Yes Bob Hofkin, they did a medley and the caller in me was delighted for the added variety. Bev Birnbaum also called a square which I LOVED.
Eric Black told me this about Mt Airy contra’s sound tech:
"video conferencing app called source connect now. The Mount airy Contra in Philadelphia used it last Thursday, and the sound quality on zoom was excellent. It’s broadcast quality low latency zero loss compression for audio up to 256K on an adequate Internet link, and it also has video into and much like zoom or Google meet.”
Here’s the software they are using to send band music to caller who sends calling over music to zoom. now.source-elements.com/ BACDS will be trying that for a future contra. We will have ours monthly on 4th Sundays 4pm PDT/ 7pm EDT.
Live band and caller.
Email me (
claire@bacds.org) to get on my zoom event email list. Also Wed Waltz & Sun Dance concerts every week.
Claire Takemori
Date: Sat, 23 May 2020 12:25:26 -0400From: Bob Hofkin <bhofkin@middleJ.com>Subject: [Callers] Re: Virtual (Zoom) Contra Dance this Saturday!To: Bob Isaacs <isaacsbob@hotmail.com>, Shared Weight callers list <callers@lists.sharedweight.net>, Becky Liddle <beckyliddle@bell.net>Message-ID: <285af40b-a2f9-5735-00de-ee985013bbcb@middleJ.com>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowedPerhaps no walk-thru medleys would work.On 5/23/2020 11:29, Bob Isaacs via Contra Callers wrote:Hi All:
Thanks to Toronto for holding these dances, and for expanding their license to welcome us all. Hope to see you there tonight.
Perhaps these dances will proliferate until regular dances resume. If so, what makes a good Zoom dance? I've "been" to a couple held by Philadelphia, and here a some observations.
The audience is likely all contra-deprived regulars, so the usual beginner-friendly programming at the start of the night isn't necessary.
Just about everyone was dancing by themselves or as couples. As a result, the dances should focus on partner action and avoid multiple neighbors. If the dance doesn't progress, no problem!
There's no need to run these the usual length - maybe half length is best. The bands should adjust their tune sets accordingly. Since we're not worried about getting everyone active, this might be time to dust off those older 1s active, 2s watch contras.
It's hard to swing by yourself, so minimizing swings helps. This past Thursday Sue Gola called the no-swing chestnut Petronella to good effect.
Folks can find "partners" by pinning someone, and if they agree you'll only see each other. It's a bit strange at first, but a chance to dance with someone from far away you don't normally see.
Given that the audience is experienced, one walkthrough should do - and let them know up front that's the way it's going to be. If everyone but the caller is muted, no need to worry about people talking during the walkthrough.
It's best to call all the way through, but minimize the calls after the first few rounds. Some folks will tune in just to hear the live music they've come to love.
Encourage hand-waving after each dance so the band hears that virtual applause.
Your thoughts?
Good health and happiness to you all -
Bob