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2524 discussions

Re: [Callers] Looking for non-mixer dances for kids (age 4-10)

by Luke Donforth

I got some off-list questions about Green Mountain Ski Wedding, and I figured I'd answer them for everyone, since the description isn't completely clear. Someone asked about the DSD in A1, but not in B1. You could put a long lines there. This dance doesn't really stay square to the music. So while I have a whole group oval in A1 with a DSD, B1 is just a whole group oval. It's a very "squishy" dance. Someone asked why the A2 slalom is up the set rather than down: It's up because the top couple is at the bottom at the beginning of A2. The path they take moves through some number of couples, such as: [image: image.png] (Please excuse the drawing in MS Paint, let me know if it doesn't come through.) When working with young kids, I'll tell the couples standing on the sides to pretend to be trees, and have the skiing couple dodge and weave through them. Green Mountain Ski Wedding > Longways/Proper/Beginner > > A1 ----------- > Whole Group Oval Left until across from partner again > Partner Do-si-do > A2 ----------- > Bottom (was top) couple slalom (weave) back and forth up the set (cutting > through lines) > B1 ----------- > Whole group oval right until across from partner again > B2 ----------- > Partner allemande Left > Partner allemande Right >

4 years, 11 months

Re: [Callers] Looking for "fun" dances

by Sivier, Jonathan E

I lead dances at a local library for their annual Fairy Tale Ball. We get a variety of people who participate, but my overall impression of the event is a room full of knee-high princesses. I generally start with a no-swing, non-mixer version of Circassian Circle. The participants have partners, sometimes more than one, but they stay together and I don't worry about who is on the right or left. Instead of ladies and gents to the center I say things like, "Everyone wearing red to the center," or "Everyone with black hair to the center," and so on. I then typically do Galopede and that tends to work OK. After that I have a variety of dances I like to lead. Chimes of Dunkirk usually works well and I do a longways, non-mixer version of the Heel and Toe Polka that usually works OK. If the older kids pair with the younger ones you could do Cumberland Reel and other similar dances. Jonathan ----- Jonathan Sivier Caller of Contra, Square, English and Early American Dances jsivier AT illinois DOT edu Dance Page: http://www.sivier.me/dance_leader.html ----- Q: How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? A: It depends on what dance you call! On 5/15/2019 7:51 AM, Charles Abell via Callers wrote: > I'm sure there is already a thread on this somewhere, but I'm wondering > what are your favorite dances for those in the 4-10 year old range. > Specifically, dances that are not mixers since many younger dancers > prefer to stay with a particular partner the whole time. I have a number > of good ones already (Alabama Gal, Haste to the Wedding, La Bastringue, > etc), but I'd like to expand my existing collection of dances geared > towards "little ones". > > Let 'em rip! > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > *From:* Callers <callers-bounces(a)lists.sharedweight.net> on behalf of > John Sweeney via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > *Sent:* Tuesday, February 13, 2018 9:58 AM > *To:* callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > *Subject:* Re: [Callers] Looking for "fun" dances > Since so many people enjoy the contrary circling in The Wheel, you might > enjoy this one as well: > > Suicide Square > http://www.ceilidhcalling.co.uk/danceviewpage.php?view=1&id=9 > > It is extremely chaotic! You can reduce the chaos slightly by getting the > band to stop randomly during the circling, at which point everyone grabs a > partner; the band waits a few seconds while everyone finds a partner and > decides whether they are Heads or Sides, then gives two notes and starts the > next Heads Gallop. > > I modify it to give a bit more recovery time: > > Start in a big square around the room > A1: Head couples take partner in a ballroom hold and gallop eight steps > into the centre and back > A2: Sides gallop eight steps into the centre and back > B1: All the men form an outer circle facing in, while the ladies form an > inner circle facing out. All circle left then find a new partner > B2: Partner Swing - stop early enough to decide whether you are now > Heads or Sides - Heads get ready to gallop > > There is also The Muffin Man Jig: > http://www.ceilidhcalling.co.uk/danceviewpage.php?view=1&id=11 > > 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

