29 Mar
2024
29 Mar
'24
8:44 p.m.
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville contra dance on
Monday, April 1st ... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool --
challenging our assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile,
in spite of ourselves if necessary. In choosing/crafting my program,
I'm looking for a balance of different and fun, of course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the
stake?")
30 Mar
30 Mar
2:57 p.m.
If you all want put a breather into your program of otherwise joke-y,
court-jester approved novelty dances for April 1, I offer up my Foolproof:
*Foolproof *(2-6-2013) *by Elizabeth Bloom Albert*
Becket formation; start one-quarter turn to left of Improper; this dance
progresses clockwise. Progression occurs mid-A2
A1 (8) Long lines F/B
[with Neighbors across {same neighbors from previous B1-B2}]
(8) Circle left 3/4
A2 [with same Neighbors:]
(8) Do-Si-Do 1.5 turns
[with *next* Neighbors]
(8) {wrist-hold} Star Left 3/4
{End Star facing Neighbor across set}
B1 [Neighbor Pull-by LEFT to start:]
(6) 3/4 of a Square Thru [without balances]
{Neighbor Pull-by L; Partner Pull-by R; Neighbor Pull-by L}
(10) Do-Si-Do Partner
B2 (16) Balance /Swing Partner
On Sat, Mar 30, 2024 at 8:33 AM Joe Harrington via Contra Callers <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
I can think of no more-appropriate time to dance
these:
https://www.jefftk.com/contras/dances/labubblesort
https://lists.sharedweight.net/hyperkitty/list/contracallers@lists.sharedwe…
This isn't to claim that an existence proof of an appropriate time exists,
only that no other time is more appropriate!
--jh--
On Sat, Mar 30, 2024 at 8:55 AM Bob Morgan via Contra Callers <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
--
* Elizabeth Bloom Albert *
Total Equality:
https://andrewswaine.uk/node/19
A1 People on the right chain across (as ladies' chain) (3)
Same people meet palms to palms and push off backwards and slightly to
the left (as in a ricochet hey) as the others step right behind them (2)
The others chain across, finishing meeting in the middle (3)
A2 Those in the middle (balance and) swing (8)
B1 Partner balance and swing and finish a random way around (8)
B2 Take hands in a ring of 4: balance the ring (2)
Pass through across, turning right to face back in (2)
Lines forward and back, sliding left one couple (4)
The B2 is quite cunning for a dance aimed at role swapping.
On Sat, 30 Mar 2024, 12:12 mo via Contra Callers, <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
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On 2024-03-30 11:15, Bob Morgan via Contra
Callers wrote:
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Total Equality by Andrew Swain is pretty much built for role chaos
even if you try to avoid it.
There's a 28 bar dance called Bar Crawl that is meant to be danced to
32 bar tunes.
Bob
Is Total Equality the 3 birds (magpies in the middle) dance? Fairly
muddling!
Judging by dancers I have watched (including 1 caller), I wonder how
many dancers would notice the 28b dance to 32 b tune. Unless the caller
timed it to stop mid dance.
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1:32 p.m.
I can think of no more-appropriate time to dance these:
https://www.jefftk.com/contras/dances/labubblesort
https://lists.sharedweight.net/hyperkitty/list/contracallers@lists.sharedwe…
This isn't to claim that an existence proof of an appropriate time exists,
only that no other time is more appropriate!
--jh--
On Sat, Mar 30, 2024 at 8:55 AM Bob Morgan via Contra Callers <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Total Equality:
https://andrewswaine.uk/node/19
A1 People on the right chain across (as ladies' chain) (3)
Same people meet palms to palms and push off backwards and slightly to the
left (as in a ricochet hey) as the others step right behind them (2)
The others chain across, finishing meeting in the middle (3)
A2 Those in the middle (balance and) swing (8)
B1 Partner balance and swing and finish a random way around (8)
B2 Take hands in a ring of 4: balance the ring (2)
Pass through across, turning right to face back in (2)
Lines forward and back, sliding left one couple (4)
The B2 is quite cunning for a dance aimed at role swapping.
On Sat, 30 Mar 2024, 12:12 mo via Contra Callers, <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
On 2024-03-30 11:15, Bob Morgan via Contra
Callers wrote:
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Total Equality by Andrew Swain is pretty much built for role chaos
even if you try to avoid it.
There's a 28 bar dance called Bar Crawl that is meant to be danced to
32 bar tunes.
Bob
Is Total Equality the 3 birds (magpies in the middle) dance? Fairly
muddling!
Judging by dancers I have watched (including 1 caller), I wonder how
many dancers would notice the 28b dance to 32 b tune. Unless the caller
timed it to stop mid dance.
