Proper Dance, gender free yet not too simple
A1 Neighbor allemande left 1 1/2
1st corners allemande right 1 1/2
A2 Scoop your partner as you go by, star promenade then butterfly
2nd corners swing in the center, then separate
B1 Partner balance and swing
B2 Take hands in a ring, balance and petranella
Couple 2 swing in the center, end facing up
Dances can have variety and challenges without gender reference. In this
dance, as long as you make clear in the teaching that after the neighbor
allemande left 1 1/2 if you are facing in, you are a 1st corner so you
allemande right, if facing out you are a 2nd corner, get ready to be
scooped you can end the swings any way you want.
Ron, you are certainly right that not all dances can be easily taught in
this manner, but in no way are all of these type of dances simple. I
struggled with translating a "choose your noun" for ladies or gents because
that is how I learned and think about the dance roles. The translation
process adds a layer of complexity for me. I am just offering a different
approach that works for me.
Thanks
Jim
On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 3:40 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> RE: Dave:
>
> Clockwise / counterclockwise - too wordy, and some people have trouble
> with this regardless.
>
> Hey: What about on the left diagonal? Along the set?
>
> I also really don't like the blaming of the dance if it's not 100%
> intuitive. Plenty of dances flow great but have a counter-intuitive
> element. Restricting dances to those without counter-intuitive moves
> is basically saying, "Sorry, if we want to be genderfree, we need to
> put a cap on how difficult a dance is. Sorry genderfree dancers, you
> aren't allowed to dance too advanced." That's a big problem.
>
> Rollaways can *not* be handled from left to right - who does the
> rolling is not indicated at all!
>
> On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 1:23 PM, Dave Casserly
> <david.j.casserly(a)gmail.com> wrote:
> > Also with regard to Ron's questions, numbers 2 and 3 (who-leads-whom and
> > who-walks-forward) can be handled by using the terms "clockwise" and
> > "counterclockwise." As to 4 (who passes whom for a hey), I agree with
> Bob
> > that if the dance is good, it should be obvious, but even if not, "pass
> left
> > shoulders in the middle for a hey for four" can only be interpreted one
> way,
> > so that fixes the issue of referring to roles. Roll-aways can be handled
> > with "roll away from the left to the right" or "roll away from the right
> to
> > the left."
> >
> > I'm not saying that it's perfect, but it is actually quite doable to
> call a
> > dance without referring to roles at all, even without resorting to first
> or
> > second corners.
> >
> > Perry asked for an example of a dance with global terminology used.
> Here's
> > one (just picking a common, typical dance):
> >
> > Square Affair, by Becky Hill
> >
> > A1 Long Lines, 1st corners chain (or just say "chain" if you're dealing
> with
> > experienced dancers and don't want to use the corners terminology)
> > A2 Balance and pull by partner, pull by neighbor, balance and pull by
> > partner, pull by neighbor
> > B1 New neighbors balance and swing
> > B2 Circle 3/4, partner swing
> >
> > Perry, you also mentioned that you are trying to figure out how global
> > terminology would work for proper dances. I have always called proper
> > dances using global terminology without even thinking about it. For
> Chorus
> > Jig, for instance, why would you ever need to use the term "gent" or
> "lady"?
> > Down the outside, back, down the middle, back and neighbor
> around-the-waist
> > turn, 1s turn contra corners, 1s balance and swing. Nothing that any
> > particular role does that the other role isn't doing at the same time.
> >
> > On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 9:41 AM, Bob Morgan via Callers
> > <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> >>
> >> With regard to Ron's questions
> >>
> >> 1. Would be easily covered by 1st or 2nd corners walk forward to a wave
> >>
> >> 2. Again can be done with reference to corners
> >>
> >> 3. Not so familiar with these.
> >>
> >> 4. You usually only need an obvious first pass person so not an issue I
> >> think
> >>
> >> 5. If you're facing out you turn, if you're facing across you walk is
> how
> >> I call it anyway
> >>
> >> Bob
> >>
> >> On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 5:09 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers
> >> <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Andrea, how would you handle the following:
> >>>
> >>> 1. Lines of one role/position to the center to a wavy line, as in Trip
> to
> >>> Lambertville, et all?
> >>>
> >>> 2. Indication of who walks forward / backs up in a gypsy star?
> >>>
> >>> 3. Indication of who-leads-who, such as in Ramsay Chase, Pedal Pushers,
> >>> Jurassic Redheads, etc.
> >>>
> >>> 4. Indication of who is passing while calling a hey.
