Hi!
I'm a fledgling caller in Memphis, Tennessee, and I'm looking for
dances to add to my repertoire. I found this one online- "Caught in
the Act" by Donna McAllister/Calhoun, but I'm not sure of the
progression.
http://www.io.com/contradance/sequences/caught-in-the-act.html
The webmaster's email and the link to the author's email are defunct,
I found a couple other sources for the dance, but no contact
information.
A1:
Circle left
Allemande right neighbor 1-1/2
A2:
Allemande left next neighbor once or 2x
Gypsy 1x
Ending gypsy below original neighbor, women facing out and men facing
in
B1:
Chase "lady round two and the gent cut through; gent around two and
the lady cut through"
Active woman walks in a clockwise direction around the inactive
couple above while the active man follows her until he can (and
does!) cut through the inactive couple.
The man now walks clockwise around the couple above, while the woman
follows until she can and does cut through the couple.
B2
Actives balance & swing, end facing down
I tried diagramming it and it seems like a backward progression? At
the end of A2 it has progressed, but during the chase it goes
backwards 2x so you end up with 1's/actives out at the top and
2's/inactives out at the bottom.
Has anyone danced and or called this dance- is it supposed to be a
backward progression?
If I change it minutely, having the #1/active man in the chase
sequence go around the same couple he just split- in other words
moving him around the couple below rather than the next couple above-
then it seems to work out as a single progression. If I called it
with this change, does etiquette demand that I announce the change?
So grateful to have found this list- I was looking at another dance
http://blake.prohosting.com/austinbd/dances/chocolate_swirls.shtml
wondering how to do a "come back cozy" into a cloverleaf and had
given up finding the info- until I found this list with the Squeaking
Wheel thread! Thanks!
Thanks in advance!
Alison Murphy
Memphis TN
Hi Seth,
If the magic number of 20 has not been hit, I'd like to add my name to the list. I can also offer a dancer in Bob if you would like more dancers. Thanks. I have wanted to learn how to call squares!
Andrea
>From: "Tepfer, Seth" <LABST(a)emory.edu>
>Date: 2006/11/27 Mon PM 04:33:13 CST
>To: trad-dance-callers(a)yahoogroups.com, ChattahoocheeCountryDancers(a)egroups.com,
callers(a)sharedweight.net
>Cc: "<Steve Pike" <swpike(a)facstaff.wisc.edu>,
Duncan Cottrell <duncancottrell(a)yahoo.com>, diane(a)diane-silver.com,
Rob Harper <rah(a)mindspring.com>, barry(a)afn.org, trravelbug(a)yahoo.com,
carole.bennett(a)isye.gatech.edu, joeyboey007(a)yahoo.com,
cwharvey1(a)yahoo.com, "Shepherd, Janet" <Janet.Shepherd(a)galileo.com>,
sprince2(a)tampabay.rr.com, mekirk(a)emory.edu, seth.tepfer(a)emory.edu,
SStanczyk@EssilorUSA.comcontrasue@juno.com, carissa.craven(a)gmail.com,
bmolaro(a)earthlink.net, maureen.kilroy(a)grad.gatech.edu,
Larry & Maureen <le_mk(a)yahoo.com>, clau(a)olin.com,
leslybowers(a)hotmail.com, bobbiejo44(a)earthlink.net,
"Goldring, Marti (USAGAN)" <Marti.Goldring(a)usdoj.gov>,
chinkle(a)mindspring.com, surudder1(a)earthlink.net, mebanec(a)gao.gov,
kimberly.hagen(a)emory.edu,
Christin Whittington <cwhittington(a)mindspring.com>
>Subject: [Callers] Hot Squares weekend
>Save the date: 5th Hot Squares weekend!
