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@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574

http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

From: Angela DeCarlis via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: 30 October 2025 00:57
To: Shared Weight Contra Callers <contracallers@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.

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