Contra Callers

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4380 discussions

by Luke Donforth

I think this video is a good depiction of what balfolk can be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8OUy5JM6Jw As I understand it, balfolk (or bal folk) means a folk ball. The wikipedia article gives a more in-depth description: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balfolk but as a folk activity, there's a lot of variation and places where it has its own flavor. As for the John Cage link, yes, sorry. I debated between linking to the pertinent wikipedia article <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4%E2%80%B233%E2%80%B3>or this other one <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYBUbBu4W08&t=8s>and apparently in my indecision broke the link. So Balfolk is a real thing, but Bubblefolk is just for April Fools. On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 1:36 PM Luke Donforth <luke.donforth(a)gmail.com> wrote: > I think this video is a good depiction of what balfolk can be: > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8OUy5JM6Jw > > As I understand it, balfolk (or bal folk) means a folk ball. The wikipedia > article gives a more in-depth description: > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balfolk > but as a folk activity, there's a lot of variation and places where it has > its own flavor. > > As for the John Cage link, yes, sorry. I debated between linking to the pertinent > wikipedia article <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4%E2%80%B233%E2%80%B3>or > this other one <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYBUbBu4W08&t=8s>and > apparently in my indecision broke the link. > > On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 12:53 PM Gregory <glibguide(a)protonmail.com> wrote: > >> To make matters more confusing for me, I've found an unlisted youtuve >> video on a Bal Folk playlist which has an italian name and film maker >> (Produzioni Clandestine), with people dancing Bal Folk who are all speaking >> Spanish, to French music, and the title of the video is "Bal Folk Scottish" >> >> ....help me out? >> >> Greg >> >> >> >> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod >> tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim >> veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea >> commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate >> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat >> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id >> est laborum. *This is filler text that changes the size of the messages >> I send - an added layer of security * >> *for detection and identification of encrypted information using >> metadata.* >> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod >> tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim >> veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea >> commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate >> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat >> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id >> est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed >> do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad >> minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex >> ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate >> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat >> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id >> est laborum. *This is filler text that changes the size of the messages >> I send - an added layer of security * >> *for detection and identification of encrypted information using >> metadata.* >> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod >> tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim >> veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea >> commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate >> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat >> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id >> est laborum. >> >> Sent with Proton Mail <https://proton.me/mail/home> secure email. >> >> On Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 at 11:39 AM, Gregory via Contra Callers < >> contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: >> >> Im trying to understand this. What is Bal Folk? I gather from preliminary >> research >> >> >> - bal is short for ballroom? because it's primarily partner dances? >> kind of like what old time waltzing and polka is? some sort of mixture of >> partner dances with structure patterns sort of like squares or English >> major dances >> >> >> >> - why is it done to french music? is it french? At first I assumed >> Bal was short for Balkan and envisioned people in lines holding hands >> (which would be fun to 60's pop for sure) >> >> >> Luke - you were missing a link for "John Cage Classics". >> >> Thanks >> >> Greg >> >> >> >> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod >> tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim >> veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea >> commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate >> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat >> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id >> est laborum. *This is filler text that changes the size of the messages >> I send - an added layer of security * >> *for detection and identification of encrypted information using >> metadata.* >> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod >> tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim >> veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea >> commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate >> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat >> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id >> est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed >> do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad >> minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex >> ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate >> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat >> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id >> est laborum. *This is filler text that changes the size of the messages >> I send - an added layer of security * >> *for detection and identification of encrypted information using >> metadata.* >> Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod >> tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim >> veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea >> commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate >> velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat >> cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id >> est laborum. >> >> Sent with Proton Mail <https://proton.me/mail/home> secure email. >> >> On Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 at 5:02 AM, Luke Donforth via Contra Callers < >> contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: >> >> Hi all, >> >> I'm not sure if you've experienced it where you are, but up here in >> Vermont, the big hot thing lately has been Bal Folk dancing. Driven by the >> beautiful music, it seems to be popping up like mushrooms after a >> thunderstorm. Bal Folk is happening in southern Vermont, with a monthly >> dance in Brattleboro <https://www.rachelbellmusic.com/calendar>, as well >> as occasional ones in Burlington >> <https://www.marywesley.com/gig/burlington-balfolk-party/>. >> >> But the real sign that Bal Folk has come into the mainstream is that >> there's now a splinter style. Just as contra beget techno contra, Bal Folk >> has spawned Bubble Folk. Yes, that's right, it's Bal Folk dances but >> instead of traditional French tunes it's done to Bubblegum Pop from the >> 1960s like Sugar, Sugar by the Archies >> <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7T4aQMxTTM>. These rocking classics >> increase the intergenerational appeal, as does the fact that everyone can >> chew gum while dancing; popping bubbles in time with the music of course. >> >> Stay tuned for next year, as the smart money is on ECD; with trendsetters >> now embarking on writing dances for John Cage classics <http:///>. >> >> Happy dancing! >> Luke Donforth >> calling.luke(a)gmail.com >> Click here for publicity information. >> <https://www.uvm.edu/~ldonfort/ContraPublicity/> >> >> >> >> -- -- Luke Donforth calling.luke(a)gmail.com 802-448-4533 Click here for publicity information. <https://www.uvm.edu/~ldonfort/ContraPublicity/>

