1 Jun
2015
1 Jun
'15
4:33 p.m.
In Jamaica Plain, MA, the ECD dancers use Window Wall and Clock Wall, rather than
left/right file. It is different global terminology, but works very well. I don’t know the
history of why these words were chosen, but I could probably find out. The dancers also
line up without identifying a partner, as discussed at Brooke’s site. This tradition is
really quite lovely. I have had the opportunity to call this dance many times, so the
terminology is very second nature to me.
For me, the major challenge with incorporating global language into contra dances has to
do with ending the swing. So many contra dances depend on the dancers having learned that
the lady/lark/barearm/ruby/right file end on the right.
How do we help completely new dancers learn this?
Do we say “swing your Neighbor and change places”? Swing your Partner and change places”?
I recognize that experienced dancers will know this instinctively; just as many dancers
line up and automatically form improper lines at many contra dances.
But I am curious about how callers out there see us helping the new folks, without using
any role language at all.
Thanks!
Linda
On Jun 1, 2015, at 11:59 AM, Andrea Nettleton via Callers
<callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
In previous discussions here, on FB, and privately
with organizers at Hampshire over the last two years, I have discussed the possible use of
global terminology for gender free contra. I would contend that if used, everyone would
become more aware of the structure of dances. Only the most unusual figures/sequences
would be unable to be called. The addition of first and second corner positions to the
arsenal makes it possible for same role dancers to also be called upon to dance together
without reference to gender. Second corners chain, or first corners allemande L 1 1/2 for
example. It would have to be agreed that this refers to those standing in those positions
at that moment. In ECD we use first and second corners to refer to the people, first and
second diagonals for the positions. But since we use diagonal to refer to those across
and over one set, this seems unhelpful. Simply corner positions works better. I'm
glad some folks are trying it out at last. I had hoped for an opportunity myself before
now.
Cheers,
Andrea
Sent from my iOnlypretendtomultitask
On Jun 1, 2015, at 8:37 AM, Jim Hemphill via Callers
<callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> The recent discussions on this topic inspired me to try an experiment in gender free
calling. Last night I called the contra dance in St. Louis using gender free calling
without telling anyone. The experiment was a great success. I received lots of
positive feedback on the evenings dance. At the break and after the dance I made a point
to ask several dancers, some were callers as well, if they noticed anything different or
unusual about the dances or how I taught them. One person noticed that there were more
dances that included a swing in the center for couple 2 than usual. No one I talked to
noticed that the calls and teaching were gender free.
>
> It took some extra time to construct a fun, diverse 3 hour program, but it is
certainly possible. Re-labeling the dancers is not the only way to call gender free.
>
> If you are interested in the program I used or the larger collection of gender free
dances I chose the program from, send me an email, arcadian35(a)gmail.com.
>
> Thanks,
> Jim Hemphill