4 years, 11 months

Re: [Callers] Looking for non-mixer dances for kids (age 4-10)

by Luke Donforth

Hi Charles, I'm tweaking the subject line slightly to help the next person find this in the archive ;-) As Bree Kalb mentioned, Linda Leslie has a wonderful collection. <http://lindalesliecaller.contracorner.com/dances/very-easy-dances.html> There are also a lot of resources available at New England Dancing Masters: https://dancingmasters.com/shop/ a lot of those books are geared at school programs, and I think would work well for you. *Other people's dances:* Heel Toe Polka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46K4V6xmOww https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yHDJSpy9H0 I hadn't seen it with the clapping version, but these were the top hits on YouTube. You could get rid of the "pass through" and make it go back the other way. Les Saluts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt31bYsU5BY (note: AAB tune) Kings & Queens (from the NEDM books, written by Peter Amidon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmiKhGl59xM *Dances I've composed for this contingent: * Charge and Drag by Luke Donforth Longways/Other/Beginner A1 ----------- (8) Long lines, forward and back (8) Partner Do-si-do A2 ----------- (16) Partner balance and swing (or two hand turn), end facing up the set and separate B1 ----------- (16) Top & Bottom couple make arches Top couple go down over left line; Bottom couple go up over right line B2 ----------- (8) bottom & top couples charge (sashay) the middle of the set, meet in the middle (8) couple below drag couple above to bottom of the set Animal Parade Longways/Other/Beginner A1 ----------- (8) Long lines, forward and back (8) Partner allemande Left A2 ----------- (8) Partner allemande Right (8) Partner two hand swing or DSD B1 ----------- “top” couple walk to bottom, miming the animal of their choice Come back to top B2 ----------- Top couple peels off to outside, everyone follows Top couple makes an arch at bottom, rest come though with partner Green Mountain Ski Wedding Longways/Proper/Beginner A1 ----------- Whole Group Oval Left until across from partner again Partner Do-si-do A2 ----------- Bottom (was top) couple slalom (weave) back and forth up the set (cutting through lines) B1 ----------- Whole group oval right until across from partner again B2 ----------- Partner allemande Left Partner allemande Right Pousset scatter (mix or keeper) Scatter/Beginner starts in groups of four, with a partner and a neighbor couple A1 ----------- (8) Right hand Star (8) Left hand Star A2 ----------- (8) Partner allemande Left 1x (8) Partner Do-si-do 1.5x end back to back B1 ----------- Dancers count out loud: un, du, two, and cry Pousset, butt-push your partner SCATTER: find a new partner and swing KEEPER: chase your partner around and swing B2 ----------- (16) Promenade around Find another couple On Wed, May 15, 2019 at 8:51 AM Charles Abell via Callers < callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > I'm sure there is already a thread on this somewhere, but I'm wondering > what are your favorite dances for those in the 4-10 year old range. > Specifically, dances that are not mixers since many younger dancers prefer > to stay with a particular partner the whole time. I have a number of good > ones already (Alabama Gal, Haste to the Wedding, La Bastringue, etc), but > I'd like to expand my existing collection of dances geared towards "little > ones". > > Let 'em rip! > > >

