How about the casters from the star move up/down to the next hey - all
sorts of interesting possibilities!
Bob
On Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 9:55 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> Good points from Neal and Bev.
>
> I'm curious now about the timing of the ladies casting over right shoulder
> and entering the hey. It does seem like it would better fit the music.
>
> RE: 3/8ths hey - there's a ton of dances with 3/8 hey called as half, as
> the same hey can be different number of passes in different heys.
>
> Anyway, now I really want to dance a star-cast-hey transition... :)
>
> Ron
>
> On Aug 11, 2016 3:57 PM, "Neal Schlein via Callers" <
> callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> Isn't it actually a 3/8ths hey? ...Which is somewhat tricky to say: Three
> Eights Hey For Four. Lots of numbers in there. Good enough reason to find
> another explanation. ;-)
>
> What I'm seeing about not simply writing it out as a hey is that the star
> is causing the ladies to move forward into the men's position. From a
> static perspective it is definitely a partial hey, but the women's momentum
> will want to carry them too far forward and it'll become mush for anyone
> not paying attention. Turning back to the right is nice flow, and to me
> there's nothing wrong with writing things like that into the dance.
>
> For example, I have long used a dance which cues the ladies to turn AWAY
> from a star and swing the man behind them. Technically it is just a
> u-turn, but every time I use that phrase three quarters of the ladies will
> turn TOWARD the star (for a variety of reasons, including partner
> "assistance"). It makes me cringe, because the dance is so much nicer if
> they turn the other direction.
>
> Neal
>
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>
Good points from Neal and Bev.
I'm curious now about the timing of the ladies casting over right shoulder
and entering the hey. It does seem like it would better fit the music.
RE: 3/8ths hey - there's a ton of dances with 3/8 hey called as half, as
the same hey can be different number of passes in different heys.
Anyway, now I really want to dance a star-cast-hey transition... :)
Ron
On Aug 11, 2016 3:57 PM, "Neal Schlein via Callers" <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Isn't it actually a 3/8ths hey? ...Which is somewhat tricky to say: Three
Eights Hey For Four. Lots of numbers in there. Good enough reason to find
another explanation. ;-)
What I'm seeing about not simply writing it out as a hey is that the star
is causing the ladies to move forward into the men's position. From a
static perspective it is definitely a partial hey, but the women's momentum
will want to carry them too far forward and it'll become mush for anyone
not paying attention. Turning back to the right is nice flow, and to me
there's nothing wrong with writing things like that into the dance.
For example, I have long used a dance which cues the ladies to turn AWAY
from a star and swing the man behind them. Technically it is just a
u-turn, but every time I use that phrase three quarters of the ladies will
turn TOWARD the star (for a variety of reasons, including partner
"assistance"). It makes me cringe, because the dance is so much nicer if
they turn the other direction.
Neal
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I've had this dance for years and don't know who wrote it or what it's
called. Anyone know?
Duple, improper
A1 ladies chain up/down set to neighbor
Partner swing
A2 circle L 3 places
Neighbor swing
B1 long lines F & B
Ladies chain
B2 circle L 1 1/4
Rings of 4 balance, California twirl
-Amy
Hi Ron,
In my ever so humble opinion, I think your suggested notation of the A2b is
effectively the same thing. Jo's notation (I'll admit, I think I suggested)
was to specifically mention the ladies turn single, which I'm not sure is
obvious for some dancers when described as a half hey. I think either way
works equally. Your mileage may vary.
Hi Jim Thaxter, to address the question you sent to me directly (to explain
the spin right 1 1/2 to new neighbor in the A1) just in case anyone on this
list was wondering, while I can see how you might think that would put
people into a diamond pattern with men in the middle of the set facing into
their group (up/down) and women on the sides facing in (across), the intent
is that the last turn 1/2 is in place which puts you simply facing new
neighbors. Think of Cary Ravitz's Maliza's Magical Mystery Motion's B1a
figure. When I look at the way he notated it, after the petronella turn he
wrote "and turn alone to face a new neighbor". That was Jo's intention
here.
Thanks also to Chris Page for emailing me directly.
You folks rock! :-)
Bev
>Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Is this dance already written? (Ron Blechner via Callers)
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Message: 1
>Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2016 14:46:38 -0400
>From: Ron Blechner via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
>To: Bev Bernbaum <wturnip(a)sympatico.ca>
>Cc: callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
>Subject: Re: [Callers] Is this dance already written?
>Message-ID:
> <CALf+g+5+pKH0RDdziGy8-O2JqbW6dJC0zFNFb+A9pMB26-_C6w(a)mail.gmail.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
>Question:
>
>The A2b: why not just "gents pull by L to start 1/2 a hey (GL, NR, LL, -) ?
