Many figures feel very similar to each other in virtual dancing so take note of that when programming. Examples:

Right allemande and right hand star. So a RH star to a Larks Rt Allem to a Partner swing will be very dizzy for a Lark.

Robins chain over and back feels like a full hey for a Robin

Up the hall/Down the hall - Don’t assume that the camera/computer/device is up the hall for all dancers. Some dancers have more space sideways rather than up/down.

Prior to calling a dance, it’s handy to let dancers know if that dance uses more space across the set, such as a full hey, or more space up/down. They can then reorient their starting position to suit their space.

On Feb 17, 2021, at 12:58 PM, Tepfer, Seth via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

Tips for Callers of virtual dances
Most are dancing solo, some have partners in the room; very rarely foursomes. I prefer to call to those who are dancing alone and
In general, there is no difference between partner and neighbor, so try to avoid having swings with both
Avoid 16 count swings
Watch out for an excess of CW moves (circle left, swing, DSD, Rory spins to the right)
Avoid swing - circle Left 3/4  - swing
Keep calling all the way through. Don’t stop - people don’t have as many cues and need the caller, even at the end of the dance.
5-6 times through is more than plenty. When not changing partners, it gets tedious quickly.
Do encourage people to adapt to their needs - whether their space is not conducive to the choreography, or they get dizzy or tired - change it to fit their circumstance
Limit the number of times you say "It doesn't matter"
Program just like you would program for any dance - variety is the watch word. Change up the figures, formations, music styles.
We strongly prefer “Larks and Robins” instead of “Gents and Ladies”. It is good to introduce the terms - don’t assume everyone knows what Larks and Robbins are
We strongly prefer “Right shoulder ‘round” instead of “Gypsy”

Seth Tepfer
Director of Software Engineering, Oxford College
Schedule an appointment: oxford.emory.edu/SethBooking
770-784-8487
seth.tepfer@emory.edu
Use AskIT for fastest response: Oxford.emory.edu/AskIT
Preferred pronouns: he, him, his

From: Jonathan Sivier via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 3:15 PM
To: New Contra Callers List <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: [External] [Callers] looking for suggestions for contras for virtual dance

    I've been asked to call a virtual contra dance next month and am looking for some suggestions for good dances that people have used that work well for 1 or 2 dancers. I've participated in just a few virtual dances, but haven't called one before. I've got a few ideas, but could use some more. Are there any repositories of modified contras suitable for virtual dances? I know there is a site with a lot of English dances, but haven't heard of a similar one for contras.

    Also, any tips on things to do, or not do, while leading a virtual dance would be welcome.

    Let me know if you have come across any modified dances that have gone over well at online dances. Thanks.

Jonathan
-----
Jonathan Sivier
Caller of Contra, Square, English and Early American Dances
jsivier AT illinois DOT edu
Dance Page: https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sivier.me%2Fdance_leader.html&data=04%7C01%7Clabst%40emory.edu%7C26d382ee5575480a94c408d8d380da82%7Ce004fb9cb0a4424fbcd0322606d5df38%7C0%7C0%7C637491897667556536%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=zyz0uPXJXGGOxLC0qHpjri%2BgkehRP1le3DmJSyc0qmM%3D&reserved=0
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