Tony Parkes has been running a square series in Belmont that's starting up again tonight. He calls, I anchor the band. I've had a great time doing this and have learned TONS, partly because the whole evening is squares (New England and southern, plus Kentucky running sets/circles/Fr.Can longways, a huge mix) so I can get out of the contra groove for a whole evening, really sink into a different way of playing/responding to the caller/dancers. The other reason I've learned so much is because of the dancers - there's a small but loyal core of dancers who are old enough to have been dancing since before the big split - they were doing evenings of mixed contras and squares back in the days when that was still the norm. Just watching them, cueing in to their body language and phrasing, has taught me more than I can explain in words. I've heard contra callers say that they'd like more time with squares - that it's hard to improve when you can only call one or two per night at the usual contracentric dances. Tony and I have been talking about opening up the evening to other callers - letting this dance be a venue where other folks can come in and share the mike. Any interest out there? Anyone Boston/New England callers who'd like the chance to call a whole bunch of squares in an evening, practice communicating with a supportive/ seasoned band, observe how Tony does it, get feedback etc? Is this an idea we should pursue? I'd be interested in your feedback - thanks! Cheers, Amy _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers

Tony and I have been talking about opening up the evening to other callers - letting this dance be a venue where other folks can come in and share the mike. Any interest out there?