contra dance. If I recall correctly, it has a > setting-type balance and a 2-hand turn in it. > > Neal Schlein > Librarian, MSLIS > > > On Wed, May 8, 2024 at 4:21 PM Patricia Campbell @gmail.com> wrote: > >> Would you please describe the dance Empty Shoes? >> >> Thanks! >> >> Patricia >> >> Patricia Campbell >> southern Maine >> >> >> *Celebrating Community Through Traditional Dance and Music* >> >> >> >> On Wed, May 8, 2024 at 5:23 PM Neal Schlein via Contra Callers < >> contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: >> >>> One of the rather idiosyncratic dance groups that I belong to has a >>> specific dance that we do in memory of a recently deceased member, as well >>> as all the other dancers who came and left before. We also do it at camps >>> to remember anyone who can’t join us for whatever reason. The dance is >>> named Empty Shoes. >>> >>> At a more open dance, if it is recent and the person is locally known I >>> might post a note at the front table with a brief obituary and let the >>> volunteers know that a dance will be dedicated at some point in the night. >>> >>> From the microphone, I would make the announcement one dance ahead so >>> people have the chance to step out. Then keep it brief, basically to the >>> extent of, “Some of you may not have heard, but XYZ person passed away >>> recently. They were a valuable part of our/the national dance community >>> for many years and will be missed. The next dance is one that they >>> wrote/particularly enjoyed, and I want to share it with you in their >>> memory.” >>> >>> Neal Schlein >>> Librarian, MSLIS >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net >>> To unsubscribe send an email to >>> contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net >>> >> > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Tina Fields <tfields8(a)yahoo.com> > To: "contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net" < > contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Thu, 9 May 2024 16:48:14 +0000 (UTC) > Subject: [Callers] Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024 > Hi everyone, > > I, too, will join in calling a dance in Tony's honor this weekend, one he > wrote or possibly a medley of them. I appreciate Neil Schlein's way of > introducing a memorial dance - thanks for that. Can you also please share > the dance Empty Shoes here? > > I only got to meet Tony once, at RPDLW, and thought his reputation well > deserved: he was one of the finest callers I'd ever heard to date, and a > truly nice person to boot. My condolences to all who loved him. Hail the > Goer! > > warmly, > Tina Fields > > _______________________________________________ > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net >

1 year, 4 months

Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024

by Tina Fields

Hi everyone, I, too, will join in calling a dance in Tony's honor this weekend, one he wrote or possibly a medley of them. I appreciate Neil Schlein's way of introducing a memorial dance - thanks for that. Can you also please share the dance Empty Shoes here? I only got to meet Tony once, at RPDLW, and thought his reputation well deserved: he was one of the finest callers I'd ever heard to date, and a truly nice person to boot. My condolences to all who loved him. Hail the Goer! warmly, Tina Fields

