Looks like I'm coming a little late to this thread, but I must appreciate Claire's question and Delia's response to the negativity. Yes, Contra is not now and maybe not in the foreseeable future be what we "remember", but those of us who enjoy community events and gathering will try to find other ways.
Several of us across the US (and in England if I remember correctly?) are spending countless hours in our dance communities preparing Zoom gatherings be it contra, ECD, couple dances or socials. Others are hosting concerts to support musicians, and having jams to keep local musicians engaged. Others are challenging the limits of technology to make the music sound "live" (who knew??). We're giving our community members just a taste of what we're missing while allowing us to visit with friends near and faraway from other parts of the country.
So, I appreciate the open inquiry and initiating a discussion of what might the future bring...because it will be a long time before folks feel comfortable being close again. With innovation and social distancing we might be able to social dis-dance together again.
BTW: some of these suggestions sound like sword dancing...together while holding swords or sticks, morris with hankies?, creating patterns and working together. With the heat wave this week I'd encourage a swimming pool dance with noodles (and masks of course). Duck for the Oyster anyone?
Donna Hunt
-----Original Message-----
From: Julia Whiteneck via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
To: Mary Collins <nativedae@gmail.com>; Lissa Bengtson <lissabengtson@gmail.com>
Cc: contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>; tradcallers@lists.sharedweight.net <tradcallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: Mon, Jul 20, 2020 3:29 pm
Subject: [Callers] Re: Distance "contra" dance choreo?
Could have a baton in one hand and a glove on the other to grasp the other person's baton "hand" - seems like it could be doable! then cross hand swings might work too
From: Lissa Bengtson via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 10:32 AM
To: Mary Collins <nativedae@gmail.com>
Cc: contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>; tradcallers@lists.sharedweight.net <tradcallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: [Callers] Re: Distance "contra" dance choreo?
I have some experience with pool noodles (teaching aqua aerobics) and the dollar-store kind are pretty wiggly and would not withstand the weight of a magnet, nor be manageable. There are stronger noodles available from exercise websites, which
are not cheap but are tougher and would withstand use for longer. If 6 ft is from face-to-face, and the human arm is about 2 feet long, perhaps you only need a two-foot noodle, which would add up to 8 feet total with arms extended. Maybe a balsa-wood "baton"
would also work. I'll bet there are some Morris dances that could morph into contra dances, using sticks. Picturing stars and heys with sticks/noodles--the dances would be lovely. Get a drone and film them from above!
Our town almost opened up for outdoor gatherings of 10, but then the upswing in cases hit. And we can't be outdoors until October, anyway, in this heat.
Lissa Bengtson
San Antonio
I like John's idea of designated partners and no progressions.
Claire I also am liking the noodle idea. Still making connection which for me is a huge part of contra and square dance. A thought about that, each person would need 2 noodles with the opposing polarity magnet in each end. How do you plan for
#'s of attendees? Would you sell "noodle hands" so each dancer can come prepared and with personal "hands"? (Which I like as a group fundraiser)
Watching this space for more dance ideas for my "covid box". Thanks for posing these questions.
Mary Collins
Hi Claire,
What some groups are planning, possibly, is to start their new dance sessions with just couple dances. Come with a partner, or choose one person and stay with them.
There are lots of good dances to choose from; but only if your dancers are prepared to embrace change, new ideas and new skills. Contra, ceilidh, squares, ECD, etc. are all part of the same spectrum of dance, with common origins.
Here are some ideas (some are usually done as mixers, just stay with the same partner):
Salty Dog Rag
La Chapelloise
Swedish Masquerade
Teton Mountain Stomp
The Ideal Schottische
The Gay Gordons
Redwing Mixer
Twirl & Go
You can Waltz (obviously) and all the other standard couple dances.
And if your dancers are prepared to work in fours and stay in those fours, you can add all the Appalachian/Running Set two-couple figures - there are dozens to choose from. Yes, it is more fun to do them with new couples, but if you have to stay in
the same foursomes you can still have fun.
I hope that helps.
Happy dancing,
John
John Sweeney, Dancer, England john@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
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