>
>
>
>When: July 6-8, 2007
>
>Where: Private home; Atlanta, GA
>
>Who: Dan Sahlstrom, calller
>
>Cost: TBD
>
>Limited to 20 people
>
>What:
>
>
>
>This weekend is devoted to exploring Modern Western (Club) squares in an
>intensive but fun environment. Unlike previous years we will not focus
>on completing Plus or Mainstream levels (though we will probably do most
>of Mainstream). Instead, Dan will pick fun and interesting calls from
>all lists (Basic - Challenge). Also unlike previous years, we will have
>more than the exact number of people, so not all will be required to
>dance every tip.
>
>
>
>2007 will mark the 5th Hot Squares event. We are holding Hot Squares
>2007 in a homey atmosphere with room for two squares. Genders will not
>be balanced. Meals will be home cooked. Fellowship and Camaraderie will
>be plentiful.
>
>
>
>Official registration is not open, but email now to hold your space.
>
>_______________________________________________
>Callers mailing list
>Callers(a)sharedweight.net
>http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
Thank you to everyone who sent thoughtful responses to my one-question
survey, "Under what circumstances is it appropriate for a band to put
out a hat (case, jar, etc. for tips) at a contra dance?"
My reason for asking was to gather information from the greater contra
community that our local
committee may find useful in coming to a policy decision about this issue.
Besides putting the question out to this list, I emailed individual
organizers, callers and musicians from my current dance community in
Gainesville, FL and from my original one in Princeton, NJ. I only
specifically asked those who had been involved in the contra dance scene
longer than the ten years that I have.
I've had 28 serious replies all together; here are the results:
I rated people's answers 1-4, with 1 being never or almost never, 2
being only if they are not being paid otherwise or have some
extraordinary circumstance like being robbed on the way to the dance, 3
being it is or could be okay at a regular dance, and 4 being it's a fine
idea. There was also the reply "Only if they're the ones playing", which
I suspect is actually a 3. There were eleven 1s, ten 2s, six 3s, and one 4.
There's really not enough info to be sure, but it does appear that the
closer one is to either dancing 25 years ago or to dancing in the
northeast the less likely to reply with a 3-rated answer.
My own opinion would rate a 2.
Thanks again,
Tara
>From: Tara Bolker <tara(a)p2c2e.net>
> Under what circumstances is it appropriate for a band to put out a
> hat (case, jar, etc., for tips) at a contra dance?
>
Here in southern California, the gas prices are exceptionally high, the pay
for musicians and callers is usually low, and driving distances can be far.
When the band comes in from outside the local dance community, the series
producer or band sometimes puts out a hat for tips to help cover the travel
expenses. Dancers often contribute appreciatively.
Jeremy Korr, east of Los Angeles
_________________________________________________________________
MSN Shopping has everything on your holiday list. Get expert picks by style,
age, and price. Try it!
http://shopping.msn.com/content/shp/?ctId=8000,ptnrid=176,ptnrdata=200601&t…
The following is somewhat off-topic, but the people on this list
represent such range of contra experience that I thought it should be
worth a try...
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: contra dance related question
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 11:05:32 -0500
From: Tara Bolker <tara(a)p2c2e.net>
Hello musicians, callers and organizers,
I'm taking a one-question survey from people who have been around the
contra scene for a while--I hope you can take a moment to give me your
opinion.
Under what circumstances is it appropriate for a band to put out a
hat (case, jar, etc., for tips) at a contra dance?
Thanks,
Tara
I have never seen this.
Some dances have a fiddle case open collecting admissions, and sometimes as informal as "$X dollars in cash or barter". Some dances are "bought out" by sponsors, and an optional donation is solicited to help defray expenses.
I have seen optional collections for the "Floor refinishing fund" or whatever.
But (happily) I have never, ever, seen a collection for tips.
Dan
____________________________________________________________________________________
Cheap talk?
Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.
http://voice.yahoo.com
> Tara asked:
> Under what circumstances is it appropriate for a band to put out a
> hat (case, jar, etc., for tips) at a contra dance?
>
In Louisville, where I used to live, the weekly (Monday night) pick-up
band is paid from a tip jar, which sits on the table where admission
is paid. The organizer and main player of that group gets a guaranteed
amount (separate from the jar) while all others are willing
volunteers. I'm not suggesting this is ideal, but it does seem to work
on some level. The musicians are definitely there for the love of the
activity. The level of musicianship among the individual players is
variable, ranging from "very fine" to "needs practice."