4 years, 11 months

Re: [Callers] Looking for "fun" dances

by Bree Kalb

Linda Leslie wrote some really good ones. Do Si Three is always a big hit when I call it for kids and parents (as well as at weddings and other parties where most people have never danced.) She has many more. http://lindalesliecaller.contracorner.com/dances/very-easy-dances.html On Wed, May 15, 2019 at 8:51 AM Charles Abell via Callers < callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > I'm sure there is already a thread on this somewhere, but I'm wondering > what are your favorite dances for those in the 4-10 year old range. > Specifically, dances that are not mixers since many younger dancers prefer > to stay with a particular partner the whole time. I have a number of good > ones already (Alabama Gal, Haste to the Wedding, La Bastringue, etc), but > I'd like to expand my existing collection of dances geared towards "little > ones". > > Let 'em rip! > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Callers <callers-bounces(a)lists.sharedweight.net> on behalf of > John Sweeney via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > *Sent:* Tuesday, February 13, 2018 9:58 AM > *To:* callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > *Subject:* Re: [Callers] Looking for "fun" dances > > Since so many people enjoy the contrary circling in The Wheel, you might > enjoy this one as well: > > Suicide Square > http://www.ceilidhcalling.co.uk/danceviewpage.php?view=1&id=9 > > It is extremely chaotic! You can reduce the chaos slightly by getting the > band to stop randomly during the circling, at which point everyone grabs a > partner; the band waits a few seconds while everyone finds a partner and > decides whether they are Heads or Sides, then gives two notes and starts > the > next Heads Gallop. > > I modify it to give a bit more recovery time: > > Start in a big square around the room > A1: Head couples take partner in a ballroom hold and gallop eight steps > into the centre and back > A2: Sides gallop eight steps into the centre and back > B1: All the men form an outer circle facing in, while the ladies form > an > inner circle facing out. All circle left then find a new partner > B2: Partner Swing - stop early enough to decide whether you are now > Heads or Sides - Heads get ready to gallop > > There is also The Muffin Man Jig: > http://www.ceilidhcalling.co.uk/danceviewpage.php?view=1&id=11 > > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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/ >

4 years, 11 months

Re: [Callers] Looking for "fun" dances

by Tepfer, Seth

I find Monkey in the Middle (by Sherry Nevins) a friendly variant of Ninepins. You are choosing a partner rather than scrambling and a person feeling left out. Sent from my iPhone > On Jan 31, 2018, at 3:59 PM, Chris Page via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > > Ninepins? > > -Chris Page > San Diego, CA > > On Tue, Jan 30, 2018 at 10:23 AM, Sue via Callers > <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: >> Sure they're all fun (we hope). I'm looking for a few dances that are >> particularly playful, quirky, silly....something that typically gets the >> dancers laughing. >> >> You get the idea. What are your favorites? >> >> Sue Gola >> Princeton, NJ > _______________________________________________ > List Name: Callers mailing list > List Address: Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/ ________________________________ This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender by reply e-mail message and destroy all copies of the original message (including attachments).

4 years, 11 months

[Callers] Callers - CDSS's May Shop Talk for organizers now out!

by Emily Addison

Hello Shared Weight callers, I know most of the conversation on this list is very much caller focused. However, I did want to share the May issue of CDSS's Shop Talk as I know many of you are also organizers and even if are not, you may still be interested in some of the topics in this issue. Take a look below...there are announcements about a web chat focusing on creating safe dance communities as well as news about a collaborative project between Shared Weight, some of the other traditional dance/music listservs, and CDSS. Here's a link to the issue: https://conta.cc/2HlZOXA Shop Talk is free and you can sign up here to receive it: https://www.cdss.org/resources/how-to/organizers#shop-talk With thanks! Emily Addison *In the May issue:* - Heads up regarding an article in the upcoming June CDSS News which outlines *how to easily plan organizer discussions*. - Announcing the *CDSS Web Chat: Building Safe Dance Communities* which is happening on July 11th - *CDSS Scholarships* still available for camp sessions! - News about an *exciting collaboration among organizer, caller, and musician listservs* - A *survey for Open Bands* to support resource development. - Heads up regarding the upcoming *CDSS Group Affiliates survey* - A *call for volunteers *interested in developing organizer resources. - *Join CDSS as an affiliate and individual member to help make resources and supports like these possible!* <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

4 years, 11 months

[Callers] New dance!

by Alexandra Deis-Lauby

Kamryn Wisner and I wrote a dance! Does it exist? “Techno fix” by Kamryn Wisner and Alexandra Deis-Lauby A1 N b and swing A2 Mad robin, Larks allemande left 1.5 B1 Partner b and s B2 Circle 3/4 balance ring, CA twirl Sent from my iPhone

