Contra Callers

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4369 discussions

by Michael Fuerst

What are the most difficult contras (improper, proper, indecent or becket) that you have danced, have called, and remain afraid to call?

1 year, 7 months

Re: Larks, Robins, Gents, Ladies and "X, formerly known as Twitter"

by John W Gintell

> Which do you speculate will come first? > a) The press will regularly refer to "X" rather than "X, formerly known as Twitter" > OR > b) The contra dance world will agree to one of larks/robins or gents/ladies > I like to point out two important factors that should influence the transition to larks/robins. 1. To some LGBTQ+ people being called a Lady or Gent is mentally harmful because gender ID is a very important matter and sometimes has a long and often uncomfortable personal history. 2. It helps encourage people to dance both roles. a) I’ve been at dances where there are more people of one gender than the other and as a result some dancers sit out a dance because they feel uncomfortable about asking someone of the same gender to dance. And there are some people who think that Ladies shouldn’t ask Gents to dance. b) I think dancing both roles makes you a better dancer because you get to appreciate the affect of some moves on the other person.

1 year, 7 months

Introducing new dances to gender free dancing

by Michael Fuerst

Several months ago someone posted on a thread here her/his excellent approach to this. Does anyone know in which thread this was?

1 year, 7 months

Larks, Robins, Gents, Ladies and "X, formerly known as Twitter"

by Michael Fuerst

Which do you speculate will come first? a) The press will regularly refer to "X" rather than "X, formerly known as Twitter" OR b) The contra dance world will agree to one of larks/robins or gents/ladies

1 year, 7 months

Teaching 'contra' to adults with various developmental disabilities

by Bree Kalb

I've been asked if I will teach/lead a one hour long 'contra dance' at a day program for young adults with a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities. (The staff probably would be happy for me to do more than one session, but I'm not willing to commit to that. At Least not now.) My usual repertoire for a wedding or party of non-dancers seems tricky for many of the clients--especially those who are uncomfortable being touched. I did a similar event about 10 years ago--at a different program-- and it didn't seem many of them had a good time. I'd like to figure out a way to make it fun for this group. I have a couple of ideas and am looking for more. Have you ever led a dance/music event with a similar population? I'd appreciate any advice/suggestions. Bree Kalb Carrboro NC

1 year, 7 months

When Was the 12-Beat Swing Introduced?

by John Sweeney

Hi all, Does anyone know when the Balance & Swing as we know it today become popular with a 12-beat Swing instead of the more standard 8-beat or 16-beat Swing? 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

1 year, 8 months

Ear protection that works for callers?

by Emily Addison

Hi Folks :) This summer, I called for a week long event. Near the end of the week, I found my ears were really tired and the level of sound coming from the speakers was hurting my ears. I did talk to the sound person a bit but they needed to accommodate the dancers of course and so turning down the main speakers was not an option. While I call from the stage some of the time, it often worked better if I was calling from the floor. Has anyone had similar experiences? Have you found solutions? Thanks! :) Emily in Ottawa

1 year, 8 months

Signed calls?

by Allison and Hunt Smith

I recently had a conversation with a dear friend in NH, a long-time contra dancer, who has an adult daughter who is deaf (who lives in SF, CA if that helps). Daughter doesn't dance, because she can't hear the calls and gets confused on the dance floor. She wishes that, during walk-throughs, the calls could be signed as well as spoken. I'm writing to ask if any of you have encountered this request? AFAIK there are no deaf dancers in my community in the Maine highlands, but I'd be willing to learn some basic signs to go along with my teaching. I think it would be challenging to sign as I call once the dance gets started, though. Thoughts? Allison Aldrich Smith -- www.huntandallison.net www.info@thsmaritime.com www.centralhallcommons.org

1 year, 8 months

Difficult Contras

by barrie bullimore

Seth Tepfer asked me what Contras I considered to be difficult. Two immediately sprang to mind:- Double Back by Mark Elvins (a double progression backwards) Henry and Jacqui by Scott Higgs There are several others including Irish Stars. Barrie Bullimore Gosport, UK

1 year, 8 months

New Terminology Question

by Helle Hill

With all the changes to the "old" terminology, I am wondering what a "Gypsy Star" is now called. Thank you. Helle Hill

1 year, 8 months

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Contra Callers