_______________________________________________
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12:55 p.m.
Total Equality:
https://andrewswaine.uk/node/19
A1 People on the right chain across (as ladies' chain) (3)
Same people meet palms to palms and push off backwards and slightly to the
left (as in a ricochet hey) as the others step right behind them (2)
The others chain across, finishing meeting in the middle (3)
A2 Those in the middle (balance and) swing (8)
B1 Partner balance and swing and finish a random way around (8)
B2 Take hands in a ring of 4: balance the ring (2)
Pass through across, turning right to face back in (2)
Lines forward and back, sliding left one couple (4)
The B2 is quite cunning for a dance aimed at role swapping.
On Sat, 30 Mar 2024, 12:12 mo via Contra Callers, <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
On 2024-03-30 11:15, Bob Morgan via Contra Callers
wrote:
Total Equality by Andrew Swain is pretty much built for role chaos
even if you try to avoid it.
There's a 28 bar dance called Bar Crawl that is meant to be danced to
32 bar tunes.
Bob
Is Total Equality the 3 birds (magpies in the middle) dance? Fairly
muddling!
Judging by dancers I have watched (including 1 caller), I wonder how
many dancers would notice the 28b dance to 32 b tune. Unless the caller
timed it to stop mid dance.
_______________________________________________
Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net
12:11 p.m.
On 2024-03-30 11:15, Bob Morgan via Contra Callers wrote:
Total Equality by Andrew Swain is pretty much built for role chaos
even if you try to avoid it.
There's a 28 bar dance called Bar Crawl that is meant to be danced to
32 bar tunes.
Bob
Is Total Equality the 3 birds (magpies in the middle) dance? Fairly
muddling!
Judging by dancers I have watched (including 1 caller), I wonder how
many dancers would notice the 28b dance to 32 b tune. Unless the caller
timed it to stop mid dance.
11:15 a.m.
A medley pair with one forward and one reverse progression dance, careful
counting or observation to end everyone back where they started.
Total Equality by Andrew Swain is pretty much built for role chaos even if
you try to avoid it.
There's a 28 bar dance called Bar Crawl that is meant to be danced to 32
bar tunes.
Bob
On Fri, 29 Mar 2024, 20:44 Timothy Klein via Contra Callers, <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville
contra dance on
Monday, April 1st ... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging
our assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of
ourselves if necessary. In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a
balance of different and fun, of course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
_______________________________________________
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12:52 a.m.
The Balter Dance (Becket, robins chain, left hand star, larks chain,
right hand star...)
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Balter
Roller Coaster (reason for name is clear once you read the dance)
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Roller
Alex is Where? (A less challenging version of Where's Alex?)
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Alex
S.D.S. (Becket, dancers switch sides every time through the dance)
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#SDS
Skinny Dipping in the River (2's crossed, a new figure "river swim")
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Skinny
On Fri, Mar 29, 2024 at 3:45 PM Timothy Klein via Contra Callers <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville
contra dance on
Monday, April 1st ... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging
our assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of
ourselves if necessary. In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a
balance of different and fun, of course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net
12:07 a.m.
I once did a whole program on this:
http://chrispagecontra.awardspace.us/schedule/2011/040111.htm
(I definitely missed out by not doing "The Merry-go-round" square.)
Cheers,
-Chris Page
Los Angeles, CA
On Fri, Mar 29, 2024 at 1:44 PM Timothy Klein via Contra Callers
<contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville contra dance on Monday, April 1st
... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging our
assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of ourselves if necessary.
In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a balance of different and fun, of
course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net
29 Mar
29 Mar
11:47 p.m.
Along similar lines, there's also this one that intentionally swaps sides:
The Alternative - Becket*# - Don Veino
* Before rotating to Becket, have dancers note the end of the hall they
will progress toward. It'll be toward that same place every time but facing
there from the opposite side. Pattern alternates sides of the set, start
LT/CW and shift dancers 1 minor set right so the majority will be in for
the first cycle of the dance.
# Dance can either be run as single (tested) or double progression
(untested) via A1 slice being single or double.
1A1 Slice LEFT, LDY\RBN Allemande RIGHT 1+1/2x
1A2 NBR Bal Swing
1B1 Full Hey, GNT\LRK Pass LEFT to start
1B2 GNT\LRK Pass LEFT to Cross, PNR Swing
2A1 Slice RIGHT, GNT\LRK Allemande LEFT 1+1/2x
2A2 NBR Bal Swing
2B1 Full Hey, LDY\RBN Pass RIGHT to start
2B2 LDY\RBN Pass RIGHT (straight) aross, PNR Swing
End effects: when slicing out, stay where the dance places you. Return via
the next slice (but obviously now progressing toward the other end).
