[Callers] Introducing Contra to MWSD folks

Jack & all, Been there, done that! Here's what I learned. Forget the stylistic stuff, start with the basics of how do contra lines progress. Contra dancers make loads of assumptions, MWSD do not make assumptions. They want (need) to be told almost everything. Most importantly, which way to face and where to stand. Be very specific, even when you don't think you need to be. Watch carefully during the walk thru(s) and you'll see the trouble spots. To contra dancers, the term Partner always refers to the same person. Not so with MWSD. MWSD works with beats of music, not phrases. Tell them how many beats to move and they will be fine. I insisted on bringing musicians and alternated with the MWSD caller. He used recorded music(?). It didn't take long before the musicians were playing along and filling in the recordings. I'd do it again but would definately ask for more money. Have fun, John McIntire, Unity, ME