> >>>
> >>> 5. Indication of who crosses, who turns in a box circulate?
> >>>
> >>> 6. Indication any other role/position specific move that I haven't
> >>> mentioned? Turn over right shoulder, as in Fairport Harbour? Rollaways?
> >>>
> >>> None of these fall under the "most unusual figures" as you stated.
> >>>
> >>> Ron
> >>>
> >>> On Jun 1, 2015 11:59 AM, "Andrea Nettleton via Callers"
> >>> <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> In previous discussions here, on FB, and privately with organizers at
> >>>> Hampshire over the last two years, I have discussed the possible use
> of
> >>>> global terminology for gender free contra. I would contend that if
> used,
> >>>> everyone would become more aware of the structure of dances. Only
> the most
> >>>> unusual figures/sequences would be unable to be called. The addition
> of
> >>>> first and second corner positions to the arsenal makes it possible
> for same
> >>>> role dancers to also be called upon to dance together without
> reference to
> >>>> gender. Second corners chain, or first corners allemande L 1 1/2 for
> >>>> example. It would have to be agreed that this refers to those
> standing in
> >>>> those positions at that moment. In ECD we use first and second
> corners to
> >>>> refer to the people, first and second diagonals for the positions.
> But
> >>>> since we use diagonal to refer to those across and over one set, this
> seems
> >>>> unhelpful. Simply corner positions works better. I'm glad some
> folks are
> >>>> trying it out at last. I had hoped for an opportunity myself before
> now.
> >>>> Cheers,
> >>>> Andrea
> >>>>
> >>>> Sent from my iOnlypretendtomultitask
> >>>>
> >>>> On Jun 1, 2015, at 8:37 AM, Jim Hemphill via Callers
> >>>> <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> The recent discussions on this topic inspired me to try an experiment
> in
> >>>> gender free calling. Last night I called the contra dance in St.
> Louis
> >>>> using gender free calling without telling anyone. The experiment
> was a
> >>>> great success. I received lots of positive feedback on the evenings
> dance.
> >>>> At the break and after the dance I made a point to ask several
> dancers, some
> >>>> were callers as well, if they noticed anything different or unusual
> about
> >>>> the dances or how I taught them. One person noticed that there were
> more
> >>>> dances that included a swing in the center for couple 2 than usual.
> No one
> >>>> I talked to noticed that the calls and teaching were gender free.
> >>>>
> >>>> It took some extra time to construct a fun, diverse 3 hour program,
> but
> >>>> it is certainly possible. Re-labeling the dancers is not the only
> way to
> >>>> call gender free.
> >>>>
> >>>> If you are interested in the program I used or the larger collection
> of
> >>>> gender free dances I chose the program from, send me an email,
> >>>> arcadian35(a)gmail.com.
> >>>>
> >>>> Thanks,
> >>>> Jim Hemphill
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>> Callers mailing list
> >>>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> >>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>> Callers mailing list
> >>>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> >>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> Callers mailing list
> >>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> >>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> Callers mailing list
> >> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> >> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > David Casserly
> > (cell) 781 258-2761
> _______________________________________________
> Callers mailing list
> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
RE: Dave:
Clockwise / counterclockwise - too wordy, and some people have trouble
with this regardless.
Hey: What about on the left diagonal? Along the set?
I also really don't like the blaming of the dance if it's not 100%
intuitive. Plenty of dances flow great but have a counter-intuitive
element. Restricting dances to those without counter-intuitive moves
is basically saying, "Sorry, if we want to be genderfree, we need to
put a cap on how difficult a dance is. Sorry genderfree dancers, you
aren't allowed to dance too advanced." That's a big problem.
Rollaways can *not* be handled from left to right - who does the
rolling is not indicated at all!
On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 1:23 PM, Dave Casserly
<david.j.casserly(a)gmail.com> wrote:
> Also with regard to Ron's questions, numbers 2 and 3 (who-leads-whom and
> who-walks-forward) can be handled by using the terms "clockwise" and
> "counterclockwise." As to 4 (who passes whom for a hey), I agree with Bob
> that if the dance is good, it should be obvious, but even if not, "pass left
> shoulders in the middle for a hey for four" can only be interpreted one way,
> so that fixes the issue of referring to roles. Roll-aways can be handled
> with "roll away from the left to the right" or "roll away from the right to
> the left."
>
> I'm not saying that it's perfect, but it is actually quite doable to call a
> dance without referring to roles at all, even without resorting to first or
> second corners.