4 months

The next hot new thing!

by Luke Donforth

Hi all, I'm not sure if you've experienced it where you are, but up here in Vermont, the big hot thing lately has been Bal Folk dancing. Driven by the beautiful music, it seems to be popping up like mushrooms after a thunderstorm. Bal Folk is happening in southern Vermont, with a monthly dance in Brattleboro <https://www.rachelbellmusic.com/calendar>, as well as occasional ones in Burlington <https://www.marywesley.com/gig/burlington-balfolk-party/>. But the real sign that Bal Folk has come into the mainstream is that there's now a splinter style. Just as contra beget techno contra, Bal Folk has spawned Bubble Folk. Yes, that's right, it's Bal Folk dances but instead of traditional French tunes it's done to Bubblegum Pop from the 1960s like Sugar, Sugar by the Archies <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7T4aQMxTTM>. These rocking classics increase the intergenerational appeal, as does the fact that everyone can chew gum while dancing; popping bubbles in time with the music of course. Stay tuned for next year, as the smart money is on ECD; with trendsetters now embarking on writing dances for John Cage classics </>. Happy dancing! Luke Donforth calling.luke(a)gmail.com Click here for publicity information. <https://www.uvm.edu/~ldonfort/ContraPublicity/>

4 months

Most Perfect Holiday

by Joe Harrington

From the notes: This is an Officially Compliant Contra DanceTM. It has two swings, one with the same person each time and one with someone else... Most Perfect Holiday (written April 1, 2025) Joe Harrington <contradancerjoe(a)gmail.com> Contra Becket CW A 8 Long lines backward and forth (1) 16 Swing shadow (2,3) 8 w/ neighbor across, balance right & square through two, find your partner B1 8 Balance the original ring & spin to the right 8 Balance the ring & Arky twirl (4) B2 4 Larks swat the flea (5) while robins balance anyone but your neighbor robin (6) 12 Swing this one (7) Notes: 1. Loud, whooping, "WOO!" on four. Don't knock into the people behind you! 2. Yeah? So? (*sigh*...if you don't like it, then do-si-do twice or two-hand turn. Sheesh.) 3. Recommend twirl at end, so lark's right hand is free. 4. Like California twirl. Take inside hands with partner, trade places and directions, taller person ducks under shorter person's raised hand. 5. No balance. You figure out who ducks. Maybe the taller one. 6. Recommend the robin behind you in the next line, or next to you if in a side or only line. No limit on the number of dancers. Best to flout quickly over your left shoulder and ignore the lark antics. 7. Larks' setup is for wedding-cake swing, but hey, be creative. I told 'em not to look... This is an Officially Compliant Contra DanceTM. It has two swings, one with the same person each time and one with someone else. Source: Posted to Shared Weight callers email list April 1, 2025. Without testing, of course. --jh--

4 months

📣POTD registration now open to those outside our catchment area!

by Puttin' on the Dance Team

Hi Fellow Dance Organizers! Wow - it's already April first - hoping that many of you are enjoying some early spring flowers. 🪻🪻🪻 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 *Puttin' On The Dance 3 registration is now officially open to those outside our catchment area!* 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 All details about the conference are here. <https://www.puttinonthedance.org/potd-3/> There are even still a few scholarships available. *Heads up that registration CLOSES April 15th.* Our team is in the midst of program planning and it's looking pretty darn exciting! So thankful that many of you will be joining us for this co-created weekend of learning, connection, and inspiration for dance organizers. ♥️♥️♥️ The POTD3 organizing team Chrissy Fowler, Patty Giavara, and Emily Addison -- puttinonthedance.org facebook.com/PuttinOnTheDance *You're on the POTD email list because we think you're interested in conferences for dance organizers. Let us know if you want your address removed. *

4 months

New Names for Ladies' Chains

by John Sweeney

Hi all, Please could you let me know what the new gender-free names for Ladies' Chains are? Has anything evolved as the definitive new name? 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