Note: in each cycle, the most natural feeling person/hand is used for the
A1 allemande and the other role will then lead into the hey by the other
"hand"/shoulder.
On Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 7:15 PM Maia McCormick via Contra Callers <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Oooh how fun! Just throwing some thoughts out there:
- if you feel spicy, a no-walkthrough dance that doesn't progress (or
rather, progresses you forward and then back). I uh, accidentally did that
at a workshop recently whoops, but people thought it was on purpose and had
fun!
11:15 p.m.
Ha Mac, re: "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter", I attempted something
similar
<https://contra.maiamccormick.com/dances.html#icantbelieveitsnotbutter> (Butter
but with the larks chaining by the right instead)—that sure is a joke
that's begging to be made! (And Will Mentor has a variant with a larks left
hand chain that I believe he calls "Aioli", let me know if you want the
choreo.)
Oooh how fun! Just throwing some thoughts out there:
- call an English dance and don’t tell anyone
- call something in three (last time I called on April 1, I called Rick
Mohr's "Joy of Six" <https://rickmohr.net/Contra/Dances/JoyOfSix>)
- it’s pretty tricky but if your crowd is up for it, I’ve got a 4x4
<https://contra.maiamccormick.com/dances.html#mypartnerspartner> where your
partner alternates between your original partner and your opp role trail
buddy
- re: introducing a robins' left hand chain, if you want something even
simpler than On the Other Hand, you might try this one
<https://contra.maiamccormick.com/dances.html#gatesofirving>
- if you feel spicy, a no-walkthrough dance that doesn't progress (or
rather, progresses you forward and then back). I uh, accidentally did that
at a workshop recently whoops, but people thought it was on purpose and had
fun!
Let us know what you end up doing and how the dancers like it!
--
Maia McCormick (she/her)
917.279.8194
On Fri, Mar 29, 2024 at 6:25 PM Mac Mckeever via Contra Callers <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Also - if you want a very nice dance where the joke is
the title rather
than the dance
I made a small modification to Gene Huber's 'Butter' by changing the chain
to a ladies RT 1 1/2 allemande - pass partner left to start hey. Flows
nicely
New name : I can't believe it's not Butter
Mac
St Louis
On Friday, March 29, 2024 at 03:44:39 PM CDT, Timothy Klein via Contra
Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville contra dance on
Monday, April 1st ... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging
our assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of
ourselves if necessary. In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a
balance of different and fun, of course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
_______________________________________________
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_______________________________________________
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10:24 p.m.
Also - if you want a very nice dance where the joke is the title rather than the dance
I made a small modification to Gene Huber's 'Butter' by changing the chain to
a ladies RT 1 1/2 allemande - pass partner left to start hey. Flows nicely
New name : I can't believe it's not Butter
Mac
St Louis
On Friday, March 29, 2024 at 03:44:39 PM CDT, Timothy Klein via Contra Callers
<contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville contra dance on Monday, April 1st
... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging our
assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of ourselves if necessary.
In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a balance of different and fun, of
course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net
10:09 p.m.
I'd suggest Will Mentor's "Courtesy Van"
https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=18055 if you
think the dancers would be up for it.
It is a great challenge with both a larks' right hand chain and a robins'
left hand chain. Dancers who are used to dancing only one role get to
experience the "wrong" side of courtesy turns in both directions, and even
for those of us who *are* used to both roles and love swapping roles
mid-dance, it's still a brain teaser to remember which role you currently
*are.* I called it at a house party recently and broke the brains of some
excellent experienced switchers. The flow works beautifully if you trust
that you should do the thing if you're the person who's in position to do
the thing, but if people think too hard about "larks are supposed to do a
thing now, but I *feel* like I'm a robin now, so am I doing the thing now
or not?" they'll pull themselves out of the flow. It's not for the faint of
heart but I think it would be in the spirit of your April Fools' dance! If
you go for it, I'd recommend emphasizing "larks are on the right; robins
are on the left" at several key points during the walkthrough.