1 year, 4 months

Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024

by Claire Takemori

Hello dear callers. I have a question about when a caller brings up a recent passing during a public dance. When Kim Yerton passed, I heard about it the day before and grieved. The next day the caller dedicated a dance to her and I almost had to leave the dance. Left the line to get away from listening to the words about Kim. I realize this is my own reaction and sensitivity. Wondering what y’all say on mic about a recent passing and dedication, as it could be a surprise to some dancers? At a recent ECD weekend, the caller dedicated a dance to Christine Robb and said to dance it with appreciation and joy as that is what she would’ve wanted instead of grief and sorrow. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Claire Takemori (Asheville NC) > On May 8, 2024, at 1:00 AM, contracallers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net wrote: > > Send Contra Callers mailing list submissions to > contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send a message with subject or > body 'help' to > contracallers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > You can reach the person managing the list at > contracallers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Contra Callers digest..." > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Tony Parkes 1949-2024 (Greenleaf) > 2. Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024 (Mary Collins) > 3. Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024 (Angela DeCarlis) > 4. Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024 (Lisa Greenleaf) > 5. Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024 (Andrew Stout) > 6. Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024 (Luke Donforth) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 7 May 2024 13:26:02 -0400 > From: Greenleaf <laleaf(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [Callers] Tony Parkes 1949-2024 > To: Trad Callers <tradcallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>, > callers(a)sharedweight.net > Message-ID: <C8230451-0C50-4187-9911-786FD26405F0(a)gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > Caller Tony Parkes passed away yesterday with his wife, Beth, at his side. He will be missed. > > At the lovely Tony Parkes tribute at this year’s Neffa Festival, Beth spoke of how Tony was touched and surprised that so many people were telling him about his impact on their lives. Well, yes, Tony! He was a true treasure. > > Lisa Greenleaf > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Tue, 7 May 2024 14:00:35 -0400 > From: Mary Collins <nativedae(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [Callers] Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024 > To: Greenleaf <laleaf(a)gmail.com> > Cc: Trad Callers <tradcallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>, > callers(a)sharedweight.net > Message-ID: > <CAB0qS-zEJJOfuc8-D=A4ucoBCkMH1RVHu5uBaUWoCqRoRH=KPQ(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: multipart/alternative; > boundary="000000000000f5d6830617e0f7e5" > > Lisa, > > Thanks for sharing this. I am calling Friday and will certainly add a Tony > aspect to the evening. His insights, support & dance writing will be > sorely missed. > > Mary Collins > > "And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who > couldn't hear the music." - Nietzsche > > “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning > to dance in the rain!” ~ unknown > > > On Tue, May 7, 2024 at 1:27 PM Greenleaf via Contra Callers < > contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > >> Caller Tony Parkes passed away yesterday with his wife, Beth, at his side. >> He will be missed. >> >> At the lovely Tony Parkes tribute at this year’s Neffa Festival, Beth >> spoke of how Tony was touched and surprised that so many people were >> telling him about his impact on their lives. Well, yes, Tony! He was a true >> treasure. >> >> Lisa Greenleaf >> _______________________________________________ >> Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net >> To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net >> >

1 year, 4 months

Re: [TradCallers] Re: Tony Parkes 1949-2024

by Greenleaf

A reminder to everyone to please sign your last name to any initial email. It may eventually show up in the reply email address, but it’s nice not to have to hunt for it. Thanks, Lisa Greenleaf > On May 8, 2024, at 1:09 PM, Cindy Harris via Trad Callers <tradcallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > > So sorry to hear this. Although I didn't know Tony more than to recognize him and say hi, I always loved those moment at NEFFA when I got to dance to his calling. > > As it happens, I'll be calling the Pittsburgh dance next Friday night. That inspired me to go spelunking in my dance collection and online to see what dances I might include. For those of you who are calling gender free and particularly for those interested in positional (aka relational) calling, I was intrigued to notice that most of the dances Tony choreographed make no reference whatsoever to roles. And even for those that do, only minor changes to wording are required to call them completely role-free. So if you haven't yet dipped your toes