>
> Perry asked for an example of a dance with global terminology used. Here's
> one (just picking a common, typical dance):
>
> Square Affair, by Becky Hill
>
> A1 Long Lines, 1st corners chain (or just say "chain" if you're dealing with
> experienced dancers and don't want to use the corners terminology)
> A2 Balance and pull by partner, pull by neighbor, balance and pull by
> partner, pull by neighbor
> B1 New neighbors balance and swing
> B2 Circle 3/4, partner swing
>
> Perry, you also mentioned that you are trying to figure out how global
> terminology would work for proper dances. I have always called proper
> dances using global terminology without even thinking about it. For Chorus
> Jig, for instance, why would you ever need to use the term "gent" or "lady"?
> Down the outside, back, down the middle, back and neighbor around-the-waist
> turn, 1s turn contra corners, 1s balance and swing. Nothing that any
> particular role does that the other role isn't doing at the same time.
>
> On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 9:41 AM, Bob Morgan via Callers
> <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>> With regard to Ron's questions
>>
>> 1. Would be easily covered by 1st or 2nd corners walk forward to a wave
>>
>> 2. Again can be done with reference to corners
>>
>> 3. Not so familiar with these.
>>
>> 4. You usually only need an obvious first pass person so not an issue I
>> think
>>
>> 5. If you're facing out you turn, if you're facing across you walk is how
>> I call it anyway
>>
>> Bob
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 5:09 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers
>> <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>
>>> Andrea, how would you handle the following:
>>>
>>> 1. Lines of one role/position to the center to a wavy line, as in Trip to
>>> Lambertville, et all?
>>>
>>> 2. Indication of who walks forward / backs up in a gypsy star?
>>>
>>> 3. Indication of who-leads-who, such as in Ramsay Chase, Pedal Pushers,
>>> Jurassic Redheads, etc.
>>>
>>> 4. Indication of who is passing while calling a hey.
>>>
>>> 5. Indication of who crosses, who turns in a box circulate?
>>>
>>> 6. Indication any other role/position specific move that I haven't
>>> mentioned? Turn over right shoulder, as in Fairport Harbour? Rollaways?
>>>
>>> None of these fall under the "most unusual figures" as you stated.
>>>
>>> Ron
>>>
>>> On Jun 1, 2015 11:59 AM, "Andrea Nettleton via Callers"
>>> <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> In previous discussions here, on FB, and privately with organizers at
>>>> Hampshire over the last two years, I have discussed the possible use of
>>>> global terminology for gender free contra. I would contend that if used,
>>>> everyone would become more aware of the structure of dances. Only the most
>>>> unusual figures/sequences would be unable to be called. The addition of
>>>> first and second corner positions to the arsenal makes it possible for same
>>>> role dancers to also be called upon to dance together without reference to
>>>> gender. Second corners chain, or first corners allemande L 1 1/2 for
>>>> example. It would have to be agreed that this refers to those standing in
>>>> those positions at that moment. In ECD we use first and second corners to
>>>> refer to the people, first and second diagonals for the positions. But
>>>> since we use diagonal to refer to those across and over one set, this seems
>>>> unhelpful. Simply corner positions works better. I'm glad some folks are
>>>> trying it out at last. I had hoped for an opportunity myself before now.
>>>> Cheers,
>>>> Andrea
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iOnlypretendtomultitask
>>>>
>>>> On Jun 1, 2015, at 8:37 AM, Jim Hemphill via Callers
>>>> <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> The recent discussions on this topic inspired me to try an experiment in
>>>> gender free calling. Last night I called the contra dance in St. Louis
>>>> using gender free calling without telling anyone. The experiment was a
>>>> great success. I received lots of positive feedback on the evenings dance.
>>>> At the break and after the dance I made a point to ask several dancers, some
>>>> were callers as well, if they noticed anything different or unusual about
>>>> the dances or how I taught them. One person noticed that there were more
>>>> dances that included a swing in the center for couple 2 than usual. No one
>>>> I talked to noticed that the calls and teaching were gender free.
>>>>
>>>> It took some extra time to construct a fun, diverse 3 hour program, but
>>>> it is certainly possible. Re-labeling the dancers is not the only way to
>>>> call gender free.
>>>>
>>>> If you are interested in the program I used or the larger collection of
>>>> gender free dances I chose the program from, send me an email,
>>>> arcadian35(a)gmail.com.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Jim Hemphill
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Callers mailing list
>>>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Callers mailing list
>>>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Callers mailing list
>>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>
>
>
>
> --
> David Casserly
> (cell) 781 258-2761
On 6/1/2015 10:23 AM, Dave Casserly via Callers wrote:
> Also with regard to Ron's questions, numbers 2 and 3 (who-leads-whom and
> who-walks-forward) can be handled by using the terms "clockwise" and
> "counterclockwise." As to 4 (who passes whom for a hey), I agree with
> Bob that if the dance is good, it should be obvious, but even if not,
> "pass left shoulders in the middle for a hey for four" can only be
> interpreted one way, so that fixes the issue of referring to roles.