The monthly Saturday night dance ("name" bands) pays a guaranteed
amount to the band out of the admission proceeds and no tip jar is
used.
In Brasstown NC, I've seen a jar on the stage and dancers paid their
admission fee on an honor system. I don't know if that was for that
night only or standard routine.
--
Jerome Grisanti
660-528-0858
660-528-0714
http://www.jeromegrisanti.com
I have to agree with Tom about Beaumont Rag and other rags such as
Levi Jackson and East Tennessee Blues -- they somehow inject a feeling
of spontaneous fun, especially with figures that go down the hall.
Two notes I would add to Tom's notes on Balance the Star: Use a
hands-across star (this is probably obvious) and make sure people
point their elbows toward the floor when they balance the star.
Good thread.
Jerome
> Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2006 21:41:35 +0000
> From: Tom Hinds <twhinds(a)earthlink.net>
> Subject: Re: [Callers] Family Contra
> To: callers(a)sharedweight.net
> Message-ID: <455F7DFE.1F917BE3(a)earthlink.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; x-mac-type="54455854";
> x-mac-creator="4D4F5353"
>
> That dance, Family Contra looks like a great one to use for beginners. A tune that would
> fit the dance well is Beaumont Rag. Years ago in the DC area we used to dance a Sicilian
> circle called Balance the Star to the Beaumont Rag. For those who are curious here is
> Balance the Star (perhaps not original but how we danced it in DC). The tune swings and
> therefore allows for improvisations and craziness from the dancers.
>
> A1 make a right hand star and balance twice. Star right 4 counts. Turn alone for 4
> counts.
>
> A2 make a left hand star and balance twice. Star left 4 counts and turn alone.
>
> B1 do si do opposite. end the do si do facing away from partner. 'courtesy turn'
> neighbor.
> It's not a true courtesy turn. The dancers have to travel a bit more than in a courtesy
> turn so that the men end where they started and the women have traded places.
>
> B2 do si do orig. partner. end the do si do facing away from opposite. 'courtesy turn'
> original partner in the same manner as in the B1 plus couples pass each other (men pass
> left shoulder) in order to meet the next couple.
>
--
Jerome Grisanti
660-528-0858
660-528-0714
http://www.jeromegrisanti.com
That dance, Family Contra looks like a great one to use for beginners. A tune that would
fit the dance well is Beaumont Rag. Years ago in the DC area we used to dance a Sicilian
circle called Balance the Star to the Beaumont Rag. For those who are curious here is
Balance the Star (perhaps not original but how we danced it in DC). The tune swings and
therefore allows for improvisations and craziness from the dancers.
A1 make a right hand star and balance twice. Star right 4 counts. Turn alone for 4
counts.
A2 make a left hand star and balance twice. Star left 4 counts and turn alone.
B1 do si do opposite. end the do si do facing away from partner. 'courtesy turn'
neighbor.
It's not a true courtesy turn. The dancers have to travel a bit more than in a courtesy
turn so that the men end where they started and the women have traded places.
B2 do si do orig. partner. end the do si do facing away from opposite. 'courtesy turn'
original partner in the same manner as in the B1 plus couples pass each other (men pass
left shoulder) in order to meet the next couple.
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. Easy dances for teaching contra (Joy Greenwolfe)
> 2. Re: Easy dances for teaching contra (Richard Hart)
> 3. Re: Easy dances for teaching contra (David Millstone)
> 4. Re: Easy dances for teaching contra (Joy Greenwolfe)
> 5. Re: Easy dances for teaching contra (Joy Greenwolfe)
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2006 21:27:39 -0500
> From: Joy Greenwolfe <joy2the(a)mindspring.com>
> Subject: [Callers] Easy dances for teaching contra
> To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
> Message-ID: <0BD8306F-18EC-4DAC-BDDB-73DEAFBAE37F(a)mindspring.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
> Hi All,
>
> I'm calling two beginner-heavy dances soon (Dec 1st and end of Jan).
