At every style workshop—even if it’s 3 minutes in the middle of an evening dance—I like to say, “You can’t fix others, but you can take care of yourself.” Then a reminder of the importance of “I” statements: I need more support, I’m uncomfortable with this hold—can we figure something out together?, I need more space, etc.  

Lisa Greenleaf



On Jul 19, 2024, at 9:30 AM, John Sweeney via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

Hi Alex,
              For a Ladies’ Chain I would suggest that the Man stepping forwards with his right leg is even better.  I always say, “Men, when I say, “Ladies’ Chain” I am talking it to the MEN  - wake up!  The Ladies know what to do.  You need to get your right hip in and your right arm ready to scoop the Lady up.”  I then demonstrate the Man waiting, then walking the Lady around a big circle vs the Man stepping in and whirling the Lady around in a tight circle ready for the next move.*
 
* Please replace “Men” and “Ladies” with your favourite words.  I can never remember which is which! :-)   And please don’t forget the apostrophes!
 
            Happy dancing,
                   John                       
                                    
John Sweeney, Dancer, England   john@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent                                          
 
From: Alex Burka via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> 
Sent: 19 July 2024 14:20
To: Shared Weight Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: [Callers] Re: What are your favorite “style points?”
 
A helpful one that's often passed over in beginner lessons is for the lark to take a step to the right at the beginning of a robins chain, as the robin is leaving. It puts you in a better position to start the courtesy turn and finish it on time.
 

Alex 

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