A lot of good descriptions and suggestions already, but I’d like to add a couple.
Calling squares can require a different mindset than calling contras. This is especially true for western-style or southern-style squares. New England-style squares with their 32-bar structure and generally slower tempos are less demanding
of callers, as these are more like contras in square formations, but still I think the difference from contra calling is still a reality. And most of the caller techniques are the same.
Calling a square dance is becoming part of the music. The caller is not just a prompter. The caller drives the dancers with voice, including pulse with down-beat emphases and patter to fill the space and increase the excitement. As one
person noted, the calling doesn’t stop – the caller calls straight through the entire dance.
And can play with the music. 32 bars are great, but many many tunes, especially southern or Quebecois tunes, have never heard of that structure, and we can definitely call squares to them. Even to bluegrass or European tunes. And this is
a strength. We can play with it. At a dance camp, I once called the square “Texas Star” to the jazz tune “Take Five”. It was an experience for everyone.
The caller watches the entire room, and if one or two squares begin to break up or fall behind, there is always the laughing “Everyone home and swing your own!” reset button. Or the caller can add a circle left, swing your partner, promenade
– to bring the entire room up to the music. And so it seamlessly so everyone has a good time. At the same time, playing with the musical phrases so that the next part of the dance begins at the top of the tuner – no one may ever realize that, but it’s good
caller-craft.
And the thing is that the caller can really bring fun and acceptance into the dance – using their voice and patter and laughter and jokes (“Some use a shovel, some use a hoe, if you know that you’re doing that’s more than I know!”). Calling
squares opens up wonderful possibilities for fun and artistry. And great fun for the dancers.
Woody
Woody Lane
Caller, percussive dancer
Roseburg, Oregon
From: Maia McCormick via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2023 9:21 AM
To: Shared Weight Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: [Callers] Starting to call squares at contra dances
After dancing to some of Lisa's Greenleaf's
🔥 squares at Beantown Stomp last weekend, I'm feeling inspired to add some to my repertoire. (To be clear, I'm looking for squares-for-contra-dancers, not MWSD squares.)
Thanks in advance,
Maia
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Maia McCormick (she/her)
917.279.8194