Mostly, yes, but with oddball dances like Earth and Sky (Rick Mohr) that
have an unusual entry into the hey you do need to give some more
specific instruction.
A1: Gypsy with neighbor (8)
Swing neighbor (8)
A2: Circle left 3/4 (8)
Allemande right with partner 1 1/2 (8)
B1: Allemande left with shadow (6)
Swing partner (10)
B2: 5/8 hey (men pass right shoulders to start) (8)
Gypsy (left shoulder) with neighbor (8)
Just as a brain exercise, how would you tackle this one with global
terminology? There's usually a way to make it work, but sometimes it
can be pretty clunky to avoid the role terms.
> I'm not saying that it's perfect, but it is actually quite doable to
> call a dance without referring to roles at all, even without resorting
> to first or second corners.
>
> Perry asked for an example of a dance with global terminology used.
> Here's one (just picking a common, typical dance):
>
> Square Affair, by Becky Hill
>
> A1 Long Lines, 1st corners chain (or just say "chain" if you're dealing
> with experienced dancers and don't want to use the corners terminology)
That would need to be 2nd corners.
> A2 Balance and pull by partner, pull by neighbor, balance and pull by
> partner, pull by neighbor
> B1 New neighbors balance and swing
> B2 Circle 3/4, partner swing
Kalia Kliban
Sebastopol, CA
We have a caller in the Mad Robin group that calls our monthly dance that
doesn't use gendered terms. They only call a few dances in the evening, so
it's easier to pick a few dances that you can finesse around the language.
If you go into every swing saying where you end relative to the person
you're swinging "swing your neighbor and end in their place" versus "swing
your neighbor and end where you started" lets you say "the folks that ended
on the right now allemande in the middle", etc. It's finaglable, but gets
cumbersome.
Jim, while I applaud your dedication to making it happen, I'd personally
want the buy-in and support of my community before engineering a vocabulary
restructuring (we did an entire evening using explicit gender free at our
monthly dance, it was warmly received as a one-off, but folks were not
eager to see a permanent transition). A large part of the knowledge
transfer to new dancers happens between the folks on the floor; and if
you're using different language than the community, I worry about the new
dancers.
As a small note, I personally object to the idea that "chain" by itself is
fine in this context; as it's using a learned association without
acknowledging it. To me, it seems to reinforce the dichotomy while making
the dance less accessible to new dancers.
On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 1:23 PM, Dave Casserly via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> Also with regard to Ron's questions, numbers 2 and 3 (who-leads-whom and
> who-walks-forward) can be handled by using the terms "clockwise" and
> "counterclockwise." As to 4 (who passes whom for a hey), I agree with Bob
> that if the dance is good, it should be obvious, but even if not, "pass
> left shoulders in the middle for a hey for four" can only be interpreted
> one way, so that fixes the issue of referring to roles. Roll-aways can be
> handled with "roll away from the left to the right" or "roll away from the
> right to the left."
>
> I'm not saying that it's perfect, but it is actually quite doable to call
> a dance without referring to roles at all, even without resorting to first
> or second corners.
>
> Perry asked for an example of a dance with global terminology used.
> Here's one (just picking a common, typical dance):
>
> Square Affair, by Becky Hill
>
> A1 Long Lines, 1st corners chain (or just say "chain" if you're dealing
> with experienced dancers and don't want to use the corners terminology)
> A2 Balance and pull by partner, pull by neighbor, balance and pull by
> partner, pull by neighbor
> B1 New neighbors balance and swing
> B2 Circle 3/4, partner swing
>
> Perry, you also mentioned that you are trying to figure out how global
> terminology would work for proper dances. I have always called proper
> dances using global terminology without even thinking about it. For Chorus
> Jig, for instance, why would you ever need to use the term "gent" or
> "lady"? Down the outside, back, down the middle, back and neighbor
> around-the-waist turn, 1s turn contra corners, 1s balance and swing.
> Nothing that any particular role does that the other role isn't doing at
> the same time.
>
> On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 9:41 AM, Bob Morgan via Callers <
> callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> With regard to Ron's questions
>>
>> 1. Would be easily covered by 1st or 2nd corners walk forward to a wave
>>
>> 2. Again can be done with reference to corners
>>
>> 3. Not so familiar with these.
