13 Feb
2025
13 Feb
'25
2:06 a.m.
Hi Brian,
I just want to underscore Rob’s idea about mentors. I learned to call through a yearlong
apprenticeship with master caller, David Millstone. A grant from our local Folklife Center
paid for travel, books/CD’s, and other expenses. We met monthly and I tagged along after
him at his many gigs, gradually stepping up to the mic here and there. I then took
weeklong courses at CDSS Pinewoods Camp and John C Campbell Folk School (both linked by
others in this chain) as well as multiple shorter workshops. I can’t understate how
valuable it was to have David keeping an eye on my progress, offering tips and
encouragement. Even now, many years later, we never bump into each other without him
asking me how my calling is going. I wonder whether a similar relationship could be
possible, though virtual, in addition to or in support of whatever course/s you find.
Best of luck!
Delia Clark
On Feb 12, 2025, at 8:40 PM, Robert Matson via Contra
Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Hi Brian,
I like your joke: "long time dancer, first time caller."
Our 3-year old project is similar to yours: creating a dance community from scratch,
where the dancers and community are new to contra, the caller was new to calling as well
as contra dancing, and nearby resources are lacking. Our 51st (!) dance will be this
Saturday.
The callers class at John C Campbell Folk School <https://www.folkschool.org/>,
written and taught by Diane Silver, was pivotal to our success, as was the moral support
of a handful of mentors.
"Starting and growing a dance series from scratch" is the topic of a session I
led at NEFFA for the last two years and plan to offer in 2025. Several of the
participants, all of whom are starting dances from scratch, continue to meet remotely, by
video chat. If you'd like to participate in the video conferences, drop me a personal
note.
Good luck with your new series.
Rob
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Robert Matson
Cell: (917) 626-2675
On Wed, Feb 12, 2025 at 4:54 PM Jerome Grisanti via Contra Callers
<contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
<mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>> wrote:
<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>:<>
Delia Clark
PO Box 45
Taftsville, VT 05073
Office/mobile: +1-802-457-2075
deliaclark8(a)gmail.com
www.deliaclarkconfluence.com <http://www.deliaclarkconfluence.com/>
Pronouns: she/her
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“We are now participating in an experiment of whether we can build — for the first time
ever in the planet’s history — a true multiracial, multicultural democracy.” Adam Serwer
It may be worthwhile to ingratiate yourself with
the existing square dance communities in Austria. I believe they call in English;
there's certainly considerable overlap in moves (allemande, do-si-do, chain, right and
left through). They may not swing as much as we do in contra, but certainly worth visiting
if they're close, maybe even worth taking classes. It's a different flavor, so
take an attitude of "I'd like to learn from your tradition while trying to grow
this other tradition."
If I visit Austria I'd love to drop in.
Jerome
On Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 5:36 PM Jerome Grisanti <jerome.grisanti(a)gmail.com
<mailto:jerome.grisanti@gmail.com>> wrote:
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It's one thing to learn calling for dedicated dancers who already know the tradition
and can in fact help you. Your challenge — calling for people who aren't (yet) in the
tradition — is something I'm well familiar with. You will be the "expert,"
looked up to, and you will find the most success initially with very simple material that
often doesn't even look like contras. Finding a way to make all these dances varied
and fun as you help build skills toward a dedicated contra dance is a long term project.
As well, the organizational piece is yet another skill. If you have other folks willing
to help, recruit them and cherish them.
Jerome Grisanti
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