>
>Best,
>Ron Blechner
>
>>On Aug 3, 2016 11:18 PM, "The Witful Turnip via Callers" <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>> Hi all,
>> I just spent the weekend with Jo Mortland of Chicago, who wrote the
>> dance below. She asked if there was a way to check if it, or something
>> similar, was already written and I mentioned this list. Jo's not a
>> subscriber but asked if I'd post it and report back. Please let me
>> know. Thanks, Bev
>>
>> Dancing with a Pirate - Jo Mortland
>> Counterclockwise Becket
>>
>> Begins in a ring of four
>> A1
>> Balance, spin right 1-1/2 to new Neighbors Balance, spin right (Lady
>> is on gent's left)
>>
>> A2
>> Hands across LH star
>> Gents pull by L to opposite side
>> While Ladies turn single to R
>> Ladies cross passing left
>>
>> B1
>> P B&S (opposite side of set)
>>
>> B2
>> LLFB
>> R&L thru, to original side of set
>> End in a ring of 4
Hi all,
I just spent the weekend with Jo Mortland of Chicago, who wrote the dance
below. She asked if there was a way to check if it, or something similar,
was already written and I mentioned this list. Jo's not a subscriber but
asked if I'd post it and report back. Please let me know. Thanks,
Bev
Dancing with a Pirate - Jo Mortland
Counterclockwise Becket
Begins in a ring of four
A1
Balance, spin right 1-1/2 to new Neighbors
Balance, spin right
(Lady is on gent's left)
A2
Hands across LH star
Gents pull by L to opposite side
While Ladies turn single to R
Ladies cross passing left
B1
P B&S (opposite side of set)
B2
LLFB
R&L thru, to original side of set
End in a ring of 4
I recently called a wedding dance in a tiny church (the only building left standing after a plague killed off everyone in the village hundreds of years ago!). We managed to clear a 3 x 5 yard area (but even that had dogs and sitting people intruding into the space!).
Fortunately it was a small wedding!
We had 20 people dancing in that space – very crowded – but they all had great fun!
No, we didn’t do any contras!
For a wedding, you use the space you have and make it fun.
Happy dancing,
John
John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574
http://www.modernjive.com for Modern Jive Events & DVDs
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
Rich,
Let's do a bottom up estimate driven by an exerise. Stand comfortably,
hold the hands of the opposite role dancers on either side of you
(imaginary or real), and execute a long-lines-forward-and-back.
The distance from your left hand to your right hand is the distance
along the line that you and your partner occupy. People of different
sizes will have different comfort factors. We've all been in lines that
were too scrunched up and lines where we couldn't even reach the next
person. 3-5 feet per person feels acceptable to me, with about 4 feet
being a good compromise. Your foursome needs twice the space, of 8'.
That implies that 20 couples would do well with about an 80-foot line.
Of course, if you are doing any down-the-hall figures, you need some
extra space. Six steps at 2' per step is 12', but it's negotiable.
How far did you travel on your forward voyage? Again, everyone's
mileage will differ, but I think that about 1 foot per step is suitable,
so if you and your partner each take three steps, you would want 6 feet
between you to start with. That's consistent with taking four 1.5-foot
steps to walk across in a chain or a right-and-left through. Add an
allowance for your depth and your partner's depth, say 1.5' each, and
we're up to 10' width per set. The courtesy turn is most comfortably
done if you have a little additional room, maybe another 1.5'-2' on each
side. Now we're up to 13'-14'.
I would thus claim that each hands-four needs about 8'x14', or 112
sqft. 28 sqft per person. Having written the above, I look back at the
other posts and am pleased to see that my number comes out pretty close
to the others. Depending on the shape of the space, there may be some
floor area that is not useful, since each set wants its 13'-14' width.
David Harding
On 8/1/2016 8:01 AM, Rich Sbardella via Callers wrote:
> Friends,
>
> I have been hire to call a wedding with 145 attendees and 15 known
> contra dancers. The bride and groom are insisting on modern contras.
>
> I have never thought about floor space, what is the typical
> requirement for a line of twenty couples?
>
> Any very easy duple improper dances to recommend? I plan on using
> "Family Contra" and "Jefferson and Lincoln".
>
> Thanls,
> Rich
>
>
>
>
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Woodie got it right. Talk with the B&G. Most everyone would much
prefer the dances to be fun for everyone, rather than more complicated
and difficult dances that fail with all the beginners. Just be sure
you have a good band who can keep a strong beat and great tunes.
For the grand march have the B&G lead the march (talk with them about
how this will work beforehand). Then have them end up in front and
middle where all can applaud them. A Virginia reel is good for
beginners, as is the Galopede. I've found that with good music and an
enthusiastic crowd, most good dancers enjoy the Galopede, or Virginia
reel as much as the most modern contras, as they are dancing with (at
lest some) friends, and they can always add their own flourishes.
And when all are lined up after the grand march, immediately form
lines from where they stand. Don't let them sit down. Keep them
dancing.
