Contra Callers

contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net

6 participants
4382 discussions

Colin Hume caller workshop Saturday, July 25

by Louise Siddons

Scissortail Traditional Dance Society invites you to join us for our July caller workshop with special guest Colin Hume! Saturday, July 25, 12 noon – 1:30pm (US Central time) $5 per household Register here: http://scissortail.org/special-events/colin-hume-caller-workshop/ Join us for this unique opportunity: an online workshop with UK-based caller Colin Hume! Many of you know Colin thanks to his website (www.colinhume.com), as well as his dances, compositions, and calling—and that’s our topic for this workshop. Why do callers build websites? What content do they include, and why? What’s the balance between website content and that published in other forms—books, CDs, etc.? How has the internet changed social folk dancing? Our format will be a moderated discussion: you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask Colin your own questions. Those registering for the workshop will receive a link to the online meeting 24-48 hours ahead of time, and a reminder email the day of. You will also receive a link to Colin’s new video introducing his website; that link will also be available here after July 18. Questions? Please email dance(a)scissortail.org. — Louise Siddons Scissortail Traditional Dance Society www.scissortail.org www.facebook.com/groups/scissortail/ dance(a)scissortail.org

5 years

New workshop series

by Louise Siddons

New Zoom series: Wednesday Walkthroughs Wednesdays at 12 noon, US Central time, starting July 15 Caller Louise Siddons (http://www.scissortail.org/siddons/ <http://www.scissortail.org/siddons/>) We’ve been solo dancing for a while now, and I’ve discovered that I really enjoy adapting existing choreography for solo dancers. I love the way it emphasizes pattern and position, encouraging dancers to think positionally and holistically about how the dance works. I’ve also been challenged, as a solo dancer, to find the fun in contra dance choreography, which often makes intense use of the connection between dancers for its zest. In this workshop series, we’ll walk through the process of adapting dances for solo dancers, choosing new dances each week. We’ll see the original choreography (as interpreted by a solo dancer with ghosts), and then I’ll propose and call a solo adaptation. After we dance, together we’ll talk about why the adaptation feels good (or suggest a different one that feels better!). Along the way, I might introduce a variety of dance genres and blur the lines between them — and encourage participants to do the same. Dances will be approached from a positional framework (in other words, we’re going to be gender-free by default, as solo dancers), and participants are encouraged to think holistically about pattern, momentum, and space. These workshops are free and open to anyone who is interested. Sign up here to receive weekly details: https://forms.gle/eR8dbyLz9NV3592h8 <https://forms.gle/eR8dbyLz9NV3592h8> — Louise Siddons, dance caller http://www.scissortail.org/siddons/ lesiddons(a)gmail.com

5 years

Will Mentor Workshop- Sat July 11

by Claire Takemori

A few spots left in an online caller's workshop with Will Mentor <https://www.facebook.com/william.mentor.5?fref=gs&__tn__=%2CdK-R-R&eid=ARDo…>! Saturday, July 11 12-3pm PDT (3-6pm EDT) with a short break. All experience level welcome, but if you have not called, this would not be the best fit. $30 (100% to Will, but I'm collecting for him) Using the usual video meeting. Send and email for registration details: ClaireDanceCaller(a)gmail.com <mailto:ClaireDanceCaller@gmail.com> Please don’t reply here. This coming Saturday! Claire Takemori Dance Caller (408) 874-6840 <tel:(408)%20874-6840> (VM) clairedancecaller(a)gmail.com <mailto:clairedancecaller@gmail.com> https://www.facebook.com/ClaireTakemoriDanceCaller/ <https://www.facebook.com/ClaireTakemoriDanceCaller/> bacds.org/teen <http://bacds.org/teen>

5 years

Zoom contra dances

by Jeanette Mill

What a moment in history we are witnessing! I can't believe that I have done this, but I have created a folder on my computer called Zoom dances (for want of a better name). If you have composed any dances for the current times, and are happy to share, I would be very pleased to have a copy. I have made baby steps into calling dances over zoom. Another whole level of challenge, and not for the technologically shy! My unending admiration for those of you who are pioneering this new dance form. I hope you are all well. Being able to dance and witness this from the other side of the world is a little bit of a silver lining for me CheersJeanette MillCanberra, Australia

5 years, 1 month

With no apology to O'Shaughnessy

by Bob Peterson

Apropos of absolutely nothing, this stanza came to me after reading Ode by O’Shaughnessy: They are the music makers, and we the dancers of dreams, Balancing by the lone ocean waves, swinging our neighbors supreme, world-losers and world-forsakers, robins chaining to the extremes, Yet we are the movers and shakers, balancing the rings. —me, with no apology to O'Shaughnessy Inspired in a moment of madness from that famous poem... We are the music makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams, Wandering by lone sea-breakers, And sitting by desolate streams;— World-losers and world-forsakers, On whom the pale moon gleams: Yet we are the movers and shakers Of the world for ever, it seems. — Stanza 1, Ode by Arthur William Edgar O'Shaughnessy Improvements and additions welcome! \Bob Peterson Billerica, MA

