15 Nov
2017
15 Nov
'17
11:39 a.m.
Hello all,
I'm remembering a few workshops I'd taken with Rick Mohr a few years ago,
and also an occasion where I collected a dance from his calling. He happily
gave me the name and author of the dance, but was also quick to note that
he had substituted out different moves for 16 counts of the dance, so that
it would work better with his evening's program.
Now, someone like Rick can just do this in his head. He has a data base of
common combinations of dance moves, and where everyone ends up after
executing them. As such, he can easily make substitutions on the fly,
because he knows offhand that A+B=X+Y.**
What I'm wondering is, has anyone bothered to write down and compile a list
of common choreography substitutions? I'm thinking a spreadsheet of some
sort, where we think about the net product of various combinations of dance
moves, and categorize the combinations based on their output.
For example: Neighbor Promenade across, Ladies Chain = Long Lines Forward
and Back, Gents Allemande L 11/2.
If no one has already done this, I'll start a new thread where we can begin
to collaboratively write one up!
Thanks, All!
Angela
**Yes, the momentum in each of these scenarios is probably different, and
one might be better than another. But this depends on the rest of the
dance's choreography, and for these purposes I don't especially care. :)
***Also worth acknowledging that substituting out an entire 16-count phrase
could easily result in calling a different dance written by a different
author, but I'm more concerned about using this technique for practical
programming purposes.
15 Nov
15 Nov
noon
Look at Cary Ravitz's web page on contra dance choreography
(http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php), especially the section on what he calls black
boxes. http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php#m I think that is exactly what you are asking
about. He did a useful workshop on that subject at Pigtown Fling a few years ago.
David Harding
On November 15, 2017 at 11:39 AM Angela DeCarlis via
Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Hello all,
I'm remembering a few workshops I'd taken with Rick Mohr a few years ago, and
also an occasion where I collected a dance from his calling. He happily gave me the name
and author of the dance, but was also quick to note that he had substituted out different
moves for 16 counts of the dance, so that it would work better with his evening's
program.
Now, someone like Rick can just do this in his head. He has a data base of common
combinations of dance moves, and where everyone ends up after executing them. As such, he
can easily make substitutions on the fly, because he knows offhand that A+B=X+Y.**
What I'm wondering is, has anyone bothered to write down and compile a list of
common choreography substitutions? I'm thinking a spreadsheet of some sort, where we
think about the net product of various combinations of dance moves, and categorize the
combinations based on their output.
For example: Neighbor Promenade across, Ladies Chain = Long Lines Forward and Back,
Gents Allemande L 11/2.
If no one has already done this, I'll start a new thread where we can begin to
collaboratively write one up!
Thanks, All!
Angela
**Yes, the momentum in each of these scenarios is probably different, and one might
be better than another. But this depends on the rest of the dance's choreography, and
for these purposes I don't especially care. :)
***Also worth acknowledging that substituting out an entire 16-count phrase could
easily result in calling a different dance written by a different author, but I'm more
concerned about using this technique for practical programming purposes.
_______________________________________________
List Name: Callers mailing list
List Address: Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
12:29 p.m.
Look at Cary Ravitz's web page on contra dance choreography (
http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php), especially the section on what he
calls black boxes. http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php#m I think that
is exactly what you are asking about. He did a useful workshop on that
subject at Pigtown Fling a few years ago.
David Harding
Thank you so much David! I think this is exactly the kind of information
I'm looking for, but I'm finding the format which Cary has everything set
in pretty difficult to digest. I'll have to set aside some time to parse
the information in a way that makes more sense to me.
Anyone else have any leads?
Thanks!
Angela
On Wed, Nov 15, 2017 at 1:00 PM, DAVID HARDING <dharding101(a)comcast.net>
wrote:
Look at Cary Ravitz's web page on contra dance
choreography (
http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php), especially the section on what he
calls black boxes. http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php#m I think that
is exactly what you are asking about. He did a useful workshop on that
subject at Pigtown Fling a few years ago.
David Harding
On November 15, 2017 at 11:39 AM Angela DeCarlis via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Hello all,
I'm remembering a few workshops I'd taken with Rick Mohr a few years ago,
and also an occasion where I collected a dance from his calling. He happily
gave me the name and author of the dance, but was also quick to note that
he had substituted out different moves for 16 counts of the dance, so that
it would work better with his evening's program.