> The first is opening a new series and is required by organizers to be
> all contra (no circles or squares). So some semi-experienced dancers,
> but mostly newbees. The second event will be entirely beginners and
> mostly women but following a "western" theme.
>
> Could anyone share or recommend some dances that are both easy and
> fun? I'm looking for simple and forgiving dances that could be used
> to practice basic contra concepts while being satisfying for the
> dancers and even give them a sense of success.
>
> Dances I already have include: Jefferson Revisited, Lady Wapole's
> Reel, Becky Hill's Big Easy, and yes, Gallopede! I feel pretty good
> about those choices, having already used them in a variety of raw-
> beginner circumstances.
>
> Having recently worked with several room-fulls of beginners, I am
> wary of throwing too much at them too soon. But I also don't want to
> call a program of mush.
>
> Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
>
> Joy Greenwolfe
> Durham, NC
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2006 23:30:09 -0500
> From: Richard Hart <rich(a)harts.mv.com>
> Subject: Re: [Callers] Easy dances for teaching contra
> To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
> Message-ID: <455E8C51.6070206(a)harts.mv.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> This dance is not really a full-blown contra, but its also not a square
> or circle. I use it to teach a few of the basics, without having to also
> worry about the formation (proper, improper, etc.) and the progression
> at the same time. Beginners seem to like it and I can use it to teach a
> few of the basic moves without the additional complexities.
>
> Trip to F'Town (or Francestown)
>
> Setup: have couples form circles of 4 with couple facing couple anywhere
> on the floor - no contra lines.
>
> At start, but really at the end of the B2 part: bow to your neighbor.
>
> A1: dos-a-dos neighbor;
> dos-a-dos partner.
>
> A2: Chose 1 of Right & Left, over & back, or
> Ladies' Chain over & back, or
> Star left, then star right
>
> (Depending on the skills of the dancers, I will chose one or more of
> these to teach, then practice during the dance. Sometimes I pick just
> one, other times I alternate each time through, and sometimes even just
> call the move randomly if they can handle it.)
>
> B1: Circle Left 1X
> Circle Right back to place.
>
> B2: pass through and
> go and find a new couple to dance with.
> bow to your new neighbor.
>
> This dance allows me to focus on the basic calls, without having to also
> teach progression at the same time. After doing this dance, it is much
> easier to introduce the idea of the progression with the next dance.
>
> Rich Hart.
>
> Joy Greenwolfe remarked on 11/17/2006 9:27 PM:
> > Hi All,
> >
> > I'm calling two beginner-heavy dances soon (Dec 1st and end of Jan).
> > The first is opening a new series and is required by organizers to be
> > all contra (no circles or squares). So some semi-experienced dancers,
> > but mostly newbees. The second event will be entirely beginners and
> > mostly women but following a "western" theme.
> >
> > Could anyone share or recommend some dances that are both easy and
> > fun? I'm looking for simple and forgiving dances that could be used
> > to practice basic contra concepts while being satisfying for the
> > dancers and even give them a sense of success.
> >
> > Dances I already have include: Jefferson Revisited, Lady Wapole's
> > Reel, Becky Hill's Big Easy, and yes, Gallopede! I feel pretty good
> > about those choices, having already used them in a variety of raw-
> > beginner circumstances.
> >
> > Having recently worked with several room-fulls of beginners, I am
> > wary of throwing too much at them too soon. But I also don't want to
> > call a program of mush.
> >
> > Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
> >
> >
> > Joy Greenwolfe
> > Durham, NC
> > _______________________________________________
> > Callers mailing list
> > Callers(a)sharedweight.net
> > http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
> >
> >
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: 18 Nov 2006 09:28:22 EST
> From: David.Millstone(a)valley.net (David Millstone)
> Subject: Re: [Callers] Easy dances for teaching contra
> To: callers(a)sharedweight.net
> Message-ID: <25733921(a)retriever.VALLEY.NET>
> Content-Type: text/plain
>
> Hello Joy,
>
> If you're going to be doing similar gigs with less experienced dancers, I'd
> suggest getting copies of Chimes of Dunkirk and Listen to the Mockingbird (New
> England Dancing Masters) plus Dudley Laufman's two books (with CDs)-- White
> Mountain Reel and Sweets of May-- as useful sources for lots of material. Marian
> Rose's books (the Step Lively series) also have some wonderful dances in them.
