Re: [Callers] contras for modern square dancers

Hi Judy- Here’s a helpful article written by Clark Baker, a MWSD caller and a contra dancer, and it explains contras and trad squares to MWSDers: http://www.tiac.net/~mabaker/how-contra-dances-work.html I dance both styles, and I’ve noticed a few big differences: -MWSDers are not used to long contra swings (they usually just go 2 times around, commonly with an arm around the waist). The longer contra swing = more centrifugal force, requiring good frame. MWSDers often get dizzy. -Contra dancers love their rhythmic balances; the balance is not often used in MWSD, and when it is, it’s usually in an Alamo Ring and pretty wimpy. Not their fault! -Phrasing: MWSDers dance to a beat, not a phrase. So for them, a ladies chain takes 6 beats, not 8. They will zip through a move and stand there waiting for the next call at a contra dance. -Contra dancing is more aerobic, even though MWSD is done to a faster beat (average contra is 117-121 bpm, depending on where you live; MWSD can be 128-132 bpm). And a reminder to folks on this lest to be respectful of BOTH traditions. I love ‘em and one isn’t better than the other! Lisa Greenleaf laleaf(a)gmail.com