Now, someone like Rick can just do this in his head. He has a data base of
common combinations of dance moves, and where everyone ends up after
executing them. As such, he can easily make substitutions on the fly,
because he knows offhand that A+B=X+Y.**
What I'm wondering is, has anyone bothered to write down and compile a
list of common choreography substitutions? I'm thinking a spreadsheet of
some sort, where we think about the net product of various combinations of
dance moves, and categorize the combinations based on their output.
For example: Neighbor Promenade across, Ladies Chain = Long Lines Forward
and Back, Gents Allemande L 11/2.
If no one has already done this, I'll start a new thread where we can
begin to collaboratively write one up!
Thanks, All!
Angela
**Yes, the momentum in each of these scenarios is probably different, and
one might be better than another. But this depends on the rest of the
dance's choreography, and for these purposes I don't especially care. :)
***Also worth acknowledging that substituting out an entire 16-count
phrase could easily result in calling a different dance written by a
different author, but I'm more concerned about using this technique for
practical programming purposes.
_______________________________________________
List Name: Callers mailing list
List Address: Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
16 Nov
16 Nov
10:38 a.m.
Angela,
Square dance callers do these substitutions as well.
One very basic exercise for Modern Western Square Dance callers is to
develop sequences (2, 3, 4 or more) moves that get dancers to the zero box,
which is most easily visualized by having head couples move forward one
step, then turning away from your partner and facing your corner.
Add in sequences to rotate the square halfway, 1/4 or 3/4, use symmetrical
calls, and sets can easily be scrambled and then resolved using plug-in
sequences to "find your corner, allemande left, etc."
Back to contra:
Although one might consult an existing database, I think it's probably more
useful to develop ones own mental database by sitting down and writing
sequences for each situation. (In the case of contra, neutral (8-count and
16-count sequences), men change (8- and 16-count), women change (8- and
16-count), couples change (8- and 16-count)). Yes, you will likely develop
a list with much overlap with other callers, but I believe the exercise is
worth it. And you may come up with some unique, or at least rarely used,
combinations.
Good luck!
--Jerome
Jerome Grisanti
660-528-0858
http://www.jeromegrisanti.com
"Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power
and magic in it." --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
On Wed, Nov 15, 2017 at 12:29 PM, Angela DeCarlis via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Look at Cary Ravitz's web page on contra dance
choreography (
http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php), especially
the section on what he
calls black boxes. http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php#m I think that
is exactly what you are asking about. He did a useful workshop on that
subject at Pigtown Fling a few years ago.
David Harding
Thank you so much David! I think this is exactly the kind of information
I'm looking for, but I'm finding the format which Cary has everything set
in pretty difficult to digest. I'll have to set aside some time to parse
the information in a way that makes more sense to me.
Anyone else have any leads?
Thanks!
Angela
On Wed, Nov 15, 2017 at 1:00 PM, DAVID HARDING <dharding101(a)comcast.net>
wrote:
> Look at Cary Ravitz's web page on contra dance choreography (
http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php), especially
the section on what he
calls black boxes. http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php#m I think that
is exactly what you are asking about. He did a useful workshop on that
subject at Pigtown Fling a few years ago.
David Harding
> On November 15, 2017 at 11:39 AM Angela DeCarlis via Callers <
> callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> I'm remembering a few workshops I'd taken with Rick Mohr a few years ago,
> and also an occasion where I collected a dance from his calling. He happily
> gave me the name and author of the dance, but was also quick to note that
> he had substituted out different moves for 16 counts of the dance, so that
> it would work better with his evening's program.
>
> Now, someone like Rick can just do this in his head. He has a data base
> of common combinations of dance moves, and where everyone ends up after
> executing them. As such, he can easily make substitutions on the fly,
> because he knows offhand that A+B=X+Y.**
>
> What I'm wondering is, has anyone bothered to write down and compile a
> list of common choreography substitutions? I'm thinking a spreadsheet of
> some sort, where we think about the net product of various combinations of
> dance moves, and categorize the combinations based on their output.
>
> For example: Neighbor Promenade across, Ladies Chain = Long Lines Forward
> and Back, Gents Allemande L 11/2.
>
> If no one has already done this, I'll start a new thread where we can
> begin to collaboratively write one up!
>
> Thanks, All!