>>
>> 4. You usually only need an obvious first pass person so not an issue I
>> think
>>
>> 5. If you're facing out you turn, if you're facing across you walk is
>> how I call it anyway
>>
>> Bob
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 5:09 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers <
>> callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>>> Andrea, how would you handle the following:
>>>
>>> 1. Lines of one role/position to the center to a wavy line, as in Trip
>>> to Lambertville, et all?
>>>
>>> 2. Indication of who walks forward / backs up in a gypsy star?
>>>
>>> 3. Indication of who-leads-who, such as in Ramsay Chase, Pedal Pushers,
>>> Jurassic Redheads, etc.
>>>
>>> 4. Indication of who is passing while calling a hey.
>>>
>>> 5. Indication of who crosses, who turns in a box circulate?
>>>
>>> 6. Indication any other role/position specific move that I haven't
>>> mentioned? Turn over right shoulder, as in Fairport Harbour? Rollaways?
>>>
>>> None of these fall under the "most unusual figures" as you stated.
>>>
>>> Ron
>>> On Jun 1, 2015 11:59 AM, "Andrea Nettleton via Callers" <
>>> callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> In previous discussions here, on FB, and privately with organizers at
>>>> Hampshire over the last two years, I have discussed the possible use of
>>>> global terminology for gender free contra. I would contend that if used,
>>>> everyone would become more aware of the structure of dances. Only the most
>>>> unusual figures/sequences would be unable to be called. The addition of
>>>> first and second corner positions to the arsenal makes it possible for same
>>>> role dancers to also be called upon to dance together without reference to
>>>> gender. Second corners chain, or first corners allemande L 1 1/2 for
>>>> example. It would have to be agreed that this refers to those standing in
>>>> those positions at that moment. In ECD we use first and second corners to
>>>> refer to the people, first and second diagonals for the positions. But
>>>> since we use diagonal to refer to those across and over one set, this seems
>>>> unhelpful. Simply corner positions works better. I'm glad some folks are
>>>> trying it out at last. I had hoped for an opportunity myself before now.
>>>> Cheers,
>>>> Andrea
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iOnlypretendtomultitask
>>>>
>>>> On Jun 1, 2015, at 8:37 AM, Jim Hemphill via Callers <
>>>> callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> The recent discussions on this topic inspired me to try an experiment
>>>> in gender free calling. Last night I called the contra dance in St. Louis
>>>> using gender free calling without telling anyone. The experiment was a
>>>> great success. I received lots of positive feedback on the evenings
>>>> dance. At the break and after the dance I made a point to ask several
>>>> dancers, some were callers as well, if they noticed anything different or
>>>> unusual about the dances or how I taught them. One person noticed that
>>>> there were more dances that included a swing in the center for couple 2
>>>> than usual. No one I talked to noticed that the calls and teaching were
>>>> gender free.
>>>>
>>>> It took some extra time to construct a fun, diverse 3 hour program, but
>>>> it is certainly possible. Re-labeling the dancers is not the only way to
>>>> call gender free.
>>>>
>>>> If you are interested in the program I used or the larger collection of
>>>> gender free dances I chose the program from, send me an email,
>>>> arcadian35(a)gmail.com.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Jim Hemphill
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Callers mailing list
>>>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Callers mailing list
>>>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>>>
>>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Callers mailing list
>>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>>
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> David Casserly
> (cell) 781 258-2761
>
> _______________________________________________
> Callers mailing list
> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>
--
Luke Donforth
Luke.Donforth(a)gmail.com <Luke.Donev(a)gmail.com>
Note, that page doesn't use the phrase "Global Terminology". More
specifically, the word "global" doesn't appear anywhere on it. It does
include a "Heather and Rose Terminology" section which is what I believe is
being referenced.
I only bring this up because it caused me some confusion at first, as it
was not clear in which section the referenced "global" material was.
On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 12:51 PM, Linda Leslie via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> In an earlier email, David Casserly shared the following link, which
> defines the approach very, very well!
> http://heatherandrose.org/terms.shtml
> Linda
>
>
Also with regard to Ron's questions, numbers 2 and 3 (who-leads-whom and
who-walks-forward) can be handled by using the terms "clockwise" and
"counterclockwise." As to 4 (who passes whom for a hey), I agree with Bob
that if the dance is good, it should be obvious, but even if not, "pass
left shoulders in the middle for a hey for four" can only be interpreted
one way, so that fixes the issue of referring to roles. Roll-aways can be
handled with "roll away from the left to the right" or "roll away from the
right to the left."