into the world of role-free positional/relational calling, Tony's dances are a good place to start. > > Cindy > > Director, Small Harmonies <http://bridgeofvoices.org/> > > 2023 International Autoharp Champion > > Have you experienced GrayScale ContraBand <https://grayscalecontraband.com/>? > > ============== > > > On Wed, May 8, 2024 at 12:28 PM Jonathan Sivier via Trad Callers <tradcallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:tradcallers@lists.sharedweight.net>> wrote: >> I won't be calling at our local contra dance until early June, but I intend to include some of Tony's dances then. >> >> Jonathan >> >> P.S. - How are you doing Andrew? I see your mom regularly at our English and Scottish dances. JES >> >> On 5/8/2024 8:21 AM, Joseph Erhard-Hudson via Contra Callers wrote: >> > Add me to the list of callers honoring Tony this weekend (and next) in our programs. >> > >> > -Joseph >> > >> > On Tue, May 7, 2024 at 5:08 PM Andrew Stout via Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net><mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>>> wrote: >> > >> > I wasn't able to be at NEFFA for the tribute, but I called a week and a half ago and said a few words about Tony. I called May Day Mixer, Monday Night Fever, and Shadrack's Delight. >> > >> > --Andrew >> > >> > On Tue, May 7, 2024 at 6:18 PM Lisa Greenleaf via Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net><mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>>> wrote: >> > >> > Tony was diagnosed with a stage 4 glio blastoma late last fall. He did an initial round of chemo and radiation before entering hospice in early spring. >> > >> > He was never in pain, and indeed, he and Beth were able to let his community know what was going on, so he received lots of love and support. He had many visitors and messages these last few weeks. >> > >> > Tony was the first to incorporate a square through into a contra dance. Friday Night Fever initially had just one balance, followed by four pull bys, but it is now widely danced with the two partner balances. >> > >> > Check out Callers Box database for more ideas. >> > >> > Lisa >> > >> > On Tue, May 7, 2024 at 6:06 PM Angela DeCarlis <aedecarlis(a)gmail.com <mailto:aedecarlis@gmail.com> <mailto:aedecarlis@gmail.com <mailto:aedecarlis@gmail.com>>> wrote: >> > >> > Thank you Lisa for sharing. Sending love out to those who knew Tony better than I did — the few interactions I had with him were entirely lovely. >> > >> > Like Mary, I'm also calling a dance on Friday. I'd love to call one of Tony's dances — what are y'all's favorites? >> > >> > Best, >> > Angela >> > >> > On Tue, May 7, 2024 at 2:01 PM Mary Collins via Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net><mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>>> wrote: >> > >> > Lisa, >> > >> > Thanks for sharing this. I am calling Friday and will certainly add a Tony aspect to the evening. His insights, support & dance writing will be sorely missed. >> > >> > Mary Collins >> > >> > "And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who couldn't hear the music." - Nietzsche >> > >> > “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning to dance in the rain!” ~ unknown >> > >> > >> > On Tue, May 7, 2024 at 1:27 PM Greenleaf via Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net><mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>>> wrote: >> > >> > Caller Tony Parkes passed away yesterday with his wife, Beth, at his side. He will be missed. >> > >> > At the lovely Tony Parkes tribute at this year’s Neffa Festival, Beth spoke of how Tony was touched and surprised that so many people were telling him about his impact on their lives. Well, yes, Tony! He was a true treasure. >> > >> > Lisa Greenleaf >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>> >> > To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net> <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net>> >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>> >> > To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net> <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net>> >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>> >> > To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net> <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net>> >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>> >> > To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net> <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net>> >> > >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> >> > To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net> >> _______________________________________________ >> Trad Callers mailing list -- tradcallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:tradcallers@lists.sharedweight.net> >> To unsubscribe send an email to tradcallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:tradcallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net> > _______________________________________________ > Trad Callers mailing list -- tradcallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:tradcallers@lists.sharedweight.net> > To unsubscribe send an email to tradcallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:tradcallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net>

