Hi Laurir,

If the band likes to play Beaumont Rag and can do a good job with it, try asking them to slow down to 120-124 and call a square dance to it. Particularly a Western or Southern style square (like Texas Star) where you would have lots of flexibility with your calls. No matter how the band phrases the tune, you could adapt the movements and also your calling and timing so that when the band comes around again to A1, you could start a new section of the dance, which is always very satisfying for the dancers. That way, you can get the upbeat lilting music of that tune to work for you. And the band will be happy because they played that tune.

(Says me who once tried calling a square to the tune "Take Five")

Good luck,
Woody

--
Woody Lane
Caller, Percussive Dancer
Roseburg, Oregon
http://www.woodylanecaller.com
cell: 541-556-0054

On 4/27/2022 12:51 PM, Laur via Contra Callers wrote:

A local band here plays Beaumont Rag As a part of their routine dance set. It’s a popular band.
I’ve never experienced a contra dance The band has chosen to play for a dance work. It doesn’t work for the dancers and it’s agonizing for the caller.

Can anyone suggest a dance that could fit? At this point I’m planning to request they don’t include the tune.

I know there’s an English dance written to match but not interested in that for this set.

Laurie

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