I'm not saying that it's perfect, but it is actually quite doable to call a
dance without referring to roles at all, even without resorting to first or
second corners.
Perry asked for an example of a dance with global terminology used. Here's
one (just picking a common, typical dance):
Square Affair, by Becky Hill
A1 Long Lines, 1st corners chain (or just say "chain" if you're dealing
with experienced dancers and don't want to use the corners terminology)
A2 Balance and pull by partner, pull by neighbor, balance and pull by
partner, pull by neighbor
B1 New neighbors balance and swing
B2 Circle 3/4, partner swing
Perry, you also mentioned that you are trying to figure out how global
terminology would work for proper dances. I have always called proper
dances using global terminology without even thinking about it. For Chorus
Jig, for instance, why would you ever need to use the term "gent" or
"lady"? Down the outside, back, down the middle, back and neighbor
around-the-waist turn, 1s turn contra corners, 1s balance and swing.
Nothing that any particular role does that the other role isn't doing at
the same time.
On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 9:41 AM, Bob Morgan via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> With regard to Ron's questions
>
> 1. Would be easily covered by 1st or 2nd corners walk forward to a wave
>
> 2. Again can be done with reference to corners
>
> 3. Not so familiar with these.
>
> 4. You usually only need an obvious first pass person so not an issue I
> think
>
> 5. If you're facing out you turn, if you're facing across you walk is how
> I call it anyway
>
> Bob
>
> On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 5:09 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers <
> callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Andrea, how would you handle the following:
>>
>> 1. Lines of one role/position to the center to a wavy line, as in Trip to
>> Lambertville, et all?
>>
>> 2. Indication of who walks forward / backs up in a gypsy star?
>>
>> 3. Indication of who-leads-who, such as in Ramsay Chase, Pedal Pushers,
>> Jurassic Redheads, etc.
>>
>> 4. Indication of who is passing while calling a hey.
>>
>> 5. Indication of who crosses, who turns in a box circulate?
>>
>> 6. Indication any other role/position specific move that I haven't
>> mentioned? Turn over right shoulder, as in Fairport Harbour? Rollaways?
>>
>> None of these fall under the "most unusual figures" as you stated.
>>
>> Ron
>> On Jun 1, 2015 11:59 AM, "Andrea Nettleton via Callers" <
>> callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>>> In previous discussions here, on FB, and privately with organizers at
>>> Hampshire over the last two years, I have discussed the possible use of
>>> global terminology for gender free contra. I would contend that if used,
>>> everyone would become more aware of the structure of dances. Only the most
>>> unusual figures/sequences would be unable to be called. The addition of
>>> first and second corner positions to the arsenal makes it possible for same
>>> role dancers to also be called upon to dance together without reference to
>>> gender. Second corners chain, or first corners allemande L 1 1/2 for
>>> example. It would have to be agreed that this refers to those standing in
>>> those positions at that moment. In ECD we use first and second corners to
>>> refer to the people, first and second diagonals for the positions. But
>>> since we use diagonal to refer to those across and over one set, this seems
>>> unhelpful. Simply corner positions works better. I'm glad some folks are
>>> trying it out at last. I had hoped for an opportunity myself before now.
>>> Cheers,
>>> Andrea
>>>
>>> Sent from my iOnlypretendtomultitask
>>>
>>> On Jun 1, 2015, at 8:37 AM, Jim Hemphill via Callers <
>>> callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>
>>> The recent discussions on this topic inspired me to try an experiment in
>>> gender free calling. Last night I called the contra dance in St. Louis
>>> using gender free calling without telling anyone. The experiment was a
>>> great success. I received lots of positive feedback on the evenings
>>> dance. At the break and after the dance I made a point to ask several
>>> dancers, some were callers as well, if they noticed anything different or
>>> unusual about the dances or how I taught them. One person noticed that
>>> there were more dances that included a swing in the center for couple 2
>>> than usual. No one I talked to noticed that the calls and teaching were
>>> gender free.
>>>
>>> It took some extra time to construct a fun, diverse 3 hour program, but
>>> it is certainly possible. Re-labeling the dancers is not the only way to
>>> call gender free.
>>>
>>> If you are interested in the program I used or the larger collection of
>>> gender free dances I chose the program from, send me an email,
>>> arcadian35(a)gmail.com.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Jim Hemphill
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Callers mailing list
>>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>
>>>
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>>
>>
>
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>
>
--
David Casserly
(cell) 781 258-2761
In trying to figure out how this would work, I guess I need to stop thinking of 1st or 2nd corners in ECD, since most of those are proper dances, to using the terminology in contra, since most dances are improper. I'm trying to figure out how it would work for proper dances. And then for becket dances (though I can see that not being too difficult).