1 year, 4 months

Tony Parkes 1949-2024

by Greenleaf

Caller Tony Parkes passed away yesterday with his wife, Beth, at his side. He will be missed. At the lovely Tony Parkes tribute at this year’s Neffa Festival, Beth spoke of how Tony was touched and surprised that so many people were telling him about his impact on their lives. Well, yes, Tony! He was a true treasure. Lisa Greenleaf

1 year, 4 months

Re: Help with figuring out a suuuuuuper simple medley?

by Valerie Cohen

Hi, Emily - besides the great info from Seth, Jonathon & David - I would add picking dances that you yourself are very comfortable with, and look at the transitions. (A good starting place is looking at a 16 count neighbor interaction for the A1 for a less experienced group to have time to adjust. Not much to adjust from do-si-do & swing to balance & swing...) Call a little early. Give directional hints that you might not have needed if you had done a walkthrough (ex. - "look across" before the next action if appropriate, or "end facing down the hall" after a swing that precedes "down the hall four in line") Say something like "listen up" as you transition into the new dance. They are not that varied, but I have often used Simplicity Swing (Becky Hill) and The Nice Combination (Gene Huber) as a 2 dance no-walk-through medley toward the end of the evening. It is nice to end with a down the hall. Airpants is another nice simple dance. For a first time, two dances might be enough to have fun with; go with what you feel. As suggested, think about what figures or combinations of figures have already been danced that night and will seem familiar. If transitioning to a dance that requires having to find a new same role dancer across the set to start (maybe not recommended when trying it for the first time with less experienced dancers...) think about how to cue that ex: "NEW Robins allemand" Have fun and best of luck, Valerie Hi David, Jonathan, and Seth, Thanks so much for jumping in on this question about medleys and giving me some ideas to chew on! I've danced some medleys but not since before the pandemic and as mentioned, have never tried calling one. I definitely want it to be a success.... no flops! Great point about having all the choreography be familiar and the dances not be a challenge. That was on my radar. Hadn't thought about putting a dance from earlier in the evening in - cool idea Seth! Thank you :) Emily

1 year, 4 months

Re: Contra Callers Digest, Vol 117, Issue 6

by Emily Addison

Hi David, Jonathan, and Seth, Thanks so much for jumping in on this question about medleys and giving me some ideas to chew on! I've danced some medleys but not since before the pandemic and as mentioned, have never tried calling one. I definitely want it to be a success.... no flops! Great point about having all the choreography be familiar and the dances not be a challenge. That was on my radar. Hadn't thought about putting a dance from earlier in the evening in - cool idea Seth! Thank you :) Emily On Wed, May 1, 2024 at 1:00 AM <contracallers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > Send Contra Callers mailing list submissions to > contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send a message with subject or > body 'help' to > contracallers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > You can reach the person managing the list at > contracallers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Contra Callers digest..."Today's Topics: > > 1. Help with figuring out a suuuuuuper simple medley? (Emily Addison) > 2. Re: [External] Help with figuring out a suuuuuuper simple medley? > (Tepfer, Seth) > 3. Re: Help with figuring out a suuuuuuper simple medley? > (Jonathan Sivier) > 4. Re: Help with figuring out a suuuuuuper simple medley? > (David Bridgman-Packer) > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Emily Addison <emilyladdison(a)gmail.com> > To: Shared Weight Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:57:05 -0400 > Subject: [Callers] Help with figuring out a suuuuuuper simple medley? > Hi fellow contra callers :) > > Given the situations I usually call in, I've never done a medley. > > However, in a few weeks I'm calling in a situation where a medley would > work really well. It's not an overly experienced group of contra dancers. > However, they are really keen and want to try new stuff. I'd love to have > a no-fail super simple contra medley. > > Might you have any suggestions on medleys that you've used that have been > safe/no fail in a situation with mixed experienced levels? > > Much thanks :) > Emily in Ottawa ON > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: "Tepfer, Seth" <labst(a)emory.edu> > To: Shared Weight Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>, > Emily Addison <emilyladdison(a)gmail.com> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:12:56 +0000 > Subject: [Callers] Re: [External] Help with figuring out a suuuuuuper > simple medley? > Emily > > It all depends upon what you have taught earlier in the evening? > > One of my favorite medleys is: > Forgotten Treasure > <https://www.grantgoodyear.org/dance/programs/20081122.html#forgotten-treasu…>, > Beth Parkes -> Roll in the Hey > <http://www.quiteapair.us/calling/acdol/dance/acd_131.html>, Roger Diggle > -> Hey in the Barn > <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=10482>, > Chart Guthrie > > Partner interaction increases and builds up over the 3 dances. Requires > they are comfortable with a hey. However, if your group doesn't do heys, > perhaps something like: > > Forgotten Treasure > <https://www.grantgoodyear.org/dance/programs/20081122.html#forgotten-treasu…>, > Beth Parkes -> Push the Button > <https://cdss.org/wp-content/uploads/resources/CDSS-The-Basics-of-Calling-Co…>, > Gene Hubert -> Airpants > <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=4577>, > Lisa Greenleaf > > The point is to have fun and validate what the dancers have learned over > the course of the evening. The point is NOT to challenge them. You expect > the dancers will be able to execute all the choreography comfortably. You > might even consider putting in one of the dances you had done earlier in > the evening, as part of the medley, kind of as a joke. > > Seth > > > Seth Tepfer, MBA, CSM, PMP (he, him, his) > Senior IT Manager, Emory Primate Center > > <https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/fcd3f5d71da848759228584d1a49babd…> Book > time to meet with me > <https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/SethTepfer@mscloud.emory.net/boo…> > ------------------------------ > *From:* Emily Addison via Contra Callers < > contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > *Sent:* Tuesday, April 30, 2024 10:57 AM > *To:* Shared Weight Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > *Subject:* [External] [Callers] Help with figuring out a suuuuuuper > simple medley? > > Hi fellow contra callers :) > > Given the situations I usually call in, I've never done a medley. > > However, in a few weeks I'm calling in a situation where a medley would > work really well. It's not an overly experienced group of contra dancers. > However, they are really keen and want to try new stuff. I'd love to have > a no-fail super simple contra medley. > > Might you have any suggestions on medleys that you've used that have been > safe/no fail in a situation with mixed experienced levels? > > Much thanks :) > Emily in Ottawa ON > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Jonathan Sivier <jsivier(a)illinois.edu> > To: Shared Weight Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:54:44 -0500 > Subject: [Callers] Re: Help with figuring out a suuuuuuper simple medley? > Here is a medley I have used with some success. I don't think any of the > figures are especially difficult. I wrote this down several years ago and > haven't yet updated the terminology, so translate it to whatever terms you > are currently using. > > Jonathan > > Contra Medley > Arranged by Jonathan Sivier > > Cascades > Orace Johnson > duple improper > > 1-2 Neighbor gypsy and swing > 3 - Gents allemande left 1 1/2 > 4 - Partner swing