4 months

Statement of Work for calling a one-night stand

by Joe Harrington

I was called on Tuesday by someone looking for an hour of dancing at their church retreat this Saturday. We talked and quickly agreed on the parameters. Then, she asked for an invoice and a statement of work. Hmmm. I have not called that many one-night stands, and this is the first time I've been asked for either. So, of course, I asked ChatGPT. It produced the SOW below. Is it missing anything important? Does anyone here use a contract or SOW and is willing to share it? (Is the SOW below in fact *your* SOW, scraped in the training of ChatGPT??) The prompt was: "Write the Statement of Work for a contract for a contra dance caller who will teach and lead community dances (circles, contra dances, and related dance forms) to a group for one hour. The caller will bring their own music and microphone and will connect to the host organization's sound system." I looked at CDSS and found Erik Hoffman's excellent, short guide. It has a super-simple SOW, too. I'm wondering if there are terms one should add involving liability or such. Should I be worried that, if one person doesn't like it, I won't satisfy the "enjoyable experience for all" clause? (I mean, I'll do my best!) A quick search at CALLERLAB didn't turn up anything, but it's a big site. Thanks, --jh-- Joe Harrington Contra dance caller and DJ Organizer, Orlando Contra Dance orlandocontra.org FB: Orlando Contra Dance Community Ig: orlandocontradance contradancerjoe(a)gmail.com Statement of Work (SOW) *Project Title:* Contra Dance Calling Services *Prepared By:* [Your Name/Organization] *Date:* [Insert Date] *Contractor:* [Caller’s Name] *Contractor Contact Information:* [Caller’s Contact Information] ------------------------------ 1. *Purpose* The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to outline the responsibilities, deliverables, and terms of engagement for the contra dance caller who will teach and lead community dances, including circles, contra dances, and related dance forms, for a designated group. 2. *Scope of Work* The contractor will provide the following services: - *Dance Instruction and Leadership:* - Lead a one-hour session of community dances, including but not limited to contra dances, circles, and related dance forms. - Provide clear and engaging instruction to participants of varying skill levels, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all. - *Music and Equipment:* - Bring personal music and a microphone for the session. - Connect to the host organization's sound system to ensure audio clarity for all participants. 3. *Deliverables* The contractor will deliver the following: - A one-hour dance session, including: - A selection of dances appropriate for the group’s skill level and experience. - Instructional guidance and support throughout the session. - A positive and engaging atmosphere that encourages participation. - Coordination with the host organization to ensure the sound system is set up and functioning prior to the start of the session. 4. *Timeline* - *Date of Service:* [Insert Date] - *Time of Service:* [Insert Time] - *Duration:* 1 hour 5. *Location* The dance session will take place at [Insert Venue/Location], as agreed upon by both parties. 6. *Payment Terms* - The total fee for the services rendered will be [Insert Amount]. - Payment will be made [Insert Payment Terms, e.g., upon completion of the service, within 30 days of the invoice, etc.]. 7. *Responsibilities of the Host Organization* The host organization will: - Provide access to the venue and ensure it is set up for the dance session. - Ensure the sound system is operational and compatible with the contractor’s equipment. - Promote the event to encourage community participation. 8. *Cancellation Policy* - Either party may cancel the engagement with [Insert Notice Period, e.g., 48 hours] notice. - In the event of cancellation by the host organization, any deposits or fees paid will be refunded, provided the notice period is adhered to. 9. *Signatures* By signing below, both parties agree to the terms outlined in this Statement of Work. *Contractor Signature:* ___________________________ *Date:* ___________________________ *Host Organization Representative Signature:* ___________________________ *Date:* ___________________________ ------------------------------ This Statement of Work can be customized further based on specific needs or requirements. Be sure to fill in the placeholders with the relevant information before finalizing the document.

4 months, 1 week

Archive troubles

by Kalia Kliban

Hi all, I was trying to do a search in the Shared weight Contra-callers archives and kept getting "Server error. An error occurred while processing your request." Are any admins around and able to take a look at that? Thanks, Kalia