5 years, 1 month

Callers workshop Sun 6/14

by Claire Takemori

Dear Callers, Hope you can come to this workshop, by Jeffrey Spero on Sun 6/14, from 2-330pm PDT(5-630pmEDT) He is a great dance musician and wonderful teacher/caller too. RSVP to Jeff. Or share with a caller who might be interested! Hey callers… ever wonder how to respond when a band asks “Would a jig work well for this dance?” Want to know what the band talks about while you’re teaching the dance? Interested in learning how to communicate better with the other people you share the stage with? Then this is the workshop for you! Led by caller/musician Jeffrey Spero (Syncopaths, Rhythm Raptors), we’ll delve into how the music effects the dance through time signatures (reels and jigs) and modes (major, minor, modal). We’ll talk extensively about on-stage communication - ways the caller and band can work more closely together to enhance the enjoyment for dancers, musicians and callers. Join us on Zoom on Sunday, June 14th at 5p ET / 2p PT for this informative and fun workshop! Cost for the 90 minute workshop is only $25, and space is limited. For more information or to register, contact Jeff at mail(a)jeffreyspero.com <mailto:mail@jeffreyspero.com>. https://www.facebook.com/events/1395246570678796/ <https://www.facebook.com/events/1395246570678796/> Claire Takemori Dance Caller (408) 874-6840 <tel:(408)%20874-6840> (VM) clairedancecaller(a)gmail.com <mailto:clairedancecaller@gmail.com> https://www.facebook.com/ClaireTakemoriDanceCaller/ <https://www.facebook.com/ClaireTakemoriDanceCaller/> bacds.org/teen <http://bacds.org/teen>

5 years, 1 month

Caller workshop w/ Jeffrey Spero (Syncopaths, Rhythm Raptors, Offbeats etc)

by Claire Takemori

Hey callers… ever wonder how to respond when a band asks “Would a jig work well for this dance?” Want to know what the band talks about while you’re teaching the dance? Interested in learning how to communicate better with the other people you share the stage with? Then this is the workshop for you! Led by caller/musician Jeffrey Spero (Syncopaths, Rhythm Raptors), we’ll delve into how the music effects the dance through time signatures (reels and jigs) and modes (major, minor, modal). We’ll talk extensively about on-stage communication - ways the caller and band can work more closely together to enhance the enjoyment for dancers, musicians and callers. Join us on Zoom on Sunday, June 14th at 5p ET / 2p PT for this informative and fun workshop! Cost for the 90 minute workshop is only $25, and space is limited. For more information or to register, contact Jeff at mail(a)jeffreyspero.com. https://www.facebook.com/events/1395246570678796/ <https://www.facebook.com/events/1395246570678796/> (Zoom sponsored by BACDS in CA) Email Jeff directly please ! Claire (BACDS)

5 years, 2 months

Virtual Contra Dancing - Guide to Security

by Drew Delaware

Hello all, As many of you know, I've been working on putting together a guide to Zoom security based on our experiences with the Toronto dances, and with input from other organizers/communities. The security guide is now published - you can find it here: http://drewdelaware.com/virtual-contra-dance-security-guide/ Feedback and suggestions are very warmly welcomed - you can reach me at drew(a)delaware.ca or via the Facebook Messenger integration on my website. I'm also available to volunteer with one or two communities over the next month if you are starting a Zoom dance and would like support for your first event. Happy to help where I can. Many thanks, Drew