> (All available through Country Dance and Song Society.) Yes, it's an investment
> in resources, but armed with the material in these books (and CDs, too) you'll
> have plenty of excellent material-- contras, circles, squares, simple line
> dances, mixers, suitable for working with beginners of all ages.
>
> For your first dance coming up in early December, you have your hands tied--
> "required by organizers to be all contra (no circles or squares)." WHAT ARE THEY
> THINKING? Is the next list of requirements going to be that they want lots of
> newcomers to be there and oh, by the way, they want the first dance of the
> evening to include a hey for four on the left diagonal? Have they told you that
> every contra has to have a partner swing and a neighbor swing? Or are they
> waiting to spring that on you later on? Sheesh.
>
> Okay, stepping back off my soapbox...
>
> In the meantime, here are two simple contras that work with folks who are new to
> this kind of dancing. Don't have to worry about proper/improper, just line 'em
> up across from a partner, set up your minor sets of four, and you're off.
>
> David Millstone
>
> P.S. It really is worth having a discussion with the organizers to see if you
> can come to a better understanding of how to build a dance series. I would
> suggest that contra contra contra is not the best recipe for success.
>
> -------
> Family Contra (Sherry Nevins)
>
> A1 Balance ring 2x ("Go IN... and OUT... and IN... and OUT), circle left 1x
>
> A2 Balance ring 2x, circle right 1x
>
> B1 DSD with neighbor, DSD with partner
>
> B2 DSD 1.5 as a couple
> ------
>
> Ellen's Green Jig (Roy Dommett)
>
> A1 Do-si-do neighbor
> Do-si-do partner
>
> A2 Ones balance and swing
>
> B1 Circle left
> Circle right
>
> B2 Square dance figure, Duck for the Oyster, Dive for the Clam:
> (Still joined in a circle, twos arch and ones duck partially under and then back
> up to place. Ones arch and twos duck under and then back up. Ones duck all the
> way through Twos' arch to meet new neighbors.)
>
> "Duck for the oyster, dive for the clam, duck through the hole in the old tin
> can" or similar patter
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2006 10:13:35 -0500
> From: Joy Greenwolfe <joy2the(a)mindspring.com>
> Subject: Re: [Callers] Easy dances for teaching contra
> To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
> Message-ID: <79B95561-F4BF-4B53-962C-8CAADF3D9191(a)mindspring.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
> Thanks for the ideas, Rich.
>
> --Joy
>
> On Nov 17, 2006, at 11:30 PM, Richard Hart wrote:
>
> > This dance is not really a full-blown contra, but its also not a
> > square
> > or circle. I use it to teach a few of the basics, without having to
> > also
> > worry about the formation (proper, improper, etc.) and the progression
> > at the same time. Beginners seem to like it and I can use it to
> > teach a
> > few of the basic moves without the additional complexities.
> >
> > Trip to F'Town (or Francestown)
> >
> > Setup: have couples form circles of 4 with couple facing couple
> > anywhere
> > on the floor - no contra lines.
> >
> > At start, but really at the end of the B2 part: bow to your neighbor.
> >
> > A1: dos-a-dos neighbor;
> > dos-a-dos partner.
> >
> > A2: Chose 1 of Right & Left, over & back, or
> > Ladies' Chain over & back, or
> > Star left, then star right
> >
> > (Depending on the skills of the dancers, I will chose one or more of
> > these to teach, then practice during the dance. Sometimes I pick just
> > one, other times I alternate each time through, and sometimes even
> > just
> > call the move randomly if they can handle it.)
> >
> > B1: Circle Left 1X
> > Circle Right back to place.
