Re: [Callers] calling squares

Hi Martha. Andy and others, Andy's sharing of his "dolls" seemed to get this discussion going. It is intriguing to see an interest in MWSD. I enjoy dancing and calling both contras and MWSD, but they are very different in many respects. MWSD is much more of a head thing, being challenged to react to a large variety of calls with a lead time of only a few beats. One moves to the beat of the music, but usually not to the phrasing (lots of recorded square dance music has little phrasing). The recommended beats for the moves are not always multiples of 4. For example, Right and left thru, dosido are usually done in 6 beats. Tom is right that timing of the calls is best done by watching the dancers. Sometimes when all is going really well it is possible to get a lot of the moves to be on phrase, and get a groove going. What often is missing from MWSD is the "dancing," as the dancers are concentrating too hard. Not that it's not fun, as the satisfaction comes from everyone getting through the intricate patterns and ending up at home. Sometimes it all comes together and it is dancing too! What is really fun about contra dancing is the interactions, giving weight etc. and getting into the groove of the music. Ideally the caller being able to step back. So I think many contra dancers would not really like MWSD. However, those who are interested would make great MWSDers. Seth's weekend should be great fun. In 2008, I was able to call a square dance for a group of contra dancers from the US were touring New Zealand. I think they expected me to "teach" them a square dance, but I just assumed I could call immediately and make up a dance for them. It was great fun, as I just used the basic moves that had been used in the contra dances, but adapted them more to contra dance timing with the nicely phrased music that the band played. Here are a few interesting dances http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1BF7CA1FD973DE14 Cheers, Bill