Or if you want a (much) simpler dance to introduce a robins' left-hand
chain, try "On the Other Hand (It Works Fine With the Music)" by Abigail
Golden & Quill Duvall: https://contradb.com/dances/2115
Also, if you're interested in weird time signatures and are OK veering in
the English-y direction, Isaac Banner wrote a really nice English-y contra
dance to go with Sam Sweeney's 3/2 tune Steppy Downs Road.
https://contradb.com/dances/2143
And here's a video! (although I would play it a bit faster next time)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRZSMVorR_k&ab_channel=LakeCityContraDa…
Koren Wake
(Seattle dancer, caller, & musician)
On Fri, Mar 29, 2024 at 2:10 PM Bill Olson via Contra Callers <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Timothy, In 1997 I wrote a dance with an "up the
hall in lines of 4, turn
alone, go back down. I called it at a dance weekend in the Triangle (NC)
area called December Delight, shortly thereafter. The late great
caller/choreographer Gene Hubert was in attendance and he kept facing the
wrong way until one time near the top of the set he just collapsed on the
floor laughing and said "you HAVE to keep calling that dance". I have. Here
are the notes for "Face the Music":
..............
*FACE THE MUSIC*
A duple improper, double progression contra by Bill Olson
A1 Circle L 1/2, INACTIVES Swing (face up) (16)
A2 With new neighbors up the hall in 4's (inactives are in the middle)(8)
turn alone and return, face across (8)
B1 Actives turn contra corners (16)
B2 Actives balance and swing, face down(16)
Notes: This was my first attempt at a double progression contra corners
dance. Obviously it requires some room above the set. I like to tell the
inactives to be ready to "scoop up" the actives after the swing in B2 so
they will get more swing in A1! First called at the Dover, NH, dance on
9/27/97. Nat Hewitt and Jacqueline Schwab were playing. On the first
walk-through I had everyone stop at the middle point of A2 and I introduced
the band. That was also when I thought of the name for the dance!
..........
As far as a dance to a crooked tune, Cherokee Shuffle by David Kaynor
never disappoints! 36 bar tune with dance to match. The band has to know
the tune of course. We always changed keys to make a medley of it, D,G,A.
Plenty of dances with gent's (lark's) chain out there. i'm sure you can
search that somehow.
bill, in Maine
(Always loved the Monday Knoxville dance when we were on tour. Dancing
"crosswise" at the Laurel Theater.)
------------------------------
*From:* Timothy Klein via Contra Callers <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
*Sent:* Friday, March 29, 2024 8:44 PM
*To:* Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
*Subject:* [Callers] April Fools fun
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville contra dance on
Monday, April 1st ... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging
our assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of
ourselves if necessary. In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a
balance of different and fun, of course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
_______________________________________________
Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net
9:42 p.m.
Court Fools knew how far they could take a joke before risking pitchforks
or worse - I expect a little of this sort of foolery could go a long way. 😉
That said, and in response to your request - here's one I wrote to honor a
valued departed community member, Eph Weiss, some years ago (before
Larks/Robins, etc., should you follow the links below).
Eph was a dedicated reverse swinger (which he somehow made smooth even
within a conventional dance - almost always using a barrel hold swing).
There is a paired dance "Ephervescence" with conventional swings you could
bail out to, once folks have had enough.
Wishing you all fun!
-Don
Counter Clock-Weiss – DI – Don Veino 20170729
EXPERIMENTAL
A1
Neighbor LEFT Shoulder Round 1x
Larks Pass Right, Half Hey
A2
Neighbor LEFT Shoulder Round & CCW Swing (end with Lark on RIGHT)
B1
Give & Take to Lark, Partner CCW Swing (end with Lark on RIGHT)
B2
Long Lines Forward & Back
Star Right 3/4x to next
End effects: Wait out crossed over.
Full info at http://veino.com/blog/?p=1857
Ephervescence – DI – Don Veino 20170729
A1
Neighbor Right Shoulder Round 1x
Robins Pass Left Half Hey
A2
Neighbor Right Shoulder Round & Swing
B1
Give & Take to Larks, Partner Swing
B2
LLF & Larks Roll Away Partner on way Back
Star Right 3/4x to next
See http://veino.com/blog/?p=1854
On Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 4:44 PM Timothy Klein via Contra Callers <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville
contra dance on
Monday, April 1st ... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging
our assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of
ourselves if necessary. In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a
balance of different and fun, of course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
_______________________________________________
Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net
9:10 p.m.
Timothy, In 1997 I wrote a dance with an "up the hall in lines of 4, turn alone, go
back down. I called it at a dance weekend in the Triangle (NC) area called December
Delight, shortly thereafter. The late great caller/choreographer Gene Hubert was in
attendance and he kept facing the wrong way until one time near the top of the set he just
collapsed on the floor laughing and said "you HAVE to keep calling that dance".
I have. Here are the notes for "Face the Music":
..............
