Hi Angela,
             You’ll find lots of easy dances in my YouTube playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLITfllSO9aV0DNCtcgAQdCDctl2rn6OZg
 
             Click on “…more” under them to get instructions.
 
             There are lots of different formations; the ones further down the list are
harder.
 
             If you want to explore over 100 different formations please see
https://contrafusion.co.uk/Formations.html
 
            Happy dancing,
                   John
                                    
John Sweeney, Dancer, England   john(a)modernjive.com <mailto:john@modernjive.com> 
01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent                                         
 
From: Angela DeCarlis via Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> 
Sent: 30 October 2025 00:57
To: Shared Weight Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: [Callers] Ceilidhs, Barn Dances and Kitchen Dances, oh my!
 
Hello everyone! 
 
I've been starting a new dance series in Gainesville, Florida called the All
Y'all. The gist of the series is that each event features a variety of community
social dancing in an effort to attract experienced dancers who want to try new styles, as
well as dancers who are brand new to all of it.
 
At the first event we had barn dances, some very easy contra dances, a simple square
dance, some urban line dancing, and a demo performance from a local clogging group. It was
a great success, with around 75 folks attending, the majority of whom were beginners.
Here's a link if you want to check out some videos of the fun.
<https://www.instagram.com/p/DO1uvMGkbFm/?img_index=1> 
 
Here's the ask: I need to expand my repertoire of beginner-friendly dances to include
more formations, and also different traditions! In particular, I want to add more English,
Scottish, etc ceilidh dances to my bank for my upcoming events. Simple squares and
anything else you adore is also welcome!
 
If you have one of two you love, please send them along. Please include what tradition
and/or country the dance originates from when appropriate! I'm not yet at a point
where I can request any special music — so like, some day I'd love to have balfolk and
all that goodness, but it won't happen soon. For now assume the musicians are playing
from the American Oldtime repertoire (including 3-part tunes!).
 
Thank you all in advance, especially those reading from across the pond. 🙂
 
Ang