And then there is contra corners, where 1st and 2nd corners have completely different meanings. In that case we would need to differentiate between a "corner" and a "contra corner". I ran into this when calling a contra dance with 1st and 2nd corners (Centennial Reel) recently.
Perry
From: Bob Morgan via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
To: Ron Blechner <contraron(a)gmail.com>
Cc: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
Sent: Monday, June 1, 2015 10:41 AM
Subject: Re: [Callers] Another approach to Gender Free calling
With regard to Ron's questions 1. Would be easily covered by 1st or 2nd corners walk forward to a wave 2. Again can be done with reference to corners 3. Not so familiar with these. 4. You usually only need an obvious first pass person so not an issue I think 5. If you're facing out you turn, if you're facing across you walk is how I call it anyway Bob
On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 5:09 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Andrea, how would you handle the following:1. Lines of one role/position to the center to a wavy line, as in Trip to Lambertville, et all?2. Indication of who walks forward / backs up in a gypsy star?3. Indication of who-leads-who, such as in Ramsay Chase, Pedal Pushers, Jurassic Redheads, etc.4. Indication of who is passing while calling a hey.5. Indication of who crosses, who turns in a box circulate?6. Indication any other role/position specific move that I haven't mentioned? Turn over right shoulder, as in Fairport Harbour? Rollaways? None of these fall under the "most unusual figures" as you stated.Ron On Jun 1, 2015 11:59 AM, "Andrea Nettleton via Callers" <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
In previous discussions here, on FB, and privately with organizers at Hampshire over the last two years, I have discussed the possible use of global terminology for gender free contra. I would contend that if used, everyone would become more aware of the structure of dances. Only the most unusual figures/sequences would be unable to be called. The addition of first and second corner positions to the arsenal makes it possible for same role dancers to also be called upon to dance together without reference to gender. Second corners chain, or first corners allemande L 1 1/2 for example. It would have to be agreed that this refers to those standing in those positions at that moment. In ECD we use first and second corners to refer to the people, first and second diagonals for the positions. But since we use diagonal to refer to those across and over one set, this seems unhelpful. Simply corner positions works better. I'm glad some folks are trying it out at last. I had hoped for an opportunity myself before now.Cheers,Andrea
Sent from my iOnlypretendtomultitask
On Jun 1, 2015, at 8:37 AM, Jim Hemphill via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
The recent discussions on this topic inspired me to try an experiment in gender free calling. Last night I called the contra dance in St. Louis using gender free calling without telling anyone. The experiment was a great success. I received lots of positive feedback on the evenings dance. At the break and after the dance I made a point to ask several dancers, some were callers as well, if they noticed anything different or unusual about the dances or how I taught them. One person noticed that there were more dances that included a swing in the center for couple 2 than usual. No one I talked to noticed that the calls and teaching were gender free. It took some extra time to construct a fun, diverse 3 hour program, but it is certainly possible. Re-labeling the dancers is not the only way to call gender free. If you are interested in the program I used or the larger collection of gender free dances I chose the program from, send me an email, arcadian35(a)gmail.com. Thanks,Jim Hemphill
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With regard to Ron's questions
1. Would be easily covered by 1st or 2nd corners walk forward to a wave
2. Again can be done with reference to corners
3. Not so familiar with these.
4. You usually only need an obvious first pass person so not an issue I
think
5. If you're facing out you turn, if you're facing across you walk is how
I call it anyway
Bob
On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 5:09 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> Andrea, how would you handle the following:
>
> 1. Lines of one role/position to the center to a wavy line, as in Trip to
> Lambertville, et all?
>
> 2. Indication of who walks forward / backs up in a gypsy star?
>
> 3. Indication of who-leads-who, such as in Ramsay Chase, Pedal Pushers,
> Jurassic Redheads, etc.
>
> 4. Indication of who is passing while calling a hey.
>
> 5. Indication of who crosses, who turns in a box circulate?
>
> 6. Indication any other role/position specific move that I haven't
> mentioned? Turn over right shoulder, as in Fairport Harbour? Rollaways?
>
> None of these fall under the "most unusual figures" as you stated.