> >
> > B2: pass through and
> > go and find a new couple to dance with.
> > bow to your new neighbor.
> >
> > This dance allows me to focus on the basic calls, without having to
> > also
> > teach progression at the same time. After doing this dance, it is much
> > easier to introduce the idea of the progression with the next dance.
> >
> > Rich Hart.
> >
> > Joy Greenwolfe remarked on 11/17/2006 9:27 PM:
> >> Hi All,
> >>
> >> I'm calling two beginner-heavy dances soon (Dec 1st and end of Jan).
> >> The first is opening a new series and is required by organizers to be
> >> all contra (no circles or squares). So some semi-experienced dancers,
> >> but mostly newbees. The second event will be entirely beginners and
> >> mostly women but following a "western" theme.
> >>
> >> Could anyone share or recommend some dances that are both easy and
> >> fun? I'm looking for simple and forgiving dances that could be used
> >> to practice basic contra concepts while being satisfying for the
> >> dancers and even give them a sense of success.
> >>
> >> Dances I already have include: Jefferson Revisited, Lady Wapole's
> >> Reel, Becky Hill's Big Easy, and yes, Gallopede! I feel pretty good
> >> about those choices, having already used them in a variety of raw-
> >> beginner circumstances.
> >>
> >> Having recently worked with several room-fulls of beginners, I am
> >> wary of throwing too much at them too soon. But I also don't want to
> >> call a program of mush.
> >>
> >> Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
> >>
> >>
> >> Joy Greenwolfe
> >> Durham, NC
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> 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
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2006 11:13:39 -0500
> From: Joy Greenwolfe <joy2the(a)mindspring.com>
> Subject: Re: [Callers] Easy dances for teaching contra
> To: millstone(a)valley.net, Caller's discussion list
> <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
> Message-ID: <BC5BABB2-BECA-4B55-AA51-CA88E55A2856(a)mindspring.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>
> Hi David and all,
>
> Thanks for the ideas. I know! It's a little crazy with the no-
> circles. They did actually ask that no "complicated moves" such as
> Heys be taught until/unless the dancers are doing well up to that
> point. They are concerned about first impressions with the new
> dancers, but I think the no-circles thing came from wanting to appeal
> to the existing dancers in that area of the state. Since they are
> dancer-organizers and not caller-organizers, I think I will lean on
> them a little about their expectations. :) Your remarks encourage me.
>
> I do have the Chimes of Dunkirk book, which has saved me from teeth-
> gnashing in the past. I will look into the others. I have to say
> that the Shared Weight archives have been useful in the past. Maybe
> I should look again. I seem to recall some good discussion of family
> dances.
>
> And thanks for these dances, David. It's great that they can be
> danced without regard to gender positioning! I will definitely make
> use of them.
>
> Thanks,
> Joy Greenwolfe
>
> On Nov 18, 2006, at 9:28 AM, David Millstone wrote:
>
> > Hello Joy,
> >
> > If you're going to be doing similar gigs with less experienced
> > dancers, I'd
> > suggest getting copies of Chimes of Dunkirk and Listen to the
> > Mockingbird (New
> > England Dancing Masters) plus Dudley Laufman's two books (with
> > CDs)-- White
> > Mountain Reel and Sweets of May-- as useful sources for lots of
> > material. Marian
> > Rose's books (the Step Lively series) also have some wonderful
> > dances in them.
> > (All available through Country Dance and Song Society.) Yes, it's
> > an investment
> > in resources, but armed with the material in these books (and CDs,
> > too) you'll
> > have plenty of excellent material-- contras, circles, squares,
> > simple line
> > dances, mixers, suitable for working with beginners of all ages.
> >
> > For your first dance coming up in early December, you have your
> > hands tied--
> > "required by organizers to be all contra (no circles or squares)."
> > WHAT ARE THEY
> > THINKING? Is the next list of requirements going to be that they
> > want lots of
> > newcomers to be there and oh, by the way, they want the first dance
> > of the
> > evening to include a hey for four on the left diagonal? Have they
> > told you that
> > every contra has to have a partner swing and a neighbor swing? Or
> > are they
> > waiting to spring that on you later on? Sheesh.