> Angela
>
>
> **Yes, the momentum in each of these scenarios is probably different, and
> one might be better than another. But this depends on the rest of the
> dance's choreography, and for these purposes I don't especially care. :)
>
> ***Also worth acknowledging that substituting out an entire 16-count
> phrase could easily result in calling a different dance written by a
> different author, but I'm more concerned about using this technique for
> practical programming purposes.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> List Name: Callers mailing list
> List Address: Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
>
_______________________________________________
List Name: Callers mailing list
List Address: Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
10:48 a.m.
Great advice, thank you Jerome! I'll think more on that, for sure.
On Nov 16, 2017 11:38 AM, "Jerome Grisanti" <jerome.grisanti(a)gmail.com>
wrote:
Angela,
Square dance callers do these substitutions as well.
One very basic exercise for Modern Western Square Dance callers is to
develop sequences (2, 3, 4 or more) moves that get dancers to the zero box,
which is most easily visualized by having head couples move forward one
step, then turning away from your partner and facing your corner.
Add in sequences to rotate the square halfway, 1/4 or 3/4, use symmetrical
calls, and sets can easily be scrambled and then resolved using plug-in
sequences to "find your corner, allemande left, etc."
Back to contra:
Although one might consult an existing database, I think it's probably
more useful to develop ones own mental database by sitting down and writing
sequences for each situation. (In the case of contra, neutral (8-count and
16-count sequences), men change (8- and 16-count), women change (8- and
16-count), couples change (8- and 16-count)). Yes, you will likely develop
a list with much overlap with other callers, but I believe the exercise is
worth it. And you may come up with some unique, or at least rarely used,
combinations.
Good luck!
--Jerome
Jerome Grisanti
660-528-0858 <(660)%20528-0858>
http://www.jeromegrisanti.com
"Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and
power and magic in it." --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
On Wed, Nov 15, 2017 at 12:29 PM, Angela DeCarlis via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Look at Cary Ravitz's web page on contra
dance choreography (
http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php), especially
the section on what he
calls black boxes. http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php#m I think that
is exactly what you are asking about. He did a useful workshop on that
subject at Pigtown Fling a few years ago.
David Harding
Thank you so much David! I think this is exactly the kind of information
I'm looking for, but I'm finding the format which Cary has everything set
in pretty difficult to digest. I'll have to set aside some time to parse
the information in a way that makes more sense to me.
Anyone else have any leads?
Thanks!
Angela
On Wed, Nov 15, 2017 at 1:00 PM, DAVID HARDING <dharding101(a)comcast.net>
wrote:
> Look at Cary Ravitz's web page on contra dance choreography (
http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php), especially
the section on what he
calls black boxes. http://www.dance.ravitz.us/chor.php#m I think that
is exactly what you are asking about. He did a useful workshop on that
subject at Pigtown Fling a few years ago.
David Harding
> On November 15, 2017 at 11:39 AM Angela DeCarlis via Callers <
> callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> I'm remembering a few workshops I'd taken with Rick Mohr a few years
> ago, and also an occasion where I collected a dance from his calling. He
> happily gave me the name and author of the dance, but was also quick to
> note that he had substituted out different moves for 16 counts of the
> dance, so that it would work better with his evening's program.
>
> Now, someone like Rick can just do this in his head. He has a data base
> of common combinations of dance moves, and where everyone ends up after
> executing them. As such, he can easily make substitutions on the fly,
> because he knows offhand that A+B=X+Y.**
>
> What I'm wondering is, has anyone bothered to write down and compile a
> list of common choreography substitutions? I'm thinking a spreadsheet of
> some sort, where we think about the net product of various combinations of
> dance moves, and categorize the combinations based on their output.
>
> For example: Neighbor Promenade across, Ladies Chain = Long Lines
> Forward and Back, Gents Allemande L 11/2.
>
> If no one has already done this, I'll start a new thread where we can
> begin to collaboratively write one up!
>
> Thanks, All!
> Angela
>
>
> **Yes, the momentum in each of these scenarios is probably different,
> and one might be better than another. But this depends on the rest of the
> dance's choreography, and for these purposes I don't especially care. :)
>
> ***Also worth acknowledging that substituting out an entire 16-count
> phrase could easily result in calling a different dance written by a
> different author, but I'm more concerned about using this technique for
> practical programming purposes.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> List Name: Callers mailing list
> List Address: Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
>
_______________________________________________
List Name: Callers mailing list
List Address: Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
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4 comments
3 participants
participants (3)
-
Angela DeCarlis -
DAVID HARDING -
Jerome Grisanti