FACE THE MUSIC
A duple improper, double progression contra by Bill Olson
A1 Circle L 1/2, INACTIVES Swing (face up) (16)
A2 With new neighbors up the hall in 4's (inactives are in the middle)(8) turn alone
and return, face across (8)
B1 Actives turn contra corners (16)
B2 Actives balance and swing, face down(16)
Notes: This was my first attempt at a double progression contra corners dance. Obviously
it requires some room above the set. I like to tell the inactives to be ready to
"scoop up" the actives after the swing in B2 so they will get more swing in A1!
First called at the Dover, NH, dance on 9/27/97. Nat Hewitt and Jacqueline Schwab were
playing. On the first walk-through I had everyone stop at the middle point of A2 and I
introduced the band. That was also when I thought of the name for the dance!
..........
As far as a dance to a crooked tune, Cherokee Shuffle by David Kaynor never disappoints!
36 bar tune with dance to match. The band has to know the tune of course. We always
changed keys to make a medley of it, D,G,A.
Plenty of dances with gent's (lark's) chain out there. i'm sure you can search
that somehow.
bill, in Maine
(Always loved the Monday Knoxville dance when we were on tour. Dancing
"crosswise" at the Laurel Theater.)
________________________________
From: Timothy Klein via Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: Friday, March 29, 2024 8:44 PM
To: Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: [Callers] April Fools fun
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville contra dance on Monday, April 1st
... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging our
assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of ourselves if necessary.
In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a balance of different and fun, of
course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
9:06 p.m.
"The Tease" by Tom Hinds is also good. 1's shoulder round, each other, then
swing their neighbors.
Jonathan
On 3/29/2024 3:58 PM, Richard Fischer via Contra Callers wrote:
I like "The Art of Negotiation" by Al Olson
in general. I think it might be a good fit for your April 1st program.
https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=2844 >
Have fun!
Richard
Arlington, MA
On Mar 29, 2024, at 4:44 PM, Timothy Klein via
Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
<mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>> wrote:
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville contra dance on Monday, April 1st
... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging our
assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of ourselves if necessary.
In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a balance of different and fun, of
course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
_______________________________________________
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<mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
To unsubscribe send an email tocontracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net
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_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net 
8:58 p.m.
I like "The Art of Negotiation" by Al Olson in general. I think it might be a
good fit for your April 1st program.
https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=2844
<https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=2844>
Have fun!
Richard
Arlington, MA
On Mar 29, 2024, at 4:44 PM, Timothy Klein via Contra
Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville contra dance on Monday, April 1st
... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging our
assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of ourselves if necessary.
In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a balance of different and fun, of
course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
_______________________________________________
Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
<mailto:contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net
<mailto:contracallers-leave@lists.sharedweight.net>
8:51 p.m.
New subject: [External] April Fools fun
Add to your list dances where you
*
swing counter clockwise (option
1,<https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=14980&… option 1 -
harder<https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=14…81>, option
3<https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=14979&g…)
*
end with the larks/gents on the right and ladies/robins on the left
*
circle right
*
larks/gents allemande right and ladies/robins allemande left
*
Seth Tepfer, MBA, CSM, PMP (he, him, his)
Senior IT Manager, Emory Primate Center
[cid:5157769a-d5b5-4a66-b414-648238511cfd]<https://outlook.office.com/boo…
Book time to meet with
me<https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/SethTepfer@mscloud.emory.n…
________________________________
From: Timothy Klein via Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: Friday, March 29, 2024 4:44 PM
To: Contra Callers <contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: [External] [Callers] April Fools fun
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville contra dance on Monday, April 1st
... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging our
assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of ourselves if necessary.
In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a balance of different and fun, of
course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
8:50 p.m.
Once in a hall with no a/c, I called the Radioactive Reel, where you don't
touch your partner, partly as a joke about how hot and sweaty it was. And I
think there's a dance called Widdershins, where you swing the "other"
direction, which is kind of entertaining to try.
meg
On Fri, Mar 29, 2024 at 4:45 PM Timothy Klein via Contra Callers <
contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville
contra dance on
Monday, April 1st ... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging
our assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of
ourselves if necessary. In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a
balance of different and fun, of course.
What foolish dances have you done in the past?
Timothy
Knoxville, TN
P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
* Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
* Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
* Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
* 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
* Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
* No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
_______________________________________________
Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-leave(a)lists.sharedweight.net
39
days inactive
40
days old
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net
17 comments
16 participants
participants (16)
-
Bill Olson -
Bob Morgan -
Chris Page -
Don Veino -
Elizabeth Bloom Albert -
Joe Harrington -
Jonathan Sivier -
Koren A. Wake -
Mac Mckeever -
Maia McCormick -
Meg Dedolph -
mo -
Richard Fischer -
sjapartments＠gmail.com -
Tepfer, Seth -
Timothy Klein