on the other side > 5 - Down the hall 4 in line, turn as couples > 6 - Return, bend the line to a circle > 7 - Circle left 3/4 > 8 - Balance the circle, california twirl with your > partner to face the next couple > > > Salmon Chanted Evening > Steve Zakon-Anderson > duple improper > > 1 - Neighbor allemande right 1 1/2 > 2 - Gents allemande left 1 1/2 > 3-4 Partners gypsy and swing (on ladies' side) > 5-6 Ladies chain over and back > 7 - Right and left through across > 8 - Circle left 3/4, pass through along the set > > > The Casbah Queens > David McMullen > duple improper > > 1 - Neighbor do-si-do > 2 - Neighbor swing > 3 - Gents allemande left 1 1/2 > 4 - Partner allemande right 1 1/2 > 5 - Ladies left-shoulder gypsy > 6 - Partner swing > 7 - Promenade across set > 8 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through > > > Cascades (reprise) > > 1-2 gypsy and swing your neighbor > 3 - men allemande left 1 1/2 > 4 - swing your partner on the other side > 5 - down the hall 4 in line, turn as couples > 6 - return, bend the line to a circle > 7 - circle left 3/4 > 8 - balance the circle, california twirl with your > partner to face the next couple > > Last time: > (7 - circle left 1 time) > (8 - swing your partner on the side) > > > On 4/30/2024 9:57 AM, Emily Addison via Contra Callers wrote: > > Hi fellow contra callers :) > > > > Given the situations I usually call in, I've never done a medley. > > > > However, in a few weeks I'm calling in a situation where a medley would > work really well. It's not an overly experienced group of contra dancers. > However, they are really keen and want to try new stuff. I'd love to have > a no-fail super simple contra medley. > > > > Might you have any suggestions on medleys that you've used that have > been safe/no fail in a situation with mixed experienced levels? > > > > Much thanks :) > > Emily in Ottawa ON > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > To unsubscribe send an email to > contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: David Bridgman-Packer <davidskybp(a)gmail.com> > To: Jonathan Sivier <jsivier(a)illinois.edu> > Cc: Shared Weight Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > Bcc: > Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:05:06 -0800 > Subject: [Callers] Re: Help with figuring out a suuuuuuper simple medley? > Maybe not technically a medley, but we've had success with new dancers at > our local dance with Sun Dance and Moon Dance > <https://contradb.com/dances/2277> by Robert Cromartie. It's two dances > with inverted choreography. We usually walk through each version once. > We've had two callers share the dance and switch back and forth, usually > two rounds each. > - David > > On Tue, Apr 30, 2024 at 10:55 AM Jonathan Sivier via Contra Callers < > contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > >> Here is a medley I have used with some success. I don't think any of the >> figures are especially difficult. I wrote this down several years ago and >> haven't yet updated the terminology, so translate it to whatever terms you >> are currently using. >> >> Jonathan >> >> Contra Medley >> Arranged by Jonathan Sivier >> >> Cascades >> Orace Johnson >> duple improper >> >> 1-2 Neighbor gypsy and swing >> 3 - Gents allemande left 1 1/2 >> 4 - Partner swing on the other side >> 5 - Down the hall 4 in line, turn as couples >> 6 - Return, bend the line to a circle >> 7 - Circle left 3/4 >> 8 - Balance the circle, california twirl with your >> partner to face the next couple >> >> >> Salmon Chanted Evening >> Steve Zakon-Anderson >> duple improper >> >> 1 - Neighbor allemande right 1 1/2 >> 2 - Gents allemande left 1 1/2 >> 3-4 Partners gypsy and swing (on ladies' side) >> 5-6 Ladies chain over and back >> 7 - Right and left through across >> 8 - Circle left 3/4, pass through along the set >> >> >> The Casbah Queens >> David McMullen >> duple improper >> >> 1 - Neighbor do-si-do >> 2 - Neighbor swing >> 3 - Gents allemande left 1 1/2 >> 4 - Partner allemande right 1 1/2 >> 5 - Ladies left-shoulder gypsy >> 6 - Partner swing >> 7 - Promenade across set >> 8 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through >> >> >> Cascades (reprise) >> >> 1-2 gypsy and swing your neighbor >> 3 - men allemande left 1 1/2 >> 4 - swing your partner on the other side >> 5 - down the hall 4 in line, turn as couples >> 6 - return, bend the line to a circle >> 7 - circle left 3/4 >> 8 - balance the circle, california twirl with your >> partner to face the next couple >> >> Last time: >> (7 - circle left 1 time) >> (8 - swing your partner on the side) >> >> >> On 4/30/2024 9:57 AM, Emily Addison via Contra Callers wrote: >> > Hi fellow contra callers :) >> > >> > Given the situations I usually call in, I've never done a medley. >> > >> > However, in a few weeks I'm calling in a situation where a medley would >> work really well. It's not an overly experienced group of contra dancers. >> However, they are really keen and want to try new stuff. I'd love to have >> a no-fail super simple contra medley. >> > >> > Might you have any suggestions on medleys that you've used that have >> been safe/no fail in a situation with mixed experienced levels? >> > >> > Much thanks :) >> > Emily in Ottawa ON >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net >> > To unsubscribe send an email to >> contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net >> _______________________________________________ >> Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net >> To unsubscribe send an email to >> contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net >> > _______________________________________________ > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net >

