Bree,

I’ve done a few dances at a local residential facility which had events for the clients and their families. My notes to myself after doing it for the first time:

Spend some time re-writing dances so that there are almost no "single person" moves. The crowd does best when connected moves, such that one person in the pair is able to help direct the other. Casting down the outside is about the extent of "single person" moves that are possible.

I did dances like these:

The Snake

Big circle, no partners needed
Any tune

Do a series of figures such as

• circle left for a while
• circle right for a while
• into the center and back (once, twice, a few times)
• Thread the Needle, lead the line and duck under the arch between 2

dancers (adults)

• Snake, lead the line around the room in various ways, possibly out

one door and in the other

• Spiral in and out, end with this followed by getting back into a circle,

circling left for a while and then going into the center and back twice.

Bow & Swing

Longways
Linda Leslie

A1 Bow to your Partner
2-hand turn your partner

A2 Top couple sashay down to the bottom

Kingston Flyer

(4-couple longways). From Tony Parkes FAMILY
A1. Line 1 around Line 2 (let it take as long as it takes)

A2. Line 2 around Line 1

B1. top couple strut down the middle and back

B2. top couple (only) cast to the bottom and everyone do- si-do (I skipped the do-si-do)

Once I settled into realizing what was possible, I found these dances to be very rewarding. It was wonderful to watch everyone working together and having fun together.

Best,
Lisa

Lisa Sieverts
603-762-0235
lisa@lisasieverts.com

On 7 Oct 2023, at 21:37, Bree Kalb via Contra Callers wrote:

I've been asked if I will teach/lead a one hour long 'contra dance' at a
day program for young adults with a variety of physical and cognitive
disabilities. (The staff probably would be happy for me to do more than one
session, but I'm not willing to commit to that. At Least not now.)

My usual repertoire for a wedding or party of non-dancers seems tricky for
many of the clients--especially those who are uncomfortable being touched.
I did a similar event about 10 years ago--at a different program-- and it
didn't seem many of them had a good time.

I'd like to figure out a way to make it fun for this group.

I have a couple of ideas and am looking for more. Have you ever led a
dance/music event with a similar population?

I'd appreciate any advice/suggestions.

Bree Kalb
Carrboro NC

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