[Callers] Help with a contra for newbies

Hi everyone, I've been teaching ECD in Ft. Myers (Florida) since Jan 2007, and we're now trying to establish a contra group. I've been given the opportunity to call a contra dance at the Edison & Ford winter estates in Ft. Myers on Sept 20th - I began contra dancing at Lovett hall, danced there for 13 years and attended the final dance there, so I fully understand the significance of this - and am looking for resources, ideas, any sort of help. Depending on the success of this contra, the estates are willing to work with us on having a monthly dance. The contra will be part of the opening day ceremonies for the new exhibit - Ford; Movies, Music and Dance. It will be 4 hours long, with a 20 min break. The estates prefer that I do it as 2 separate sessions. I would like to keep it somewhat historical. The attendees will be primarily estate members (non dancers). We also have to involve the local ballet school as they are members and recognised in the community. In my research I've found the following dances menetioned as onees that HF would have done: Gavotte, Minuet, Varsouvianna, Black Hawk Waltz, Blue Pacific Waltz. I think it would be best if I taught some of these to the ballet students and let them perform them during the break. I've not called much contra before - but then I'd never called ECD 22 months ago and now we have a group of 30 regulars and are approaching our second annual dance weekend - so would like some help choosing easier but fun dances to teach to a complete group of newbies. I thought of The Virginia reel, Money musk (done as a triplet with 4 couples as in Scottish) and Chorus Jig. Also the Gay Gordons and Schottische which I have experience teaching to strangers in bars and coffee shops in under 5 mins. I have an amazing band who can play anything... I just have to come up with a fun programme and would like it to reflect how beautiful and how much fun contra, real contra, can be. Help? Advice? Feel free to contact me off list at fortmyersdancers(a)hotmail.com Thanks, Gillian Carney _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live: Keep your friends up to date with what you do online. http://windowslive.com/Campaign/SocialNetworking?ocid=PID23285::T:WLMTAGL:O…