Re: [Callers] Introducing Contra to MWSD folks

Hi Jack, The fact that the local MWSD group has invited you must mean that they are interested learning what contra dancing is about. So I'd suggest you choose dances and music that emphasize some of the special features of contras: dancing to phrase and giving weight. I have quite of few MWSDers come to my contra dances, and have also called a contra dance at the Australian SD convention. With a bit of encouragement it is not hard to get MWSDers into contra mode. I've found that using some uniquely contra dance moves work well such as Petronella rolls, Rory O'More and heys. They are different and fit naturally into the phrasing. If you have regular contra dancers with you, a demo will convey the move and also provide the example of how to fit the moves to the music. I find Petronella with claps really helps people get into listening and dancing to the music ( as opposed to just the beat). I find it important in the walk thru to sometimes count out the beats to help them do moves in 8 beats. For example R&L thru in MWSD is usually done in 6 beats, so they need to be helped to do the right pull by in the first four beats and the courtesy turn in the last 4 beats. You haven't mentioned the level of the club. Also if the dancers are older this might limit how energetically they will dance. I'm not sure how tips are done there, but often there will be a hoedown (improvised) of about 4-5 minutes, followed by a singing call of 3 and 1/2 minutes. Some older square dancers find a contra dance of 10 minutes much too long. These dances go over well with SDers: Jefferson Revisited by Bob Dalsemer Easy Petronella (not sure of author) A1 Circle Balance, petronella roll Circle Balance, petronella roll A2 Circle Balance, petronella roll Circle Balance, petronella roll B1 Neighbor Dosido, Neighbor Swing B2 LLFB, Actives Swing Good luck, it should be fun! Cheers, Bill PS a few comments to your post: You haven't seen good square dancing videos, good square dancing flows and is not stop start. Once they twig they have the time many are good swingers. I find that for a balance and swing, I may need to prompt at beat 6 "keep swinging" till they get used to it. Waves are probably hands up at plus and below, but at A level goes to down.