In trying to figure out how this would work, I guess I need to stop thinking of 1st or 2nd corners in ECD, since most of those are proper dances, to using the terminology in contra, since most dances are improper.  I'm trying to figure out how it would work for proper dances.  And then for becket dances (though I can see that not being too difficult).

And then there is contra corners, where 1st and 2nd corners have completely different meanings.  In that case we would need to differentiate between a "corner" and a "contra corner".  I ran into this when calling a contra dance with 1st and 2nd corners (Centennial Reel) recently.  

Perry

---

From: Bob Morgan via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net>
To: Ron Blechner <contraron@gmail.com>
Cc: Caller's discussion list <callers@sharedweight.net>
Sent: Monday, June 1, 2015 10:41 AM
Subject: Re: [Callers] Another approach to Gender Free calling

With regard to Ron's questions

 

1. Would be easily covered by 1st or 2nd corners walk forward to a wave

 

2. Again can be done with reference to corners

 

3. Not so familiar with these.

 

4. You usually only need an obvious first pass person so not an issue I think

 

5.  If you're facing out you turn, if you're facing across you walk is how I call it anyway

 

Bob

On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 5:09 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

Andrea, how would you handle the following:

1. Lines of one role/position to the center to a wavy line, as in Trip to Lambertville, et all?

2. Indication of who walks forward / backs up in a gypsy star?

3. Indication of who-leads-who, such as in Ramsay Chase, Pedal Pushers, Jurassic Redheads, etc.

4. Indication of who is passing while calling a hey.

5. Indication of who crosses, who turns in a box circulate?

6. Indication any other role/position specific move that I haven't mentioned? Turn over right shoulder, as in Fairport Harbour? Rollaways?

None of these fall under the "most unusual figures" as you stated.

Ron

On Jun 1, 2015 11:59 AM, "Andrea Nettleton via Callers" <callers@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@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@gmail.com.

 

Thanks,

Jim Hemphill

 

 

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