19 Jul
2025
19 Jul
'25
3:06 p.m.
Good afternoon all,
It was suggested/requested that I share my program used for a recent gig at
MASS MoCa.
Event description: Thursday night, 1 hour dance session taking place during
one of the venue's summer Chalets. The Chalet is held 6-10 and
traditionally includes a beer garden, outdoor games, and live music from
local performers. Attendees vary depending on the day. All ages, little to
no experience.
While planning my program I chose dances that incorporated very forgiving
figures and timing. Only one dance required role terms (and only barely at
that). I demo'ed the do si do during the second dance, the rest was able to
be taught from the stage. I explained several variations of the swing (two
hand turn, elbow turn, ballroom hold) and let them choose their own
adventure (all swings were done with a partner). Each dance was walked
through once.
*Circle Circassian (balfolk dance)*
*Formation: Circle mixer, modified to be a keeper*
Circle Left (8)
Circle Right (8)
Robins (I used moons) into the center and clap, come on back (8)
Larks (I used stars) into the center and clap, come on back (8)
Partner swing (16)
Partner promenade (16)
*Summer Sun Shine*
*Formation: Longways Set*
Long lines forward and back (8)
Partner RH allemande 1x (8)
Long lines forward and back (8)
Partner LH allemande 1x (8)
Partner do si do 1x (8)
Partner swing (8)
Top couple sashay to bottom, everyone else slide up (16)
*Scatter mixer, modified to be a keeper*
*Formation: two couples in rings of four*
Circle left 1x (8)
Circle right 1x (8)
RH star 1x (8)
LH star 1x (8)
Neighbor two hand turn (8)
Partner swing (8)
Partner promenade around the room (8)
Find a new couple, take hands four (8)
*Family Contra by Sherry Nevins, with a modified progression*
*Formation: Improper contra (roles don't matter)*
Balance ring 2x (8)
Circle left 1x (8)
Balance ring 2x (8)
Circle right 1x (8)
Neighbor do si do (8)
Partner Do si do (8)
As couples do si do (8), take hands four
Balance right, pass through to new rings (8)
--
*Liz Nelson*
*She/Her*