5 years, 2 months

Free event from EFDSS open to North American educators

by Emily Addison

Hi fellow Contra Callers :) You might be interested in the event below if you work with kids or families! The English Folk Dance and Song Society is holding a free online event for Folk Educators and it's open to those of us in North America. Details and registration info is below. I asked the organizer whether it would be relevant to those of us across the pond. Kerry said *There will be some practical sessions, as well as presentations, on the day. And although it will be focused on projects in the North West and Yorkshire, I should think it would be appealing to folk educators from all over. It's about the rationale, approach to the material and the positive impact on the participants/communities, and often the educators too, that is usually the most interesting. * Maybe see you at the event?! :) Emily in Ottawa ******************************************* *Invitation to the next EFDSS ONLINE: Folk Education Development Day* Our Folk Educators Group <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.efdss.org%2flearnin…> national network will be holding its first ever online informal conference day. *Friday 19 June 2020,* 10:30am-4:30pm (10.30am-11am Arrivals in the Zoom Room) You are warmly welcomed to attend this free informal conference and CPD event, organised by EFDSS’ Folk Educators Group. Folk Education Development Days are typically attended by 30 – 40 people: a mixture of people working in folk arts education and related sectors such as music, dance, arts, heritage and education. As ever, this will be an action-packed day of presentations, practical sessions and discussions, designed to be thought-provoking, informative and enjoyable, and to encourage knowledge-sharing, discussion and networking. The theme for the day is: Celebrating folk education in the North West We’ll be focusing on folk education initiatives in the Greater Manchester area and will be presenting the day in partnership with our friends at English Folk Expo who are based in Rochdale, as well as other friends and partners in the North West and Yorkshire. *More details and to book a free place* <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.efdss.org%2fwhats-o…> Read on for more details… *Outline of the Day* The theme for the day: Celebrating folk education in the North West Join us for an action-packed day of presentations, practical sessions and discussions. The day will be thought provoking, informative and enjoyable, and will encourage knowledge-sharing, discussion and networking. *Speakers include:* · Rachel Elliott, Education Director and Sarah Jones, Programme Manager, National Youth Folk Ensemble - an update from the EFDSS Education Department on current work and future plans. · Tom Besford, Chief Executive, English Folk Expo - a presentation about EFEx, covering their response during COVID 19, an overview of their Artist Development Programme and their Promoter Training Programme, including Rochdale Folk Festival. · Georgia Woodhead, clog dance teacher with Oakenhoof Folk Arts – an overview of their work, including a practical session. · Kath Becker and Sorrel Harty, Bolton Music Service - setting up and running the Greater Manchester Folk Ensemble, and more widely about Bolton Music Service and the Greater Manchester Music Hub. · Rebecca Denniff, Flash Company Arts - a presentation of their Plough Stots project in Yorkshire, including a practical session. · Bella Hardy, Learning Programme Manager*, *Band on the Wall – an overview of their work, including a practical session. Having been enthused by the speakers' presentations, there will be the opportunity for discussion and sharing of ideas in breakout rooms. The agenda will be available soon and you can *book your free place here now!* <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.efdss.org%2fwhats-o…> ***************************************** *Here's a bit more information about EFDSS' Folk Educators Group...* The Folk Educators Group <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.efdss.org%2flearnin…> is a national networking group of folk arts educators from across England and beyond, run by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS). Our membership encompasses all forms of the folk arts and we currently have over 360 members. Established in March 2011 the Group has become a rapidly growing network committed to promoting high quality folk arts education and supporting the practitioners who deliver it. It exists to provide peer information and support, and to encourage dialogue with the wider worlds of culture, learning and participation. The Folk Educators Group also offers other organisations a platform through which to consult, or inform, a committed group of folk arts educators.

5 years, 2 months

Re: [Callers] Festival Applications

by robertgolder＠comcast.net

I can only speak with reference to calling at NEFFA, as I have never applied to DownEast. As some of you may know that Linda Leslie is NEFFA's program chair, I will note that the program chair does not select performers for contra sessions. Regarding NEFFA 2007, the following notice is now posted at http://neffa.org/perf_app.html - The Program Committee is not prepared to take your application at this time, since it is too late to apply for this year's NEFFA Festival. Please note that the application to perform is always available during the month of September, with a deadline in October. If you'd like to get an e-mail notice of application availability, send a blank e-mail to NEFFA_Performers-subscribe(a)yahoogroups.com So you can note on your calendar that September is a good time to check the NEFFA web site, and also arrange for a notice to pop up in your e-mail. The NEFFA application invites you to come up with a briefly-described theme for your session, with a title of 20 characters or less. IMO, use your own judgment as to how important the theme is. If you are offering a concept that's really meaningful to you, don't be afraid to describe it. If what you really want to do is just call some hot contras, then IMO I wouldn't go overboard on the theme. Unlike Northwest Folklife, callers and bands apply SEPARATELY to the New England Folk Festival. And I believe that this is a very good thing for beginning callers who hope to have a chance at getting onstage. This mix-and-match policy gives a fresh perspective for experienced performers, and can be an eye-opening experience for newcomers who may get to work with seasoned veterans. I will never forget calling at NEFFA with Northern Spy, a band that has worked with caller David Millstone for 25 years. And where was David during this session? Out on the floor, happily dancing to the music of his own band. NEFFA's selection process made that wonderful hour possible for me. For what it's worth, the first year I successfully applied I asked for a "Festival Orchestra" slot, which means that instead of calling a themed, hour-long session I called two dances in the Main Hall with the assembled orchestra and then got off the stage as the next Festival Orchestra caller had a turn. IMO, the key here (as well as in submitting a session proposal) is to choose dances that you know by heart, can teach well, fully believe in, and love to share with a crowd. You don't want to have second thoughts as you approach the microphone. If you're wondering why performer applications are required so far in advance of a festival, note that NEFFA may have 1700 performers, many of whom perform in multiple sessions (perhaps performing alone, and with a participatory dance group, and also with a concert performance group!). You can't doublebook a performer (or larger groups to which she may belong), you have to give her time to move from one venue to another, plus a bunch of other scheduling etceteras that would drive me loony to contemplate further. How scheduling was done in the days before computers is beyond me. -- Robert Jon Golder 164 Maxfield St New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 999-2486

5 years, 2 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