Contra Callers

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4406 discussions

Why do you (or don't you) like Chorus Jig?

by Mark Widmer

Dale, Chorus Jig offers a lot of opportunities to embellish the moves beyond what dancers are instructed in the walkthrough. The most popular one is for the 2's to swing while the 1's are going down the outside. Besides that, it can be fun to: -- At the end of a swing, give a gentle "push off" with your partner to either launch yourselves into the down-the-outside (if you're active), or to get yourselves promptly to the side before the 1's start walking down the middle (if you're an inactive). -- Do that extra spin out of the allemandes (if time permits), as either an active or inactive. Mark Widmer Dale Wilson <dale.wilson(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:26:55 -0600 > Subject: Re: [Callers] What is the best contra dance(s) ever written? > > . > . > . > > And slightly more seriously. > > I don't want to start religious war but I have always wondered about A > Chorus Jig. I just don't see why anyone likes it other than those who > cherish it as a relic of a bygone era. The few times I have danced it my > primary impression was that the inactive couples stood still for the entire > dance -- offering admiration an occasional helping hand to the actives, and > even the actives spent a great deal of time walking up and down the set. > What am I missing? Why do people like it? > > Dale > >

12 years, 11 months

Re: [Callers] What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

by John Sweeney

The one I get most requests for is Devil's Dream http://www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra/dances/devils_dream.html I also get a lot of requests for Feet in Flight by Dale Rempert http://austinbarndancers.org/dances/ftflight.shtml Especially when we dance it to Wild Asparagus playing Taliban. The dance I have called most is probably Flirtation Reel by Tony Parkes - great for beginners, but the experienced dancers love it as well. Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

12 years, 11 months

Re: [Callers] What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

by JohnFreem＠aol.com

Dale, When did you start dancing? If you began during the "MUC" era, then you likely never had a chance to appreciate some of the chestnuts and unequal dances of the pre-MUC era. Some dances are comfortable, like an old pair of dancing shoes. I remember dancing to some of these dances that began on their own while the bend was "noodling" the tune, before the caller was ready. John B. Freeman, SFTPOCTJ Calling and dancing for only 30+ years

12 years, 11 months

Re: [Callers] Right & Left Through

by John Sweeney

Kalia said, "a right and left through over and back (4 changes of rights and lefts for you English dancers)". Q1: Why for English dancers? Dancers in England do R&L Throughs, and I am pretty sure that ECD dancers in the USA do them as well. Q2: "Four changes" does NOT (to the best of my knowledge) have any courtesy turns in it, whereas wherever I have danced in the UK or the USA (extensively in both countries) R&L Throughs DO. How do you do a R&L Through? Q3: When the dance is proper like this, then the two men are courtesy turning each other - is that what makes the difference? In my experience the men turn shoulder to shoulder, possibly with arms around each other, but they still do a turn which wouldn't happen in "four changes". (And the ladies likewise of course.) Q4: Does anyone know how a R&L Through was done, and with what styling, back when this dance was written? Thanks. Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

12 years, 11 months

Re: [Callers] Fw: What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

by Roger Hayes

Mention must be made of "Wizards Walk". (Was it written, or found?) - Roger Hayes

12 years, 11 months

Re: [Callers] What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

by JohnFreem＠aol.com

My all-around favorite to begin any dance has long been Don Armstrong's "Broken Sixpence". It moves a lot, introduces dancers to each other, is easy for beginners to comprehend, and would look familiar to square dancers. It's all about the fun! John B. Freeman, SFTPOCTJ

12 years, 11 months

Favorite contra albums

by Kalia Kliban

I've been listening a lot lately to Elixir's album "Rampant" and Wild Asparagus's "From the Floor Up". I really like them just as upbeat music to listen to. KGB's waltz album "The Red Light of Evening" is in that class, too. What are some of your favorite contra band recordings, and what is it about them that really gets your tail wagging? Kalia

12 years, 11 months

Re: [Callers] Sung fiddle tunes?

by JohnFreem＠aol.com

I have been known to sing along with the band on a fiddle tune now and then. One of the bands that I used to work with played tunes that most bands didn't play. I would often be asked by the band to sing along as they played "Waltz Across Texas". This was usually well received by the dancers. Some would join in on the chorus. The band and I usually sang along with "Just Because" when it was used as a polka. The dancers seemed to appreciate our playfulness. I have also, rarely, sung along to Petronella. Then, there are the times when a band didn't show up, or I was asked to call with no notice. I have had to sing and hum for several dances over the years. John B. Freeman, SFTPOCTJ

12 years, 11 months

Sung fiddle tunes?

by Maia McCormick

I've been talking with my band lately about coming up with some contra tunes that I/they/we can sing. a) suggestions for tunes? (Contra and waltz alike.) b) when do you usually stop calling and start singing? What do you do if the dance gets off track and you need to throw in some more calls? c) other relevant things to consider when the band/caller tries to sing for a less experienced group of dancers? Thanks! Maia

12 years, 11 months

Re: [Callers] Favorite contra albums

by John Sweeney

Wild Asparagus - Live At The Guiding Star Grange Two magical live CDs with lots of energy. The tracks on this are the most requested tracks wherever I call to CD. Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

12 years, 11 months

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