Hi All,
First, Hello to Suzanne! Been a long time, now I’m remembering a snowball fight and lots of laughs, dances, and hanging out.
When I started calling at contra dances, 1984 in Santa Barbara, CA, the first three dances I learned to call were the Texas Star, and the singing squares Just
Because, and The Trail of the Lonesome Pine. Squares were always a big part of a contra dance in California 1n the 80s and, I think, all around the states. Then in the early 90s got boos, too, and hired as a caller as long as I only called contras.
Now, when I want to go to a website and click the next and next, I like to go to David Millstone’s Square Dance History Project. Thanks for that reminder,
Tony!
And, very glad squares are becoming acceptable again!
Cheers,
~Erik Hoffman
Oakland, CA
From: Suzanne Giradot via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2023 12:09 PM
To: 'Tony Parkes' <tony@hands4.com>; 'Maia McCormick' <maia.mcc@gmail.com>; 'Shared Weight Contra Callers' <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: [Callers] Re: Starting to call squares at contra dances
This thread is making my heart sing! I have called squares for years, but was actually booed at a contra dance once when I set up a square dance. Dancers have become more respectful since that time (20 years ago) but I don’t get to call
squares too much these days. However, at my local dance, the organizer, Sherry Nevins, is also a square dance caller and always suggests that I call a square during the evening. So I do, and people actually have fun!
I have found that calling phrased squares, such as the New England quadrilles, or other western squares that have phrased moves, are best for calling for contra dancers. It’s a bit more in their comfort zone. And I second Tony’s suggestion
to look at the Square Dance History project for lots of great ideas and amazing callers (including Tony!).
Suzanne Girardot
Seattle, WA
From: Tony Parkes via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2023 10:49 AM
To: Maia McCormick <maia.mcc@gmail.com>; Shared Weight Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: [Callers] Re: Starting to call squares at contra dances
A resource definitely worth exploring is David Millstone’s Square Dance History Project. I didn’t mention it in my first response because it may not be the easiest place to find specific types of dance video quickly, but it’s a must for
anyone who loves squares and has a bit of free time to peruse.
Tony Parkes
Billerica, Mass.
New book! Square Dance Calling: An Old Art for a New Century
(available now)