>
> Ron
> On Jun 1, 2015 11:59 AM, "Andrea Nettleton via Callers" <
> callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> In previous discussions here, on FB, and privately with organizers at
>> Hampshire over the last two years, I have discussed the possible use of
>> global terminology for gender free contra. I would contend that if used,
>> everyone would become more aware of the structure of dances. Only the most
>> unusual figures/sequences would be unable to be called. The addition of
>> first and second corner positions to the arsenal makes it possible for same
>> role dancers to also be called upon to dance together without reference to
>> gender. Second corners chain, or first corners allemande L 1 1/2 for
>> example. It would have to be agreed that this refers to those standing in
>> those positions at that moment. In ECD we use first and second corners to
>> refer to the people, first and second diagonals for the positions. But
>> since we use diagonal to refer to those across and over one set, this seems
>> unhelpful. Simply corner positions works better. I'm glad some folks are
>> trying it out at last. I had hoped for an opportunity myself before now.
>> Cheers,
>> Andrea
>>
>> Sent from my iOnlypretendtomultitask
>>
>> On Jun 1, 2015, at 8:37 AM, Jim Hemphill via Callers <
>> callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>> The recent discussions on this topic inspired me to try an experiment in
>> gender free calling. Last night I called the contra dance in St. Louis
>> using gender free calling without telling anyone. The experiment was a
>> great success. I received lots of positive feedback on the evenings
>> dance. At the break and after the dance I made a point to ask several
>> dancers, some were callers as well, if they noticed anything different or
>> unusual about the dances or how I taught them. One person noticed that
>> there were more dances that included a swing in the center for couple 2
>> than usual. No one I talked to noticed that the calls and teaching were
>> gender free.
>>
>> It took some extra time to construct a fun, diverse 3 hour program, but
>> it is certainly possible. Re-labeling the dancers is not the only way to
>> call gender free.
>>
>> If you are interested in the program I used or the larger collection of
>> gender free dances I chose the program from, send me an email,
>> arcadian35(a)gmail.com.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jim Hemphill
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>
>>
> _______________________________________________
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> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>
It's funny, but there's a part of me that finds all of these different
words a little weird. In a way, I'm not sure I like any of them. But I
do like the sense of liberation they give -- the level of comfort that's
appearing at dances for people dancing with anyone. In my area, the SF
Bay Area, men are definitely getting more comfortable dancing with men.
Around here -- as opposed to outlying areas -- there has always been a
level of tolerance, but the level of acceptance is growing.
I think my sense of weirdness -- slight discomfort -- comes from both
working to change my habits, and from the sense of the terms being
contrived. OK, my thought/feelings are changing, and my mind is starting
to think of this use as being creative rather than contrived. Also, use
is working in my favor: the more I call using Larks and Ravens, the more
comfortable it's getting for me, and I'm feeling it's less "contrived."
But it has been a bit of a hurdle for me to overcome.
As for liking jets & rubies, I have the same problem many do: the
multiple meaning of the word "jet." OK, I can be told it's a jem, but a
machine to fly, developed by the military, designed for aggressive
fighting, then given to the public for high-carbon footprint travel is
my first thought -- extremely masculine.
Second thought that comes to an old geezer like me is a gang in New
York's West Side, about which there is a story, which is also masculine...
Jet as a gem would be slow to replace the other two. So, were I to try
these, I'd go for gems & rubies. But we'll stick with Larks & Ravens for
a while...
~erik hoffman
oakland, ca
On 5/28/2015 12:30 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers wrote:
>
> For those interested in gender free contra dance terms:
>
> 1. Do you like or dislike jets / rubies ?
> 2. How would gems / rubies compare?
>
> In dance,
> Ron Blechner
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Callers mailing list
> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
Jim, thank you for testing this! It is precisely what I was trying to
describe in my previous email--dances which are themselves gender-free both
in their teaching and base pattern without need for term changes. They
don't have to be custom-created (as I kind of suggested previously), but
they do have to be carefully identified.
Perhaps ECD has been more amenable to non-gendered choreography and
instruction because many of its identifying terms are already non-gendered
(1st corners, 2nd corners, opposite, partner, 1s, 2s) and a lot of the
choreography is position-oriented rather than person-oriented. Just a
hunch; I don't know of any generally used contra term corresponding to
ECD's "1st/2nd corners" other than Gents and Ladies.
As for comparable efforts, about a year ago I was at a barn dance where the
first third of the night was squares and big sets with 0 gender reference.
I had to leave at that point, so I don't know if the patterned continued,
but it got me to thinking I could teach things the same way, Now I have a
bunch of simple (and even slightly more complex) contras where the dancers
can simply end facing their starting direction and everything works out.
The more advanced ones I have used at regular dances.
Neal