1 year, 4 months

Help with figuring out a suuuuuuper simple medley?

by Emily Addison

Hi fellow contra callers :) Given the situations I usually call in, I've never done a medley. However, in a few weeks I'm calling in a situation where a medley would work really well. It's not an overly experienced group of contra dancers. However, they are really keen and want to try new stuff. I'd love to have a no-fail super simple contra medley. Might you have any suggestions on medleys that you've used that have been safe/no fail in a situation with mixed experienced levels? Much thanks :) Emily in Ottawa ON

1 year, 4 months

Follow up re :Videos of different things to do in short wavy lines?

by Katherine Kitching

Hi everyone - I wanted to thank you all for the super helpful information, tips, dances and videos you shared with me earlier this month. Our groups's introduction to Ocean Waves / Short Wavy Lines earlier in April went super well, and everyone had a great time. For those who are interested in our "beginner-friendly Halifax method*" of contra, I'm including the two introductory dances I used for SWLs .... According to our method, these dances did not have swings in them. * I've included the details of our method of structuring a dance at the end of this email :) TWO NO-SWING DANCES WITH SHORT WAVY LINES Composed by Kat Kitching but perhaps they already exist, I did not check extensively :) I do not have any interesting names for these dances, I just title them in a way that helps me remember what's in them... Balance-y dance with wave - In Short Wavy Lines (neighbours right shoulder to right shoulder), balance the wave to the right, to the left, and to the right - then push off each other's hands to form a circle with everyone in their home place (8) - Circle left - Circle right - Do si do neighbour ------ - Balance the ring 2 times - Do si do partner - 2-hand balance with your partner 2 times (veering slightly to the left the first time, to the right the second time) - 2-hand balance once with your neighbour, and tug by the right shoulder into a wave with new neighbours ------ ------ ------ ------ Dance with wave and down the hall Prior to this dance, get partners to discuss what they'd like to do for their "Free choice" figure together... - In Short Wavy Lines (neighbours right shoulder to right shoulder), balance the wave right then left, then right-hand-allemande half way around with your neighbour to reform the wave with neighbours having switched places - Balance the wave again right then left, and right-hand-allemande halfway around again, to come back to where you started - Push off your fellow dancers into a circle with everyone in their home place (2); circle left once all the way around back to home (10), balance the ring one time and snap open (2s splitting and going to the outside of the line) into short lines facing down the hall (4) ---- - Down the hall, turn alone - Come on back, bend line to face partner - Free choice figure across, with partner (I suggested do si do or 2x box the gnat) - 2 hand balance with N one time, then step towards each other again, then push off their hands and turn 180 to form new wave with next neighbours... * Halifax Contra's beginner-friendly dance evening sequence In our method, we spend the first 2/3 of the evening slowly building everyone's skills from scratch. We always follow this sequence: - Spiral dance - Simple circle mixer - Simple contra dance in a Sicilian circle (no swings) - Set up in short contra lines and practice doing random things with neighbours and partners while frequently progressing the lines until everyone's comfortable (using many short lines so everyone gets plenty of practice being ejected and moving up and down the lines) - band plays some silly music. - Teach the next dance, reform in fewer, longer lines, and do a contra dance without swings or anything that puts people out of home place. (Lots of balancing, allemands, do-si-dos, circles and stars, LLFB etc) - Teach our "feature figure" for the evening - which may be a swing, a hey, ocean wave, ravens' chain, larks chain, petronellas or something else. - Lead a dance with this figure but no other "advanced" figures from the above list. ("Advanced" being a relative term, in our case!). Ensure they come back to home place before progressing. - Lead another dance with this figure (and no other "advanced" figures), but this time have them progress during the dance. - Then for the final 45 min of the evening, announce we are moving on to the "advanced" portion of the evening. From this point on, we clearly delineate 1 or more lines as "advanced", and another 1 or more lines as "I have no idea what I'm doing but I'll give it a try!". - From this point on, we do almost no teaching, only one quick walkthrough of each dance, and run the dances longer. Now the dances may contain any combination of "advanced figures" and all contain swings. - Those who feel (at least reasonably) confident in what they are doing dance in the "advanced" line... - Those who feel confused or hesitant or want a lower pressure situation dance in the "I have no idea but I'll give it a try" line. - People are encouraged to move from one line to the other during the dance-- downgrading if they are too confused in the "advanced" line, or upgrading if they have nailed it and wish to progress to the "advanced" line. > Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers > <mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> > Thursday, April 4, 2024 6:14 PM > Here are dances you should find useful: > > To teach wavy lines > "Positional Thinikning" https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#PosTh > > A great dance for beginners and for moderately skilled to guide beginners > "The Balter Dance" https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Balter > > For dancers comfortable with a hey > "A.O.'s No-No" https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#AOs > _______________________________________________ > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net > Katherine Kitching <mailto:kat@outdooractive.ca> > Monday, April 1, 2024 2:30 PM > Hi folks- > > As I've mentioned before, our Halifax group is not very advanced - we > welcome a lot of beginners each month, and our regulars are not super > regular or super skilled.. - and so the practice we've settled on is > to choose one "feature figure" each month to focus on teaching.... > > in the first part of the evening we break down the figure in detail so > everyone gets a chance to learn it inside-out... then do a few dances > that has that figure in it, but nothing else difficult (not even > swings! unless swing is the feature figure for that evening). > > Then at the very end of the evening we do an "advanced segment" where > we call a few dances quickly with little teaching (probably more like > what all of your dances look like!) - and those dances include all > sorts of figures that have been featured over the past 6+ months. > (Usually most of the beginners have been tired out and gone home at > this point) > > Anyhow, this month our feature figure will be short wavy lines - and I > don't have a lot of experience with them myself. > > Could anyone point me towards some videos where short wavy lines are > featured? > > I'm interested in being able to watch different fun things that can be > done in SWLs... including the Rory O'Moore sequence, and other > simple/basic actions. > > No need to send me videos of more elaborate and unusual types of SWL > figures. > > Also no need to worry about the content of the rest of the dance - I > generally write custom dances to incorporate the feature figure while > keeping everything else way simpler than you folks are used to :) > > I want to do 3 dances with SWLs - each one with a slightly different > type of SWL figure - I can think of balancing then allemanding haflway > around, repeat... > > and the Rory O'Moore sequence as the final more tricky one... > > But is there something else I could do in short wavy lines too? > > and I would like to see the first two in action so I can make sure to > feel confident in my teaching!! > > Many thanks :) > > Kat in Hfx

1 year, 5 months

Jump to page:

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Contra Callers