4 months, 1 week

bringing back waltz line of direction

by Joe Harrington

There used to be a strong community tradition about the flow of waltzing at contra dances. It was fast around the outside and stationary in the middle. You could do a nice Viennese, flying around the outside of the hall with no trouble, except in the most crowded of halls. You could do tricks galore standing virtually still. You could do everything in between. There were a lot fewer collisions, despite some much-faster-moving dancers. Halls were at least as crowded as they are today. Today, that's a near-impossibility in many halls. There tends to be a slow-circulating middle, but there isn't the former gradient of speeds outside of that zone that increases options while reducing collisions. It's all just a slow-moving mass, and people are so focused on their partners that collisions are common. I think everyone's enjoyment would increase if we followed four simple considerations: a) If someone passes you on the inside, you are a slower-circulating couple and should move closer to the middle, b) If you pass someone on the inside, you are a faster-circulating couple and should move farther out, c) Moving counter-flow or wagging strongly sideways (much more than just a side-by-side promenade) in the traveling ring are no-nos, d) Both partners really need to look out for others all the time and protect each other from collisions, elbows to the face, etc. This is not just the lead's job, especially if they're being considerate and moving backward for a substantial portion of the time. I hope this is on-topic for this group. Callers are the evening's MCs, but they usually don't have much to do with waltzes, other than to announce them. However, what I'm talking about here would probably come about if callers a) announce it and b) include it in their waltz lesson, if they hold one. And maybe c) discuss it with dancers and organizers. Happy(ier) waltzing! --jh-- Joe Harrington Orlando

4 months, 1 week

Favorite 4x4s?

by Luke Donforth

Hi Maia, My most called: Dance all Night - Rick Mohr Spring Blooms - Linda Leslie Fox Hollow Fancy - Jacob Bloom (grand square!) Coconut Cream Pie - Lynn Ackerson The Devil's Backbone - William Watson A couple of mine that have unusual features: Double the Pleasure (swing both neighbors, not your trail buddy) https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=11126 Things that go Bump in the Night (6 balances) https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=16360 Tamlin's Cross (variation). Has a hey for 8 through the middle: https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=14778 I should update Caller's box, I have called that one multiple times. Have fun! Luke On Sat, Mar 22, 2025 at 1:37 AM Maia McCormick via Contra Callers < contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > What it says on the tin—I want more four-face-fours in my collection (not > least because I’m calling a session of them at NEFFA 😅), drop your > favorites here! Accepting recommendations of any difficulty level. > > Thanks all! > - Maia (Brooklyn, NY) > > -- > Maia McCormick (she/her) > 917.279.8194 > _______________________________________________ > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net > -- -- Luke Donforth calling.luke(a)gmail.com 802-448-4533 Click here for publicity information. <https://www.uvm.edu/~ldonfort/ContraPublicity/>

4 months, 1 week

Bringing back waltz line of direction (Joe Harrington)

by becky.liddle＠icloud.com

Hi Joe, I’m so glad you suggested this! I’ve been contra dancing about 8 years and have NEVER heard anyone describe the waltz circulating convention (counter-clockwise, faster toward outside). It would be SO easy to just announce it (not every time, but even a few times a year would eventually get the info/convention out there to everyone.) I will try to remember to suggest it from the stage if I ever get to call again! (I just moved from Toronto, where I called 2 or 3 times a year, to Bowen Island BC where if I want a contra dance I will have to start it myself!) Becky Liddle > On Mar 18, 2025, at 10:00 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. bringing back waltz line of direction (Joe Harrington) > > From: Joe Harrington <contradancerjoe(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [Callers] bringing back waltz line of direction > Date: March 17, 2025 at 10:14:03 PM PDT > To: Shared Weight Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > > > There used to be a strong community tradition about the flow of waltzing at contra dances. It was fast around the outside and stationary in the middle. You could do a nice Viennese, flying around the outside of the hall with no trouble, except in the most crowded of halls. You could do tricks galore standing virtually still. You could do everything in between. There were a lot fewer collisions, despite some much-faster-moving dancers. Halls were at least as crowded as they are today. > > Today, that's a near-impossibility in many halls. There tends to be a slow-circulating middle, but there isn't the former gradient of speeds outside of that zone that increases options while reducing collisions. It's all just a slow-moving mass, and people are so focused on their partners that collisions are common. > > I think everyone's enjoyment would increase if we followed four simple considerations: > > a) If someone passes you on the inside, you are a slower-circulating couple and should move closer to the middle, > b) If you pass someone on the inside, you are a faster-circulating couple and should move farther out, > c) Moving counter-flow or wagging strongly sideways (much more than just a side-by-side promenade) in the traveling ring are no-nos, > d) Both partners really need to look out for others all the time and protect each other from collisions, elbows to the face, etc. This is not just the lead's job, especially if they're being considerate and moving backward for a substantial portion of the time. > > I hope this is on-topic for this group. Callers are the evening's MCs, but they usually don't have much to do with waltzes, other than to announce them. However, what I'm talking about here would probably come about if callers a) announce it and b) include it in their waltz lesson, if they hold one. And maybe c) discuss it with dancers and organizers. > > Happy(ier) waltzing! > > --jh-- > Joe Harrington > Orlando >

4 months, 2 weeks

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