> >
> > Okay, stepping back off my soapbox...
> >
> > In the meantime, here are two simple contras that work with folks
> > who are new to
> > this kind of dancing. Don't have to worry about proper/improper,
> > just line 'em
> > up across from a partner, set up your minor sets of four, and
> > you're off.
> >
> > David Millstone
> >
> > P.S. It really is worth having a discussion with the organizers to
> > see if you
> > can come to a better understanding of how to build a dance series.
> > I would
> > suggest that contra contra contra is not the best recipe for success.
> >
> > -------
> > Family Contra (Sherry Nevins)
> >
> > A1 Balance ring 2x ("Go IN... and OUT... and IN... and OUT),
> > circle left 1x
> >
> > A2 Balance ring 2x, circle right 1x
> >
> > B1 DSD with neighbor, DSD with partner
> >
> > B2 DSD 1.5 as a couple
> > ------
> >
> > Ellen's Green Jig (Roy Dommett)
> >
> > A1 Do-si-do neighbor
> > Do-si-do partner
> >
> > A2 Ones balance and swing
> >
> > B1 Circle left
> > Circle right
> >
> > B2 Square dance figure, Duck for the Oyster, Dive for the Clam:
> > (Still joined in a circle, twos arch and ones duck partially under
> > and then back
> > up to place. Ones arch and twos duck under and then back up. Ones
> > duck all the
> > way through Twos' arch to meet new neighbors.)
> >
> > "Duck for the oyster, dive for the clam, duck through the hole in
> > the old tin
> > can" or similar patter
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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 27, Issue 11
> ***************************************
Hello Joy,
If you're going to be doing similar gigs with less experienced dancers, I'd
suggest getting copies of Chimes of Dunkirk and Listen to the Mockingbird (New
England Dancing Masters) plus Dudley Laufman's two books (with CDs)-- White
Mountain Reel and Sweets of May-- as useful sources for lots of material. Marian
Rose's books (the Step Lively series) also have some wonderful dances in them.
(All available through Country Dance and Song Society.) Yes, it's an investment
in resources, but armed with the material in these books (and CDs, too) you'll
have plenty of excellent material-- contras, circles, squares, simple line
dances, mixers, suitable for working with beginners of all ages.
For your first dance coming up in early December, you have your hands tied--
"required by organizers to be all contra (no circles or squares)." WHAT ARE THEY
THINKING? Is the next list of requirements going to be that they want lots of
newcomers to be there and oh, by the way, they want the first dance of the
evening to include a hey for four on the left diagonal? Have they told you that
every contra has to have a partner swing and a neighbor swing? Or are they
waiting to spring that on you later on? Sheesh.
Okay, stepping back off my soapbox...
In the meantime, here are two simple contras that work with folks who are new to
this kind of dancing. Don't have to worry about proper/improper, just line 'em
up across from a partner, set up your minor sets of four, and you're off.
David Millstone
P.S. It really is worth having a discussion with the organizers to see if you
can come to a better understanding of how to build a dance series. I would
suggest that contra contra contra is not the best recipe for success.
-------
Family Contra (Sherry Nevins)
A1 Balance ring 2x ("Go IN... and OUT... and IN... and OUT), circle left 1x
A2 Balance ring 2x, circle right 1x
B1 DSD with neighbor, DSD with partner
B2 DSD 1.5 as a couple
------
Ellen's Green Jig (Roy Dommett)
A1 Do-si-do neighbor
Do-si-do partner
A2 Ones balance and swing
B1 Circle left
Circle right
B2 Square dance figure, Duck for the Oyster, Dive for the Clam:
(Still joined in a circle, twos arch and ones duck partially under and then back
up to place. Ones arch and twos duck under and then back up. Ones duck all the
way through Twos' arch to meet new neighbors.)
"Duck for the oyster, dive for the clam, duck through the hole in the old tin
can" or similar patter
