23 Feb
2011
23 Feb
'11
10:33 p.m.
Larry Jennings was the originator of the matrix. It is very simple to
duplicate. I am including a blank here . The names of dances are
written down the left hand portion of the matrix. Along the top of the
matrix, various dance moves are listed. Do si do; allemande; B & S;
gypsy, four in line; etc., etc. A caller can customize the list in any
way that seems useful. Then for each dance, the appropriate box is
checked if the dance contains that move. Once all the dances are
listed, you can then have a "visual" impression of your program-----
too many circles? too many gents' allemande? etc. Time consuming, but
a very useful exercise, as pointed out by Greg.
OR, you can obtain Caller's Companion from Will Loving. Will has
incorporated a function into the program that *automatically* provides
the program matrix for any set of proposed dances. VERY cool......
Linda Leslie
On Feb 23, 2011, at 9:23 PM, Greg McKenzie wrote:
Barbara G asked:
Any comments/suggestions on making a program more
varied? Have
been calling for several years and always seem to fall back on
several dances over and over, which I would like to avoid (bad
habits). Thanks.
I have benefited greatly in this regard from the "Program Planning
Matrix" that is published by New England Folk Festival Association.
I prefer to call contras and this tool is very helpful in
highlighting dances that have similar "semi distinctive actions"
that will often make dances be perceived by the dancers as "similar
to that earlier dance." Larry Jennings included this matrix near
the end of his book "Give-And-Take." I don't know of anywhere else
it is available. If someone does perhaps they can make that known.
I now use this matrix in my program planning process. I have
entered the matrix data into my database of contras so I can now
quickly view my entire program in the matrix format and spot
repetitive moves and clusters of figures that could become boring
for dancers. The matrix is also useful in helping me to spot gaps
in my catalog of dances. Then I can look for something specific
like "easy to medium dances that have a shift-to-progress but
without a gypsy" to round out my database for more varied programs.
I hope this helps.
- Greg
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