On Mon, Aug 1, 2016 at 5:53 PM, Rich Sbardella via Callers
<callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> Hello Woody,
>
> I have not assumed that only 20 couples would dance, I was just using that
> as a way to determine how much dance floor is needed. I would love three or
> four lines of 20 couples. I have not yet visited the hall.
>
> I have spoken at length with the B&G. They are indeed contra dancers. I
> let them know that they could have a great time with few or no contras, but
> they are insisting. I will include a longways and a circle mixer, if space
> allows, before I go to contras. I will have some easy, gender free contras
> to start, and a few very easy duple improper contras. It is their day, and
> they are calling the shots, but perhaps as the event develops, I can
> persuade them to be flexible. I have many ONS dances to draw from.
>
> Thanks for the advice, it will be useful.
>
> Rich Sbardella
> Stafford, CT
>
> On Mon, Aug 1, 2016 at 5:30 PM, Woody Lane via Callers
> <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Rich,
>>
>> Are the bride and groom actual contra dancers?
>>
>> I would talk with them first. Get a feel for their comfort about contras,
>> and also dancing in general. Ask them if they waltz. If you hear a few
>> moments of silence -- that says a lot about their dancing. Assure them that
>> everyone will have a great time.
>>
>> With a 145 attendees, why assume that there will only be 40 dancers (20
>> couples)? Maybe there will be only 40 if all the dances you call are modern
>> contras. But if you, as the MC for that part of the event, can get all the
>> attendees on the dance floor (or at least 100+), all happy and celebrating
>> -- would that be an option? Would that be what the couple really wants but
>> is either narrow in their perspective or doesn't know how to articulate it?
>>
>> This weekend, I called a wedding for some folks who wanted contras. That's
>> what they advertised. Well, yes, except that the bride and groom had really
>> never waltzed or had done real contras.
>>
>> Nonetheless, contras was what they had in their heads. There were 80
>> attendees. The dance area was a relatively narrow rectangle of grass. But we
>> began with a Grand March -- which everyone (and I mean everyone) could do,
>> with a wind-up spiral. Even the non-dancers could walk through it and laugh.
>> Then a very phrase-driven circle mixer, then a Virginia Reel style of dance.
>> Nearly everyone was on the dance floor, having a great time. And they stayed
>> on the floor, ignoring the free drinks. Yes, it was occasionally a bit
>> crowded, but nobody cared. Actually, that's what I think the wedding couple
>> really wanted -- to have lots of fun on their special day and share the
>> celebration. They were absolutely delighted that so many of their non-dancer
>> friends were clearly having a great time on the dance floor. (and then we
>> did more dances after a dessert break, ending with a simple fun mixer.) And
>> at the end of the evening, they gave me an extra tip on top of my payment.
>>
>> Just some thoughts. Good luck.
>>
>> Woody
>>
>> --
>> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
>> Woody Lane
>> Caller, Percussive Dancer
>> Roseburg, Oregon
>> http://www.woodylanecaller.com
>> home: 541-440-1926 cell: 541-556-0054
>> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
>>
>> On 8/1/2016 6:01 AM, Rich Sbardella via Callers wrote:
>>>
>>> Friends,
>>>
>>> I have been hire to call a wedding with 145 attendees and 15 known
>>> contra dancers. The bride and groom are insisting on modern contras.
>>>
>>> I have never thought about floor space, what is the typical
>>> requirement for a line of twenty couples?
>>>
>>> Any very easy duple improper dances to recommend? I plan on using
>>> "Family Contra" and "Jefferson and Lincoln".
>>>
>>> Thanls,
>>> Rich
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>
>
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>
Woody: Great observations. Glad your experience was so positive.
Rich: So sorry to hear that they are "insistent" on MUC. Many of us have been in this situation and we know from experience that the Bride and Groom are often too busy with photos, greeting families and friends that they often don't even get to the dance floor. I'm sure you'll arrive ready for anything and everything.
Don't forget "Ellen's Green Jig". I've used it a couple of times in such situations.
Donna
-----Original Message-----
From: Rich Sbardella via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
To: Woody Lane <woody(a)woodylane.com>
Cc: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
Sent: Mon, Aug 1, 2016 5:53 pm
Subject: Re: [Callers] Floor Space Requirement
Hello Woody,
I have not assumed that only 20 couples would dance, I was just using that as a way to determine how much dance floor is needed. I would love three or four lines of 20 couples. I have not yet visited the hall.
I have spoken at length with the B&G. They are indeed contra dancers. I let them know that they could have a great time with few or no contras, but they are insisting. I will include a longways and a circle mixer, if space allows, before I go to contras. I will have some easy, gender free contras to start, and a few very easy duple improper contras. It is their day, and they are calling the shots, but perhaps as the event develops, I can persuade them to be flexible. I have many ONS dances to draw from.
Thanks for the advice, it will be useful.
Rich Sbardella
Stafford, CT
