Re: [Callers] Leading a 1 hr contra dance

Hi Liz, I would start with something like: In a big circle teach: 8-count moves; hand-holds and connection; how to swing Family Contra so they learn to progress. No swings so that they can’t end on the wrong side and mess things up. Tell them not to switch lines when they get to the top or bottom! https://folkdancemusings.blogspot.com/2015/05/family-contra-usa.html East Litchfield Volunteers - use wrist-lock stars instead of circles as they did circles in the previous dance http://biteyourownelbow.com/conndanc.htm Or I would do a completely different repertoire of easy dances since trying to do actual modern American contras with beginners can be a disaster :-) Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574 http://contrafusion.co.uk/KentCeilidhs.html for Live Music Ceilidhs http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent http://www.modernjive.com for Modern Jive DVDs From: Callers <callers-bounces(a)lists.sharedweight.net> On Behalf Of Liz Burkhart via Callers Sent: 29 March 2019 12:53 To: callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net Subject: [Callers] Leading a 1 hr contra dance I have a gig coming up at a library wherein I have one hour to teach and call contra dances. It's a mixed crowd, and I heard there may be a lot of tweens present. I think I'd like to focus on bigger picture things - moving up and down the line, swinging, interacting with their set. I imagine I may even cut out courtesy turns in order to minimize the time we spend on the lesson. I've taught for small, mostly inexperienced crowds before but I usually have a lot more time. I'd really rather get them moving than to get bogged down in teaching. Does anyone have insight, suggestions, or advice? Thanks, Liz Burkhart