Re: [Callers] Gender Free dance arm bands

Hi All, Rather than trying to go "outside the box" with GRF contras, lets think about the box for a moment. Just what is meant by "Improper" (see the dance below) in the context of a GRF dance. I'll use "Ladies & Gentlemen" any day given that it allows me to play either role even though you wouldn't mistake me for either a Gent or a Lady 99% of the time. That's what I tell the dancers as I allow the "Gents" to play dress-up using a bag of neckties from the thrift stores. That terminology allows me to keep in touch with the tradition while allowing the dancers to participate with today's social norms. It also helps break down stereotypes and perhaps, I hope, instills a bit of "civility" on the dance floor with dancers pretending to be "Ladies or Gents". Given that civility isn't much modeled these days in our culture, perhaps this is helpful. The important part, as I witnessed again at the RPDLW with Todd W. calling, is to have fun and be light hearted about it and the dancers will have fun also. If Galopede works for the group, so much the better. BTW, the cd, "Salmonberry, New England Contra Dance Music" was recorded live at dances so the tunes are dance length, square, well phrased and at a reasonable tempo. I believe it is available from CDSS <www.cdss.org>. If you use recorded music, at least purchase the cd even if you don't send the band a cut of your fee. Enough for now, John McIntire, Unity, Maine This is a fun dance for GRF dances: Contra for Linda (Improper) A1. (8) N dosido (8) Circle left A2. (16) N swing, end facing down B1. (16) 4-in-line go down the hall, turn as couples, return, bend the line B2. (8) Star right (8) Star left Anyone know of other online resources to use for GRF or beginner dances? Rich _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers