Re: [Callers] describing contra to other dancers

Hi Jean, Here's some sample text used in one of the All-Dances-Flyers for the San Francisco Bay Area. It's not comprehensive, but was meant to give a quick comparison of different styles of dances we do. Perhaps you'll get some ideas. Feel free to clone and tweak as helpful. I don't consider these the definitive description, but they serve as a good starting point. ----- The Bay Area Country Dance Society (BACDS) sponsors traditional folk dancing from England and the United States in the San Francisco Bay Area. We welcome newcomers, experienced dancers, and people of all ages and backgrounds. BACDS dances are smoke- and alcohol-free. (Please do not wear fragrances as they may cause allergic reactions in others). Dress is causal – wear flat-soled shoes and comfortable nonrestrictive clothes. We dance to live music and focus on the evolving traditions of American contra and square dances, English country and ceilidh dances, and perform English ritual dances (such as morris), and other American styles (e.g. Appalachian clogging, Kentucky running sets). American contras, squares, English country and ceilidh dances are open to all; they’re fun places to bring old friends and to make new ones. Bring a partner, or come alone - we have a tradition of switching partners after every dance, so all are welcome! All regular dances have a discounted admission price for BACDS members. American Contra and Traditional Square Dances - These are fun and lively, old-fashioned American barn dances with a modern style, danced with a walking step. Dance patterns are taught and walked through before each dance, and then danced to lively music of mostly-traditional instruments (usually fiddles, piano, and other strings). At all events there may be a mix of contra dances (lines of couples), square dances (four couples in a square formation), circle dances, and others. English Country Dances - Similar to contras, but less flat-footed, and some with more complex patterns. Each dance has its own tune, so the marriage of dance and music is well represented - and since tunes vary from stately to rollicking, so do the dances, from the smooth and stately elegance seen in Jane Austen movies, to the energetic and hoppin’ good fun of country folk at play. Enjoy varying formations with short or long lines of couples, quadrilles, or circles, all easy. Ceilidh (kay-lee) Dances - These rowdy, sweaty, pub and party dances have simple vigorous steps done to lively music, great for both first-timers and old pros. Adults and kids from six on up love these dances. And don’t miss our “half-time” special performances. Performance Teams - BACDS includes several teams performing English longsword, rapper, molly and morris dances including Cotswold, Border, and Northwest styles, and North American folk traditions such as clogging, running sets, Cajun, swing, lindy and Baja Californian. These are open by audition, and require a commitment to regular practices. Teams perform throughout the year. ----- Thanx, Ric Goldman letsdance(a)rgoldman.org