4 years, 11 months

[Callers] Dance Organiser - Gender-free

by Colin Hume

I'm calling the Boston Gender-free dance on 11th June, and in preparation for this I've updated my Dance Organiser program so that when you display the dance instructions full-screen you have the option of converting "man" to "lark" and "lady" or "woman" to "raven", etc. You can download the latest version and try it out free of charge: http://colinhume.com/download There may be one or two quirks - I noticed that the dance title "Les Manches Vertes" was displayed as "Les Larkches Vertes" but I can live with that! If you find more serious problems please let me know. Colin Hume

4 years, 11 months

[Callers] Update!

by Helle Hill

About a month ago, I asked for help and suggestions because I was calling a dance for visually impaired students. Thank you to all who responded. Well, the dance was last Saturday. The students ranged in age from 8-17. Many of the partnerships contained two visually impaired dancers. We started with a big circle dance with basic figures and without a progression. They did really well with the basics. We did the Snake dance and since the room had two doors opening out to a deck we took advantage of going outside during the dance. We danced Les Salute, Seven Jumps (modified version so we didn't have to lay on the floor), Bridge Dance, the Chicken dance, and ended with the Snake dance again because the kids loved that one. When we spiraled into the middle, they kept yelling, "Let's see how tight we can get it!" It was so much fun seeing all the smiles and I was told, it was the best Saturday evening activity in all the years they have had the Snowshoe Weekend. I found that they did best with large circles, no progression, and no specific partner. I hope to be able to dance with these kids again and try something maybe a little more challenging with them. Unfortunately, due to privacy concerns I am unable to share pictures. The photos did make me tear up. In all my years of calling, this was one of the best, funnest, and most rewarding gigs. Helle

4 years, 11 months

Re: [Callers] Easy flourishes or other "bonus" movements?

by John Sweeney

Hi Lenore, I think part of the challenge with contra is that there is so little teaching done at dances. Technique is very rarely taught; people are just supposed to pick it all up as they go along. As a result people who can get through challenging dances consider themselves “advanced” while still having no basic dancing skills. One of the most frustrating sequences for me is “Men Allemande Left 1.5; Neighbour Swing”. I like to spin out of the Allemande into my Neighbour’s arms for the Swing. But no-one ever teaches Allemande technique and very few dancers do it well (the ladies tend to be much better than the men). I get offered all sorts of strange hand positions; the dancers put their arms at strange angles which prevent you disengaging smoothly; many of the dancers seem to think that they are arm-wrestling instead of dancing; some of them have misunderstood the term “give weight” and lean away strongly so that I have to devote myself to stopping them from falling over (very tiring!); and, possibly as a result of all this poor connection, they don’t move fast enough - their steps are too small. All of this means that getting around 1.5 times takes too long and there is no time to add a spin out of the Allemande. You can’t build on shifting sands. Whenever I teach a Swing Variations workshop I always start by going over the basics of a good swing. It’s amazing how many people afterwards thank me and say they hadn’t realised that they could improve their basic swing. See http://contrafusion.co.uk/Contra.html#swinging for details. You may also find some ideas you can use at http://contrafusion.co.uk/Contra.html#connection. For improving technique in twirls (e.g. in and out of swings, and multiple twirls in a Ladies’ Chains), see http://modernjive.com/history/tension.html. Although this article was written for a different dance style, the technique points apply equally well to contra twirls. Note: this article refers to Lead & Follow which is not a fundamental part of contra dance. However, for many flourishes the Lead & Follow principles apply for the duration of that flourish. Some flourishes that can be done easily by yourself are: Spin into a Tidal Wave (long wavy line) Twirl yourself going from Up The Hall in Lines of Four into a Circle Left Spin yourself out of Allemandes - great fun if you can do all four in a Contra Corners Do something on beat four of Long Lines Go Forward & Back: shimmy, stamp, hip bump the opposite person (if you know them well), bow… I hope some of that helps. Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com <mailto:john@modernjive.com> 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574 http://contrafusion.co.uk/KentCeilidhs.html for Live Music Ceilidhs http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent http://www.modernjive.com for Modern Jive DVDs From: Callers <callers-bounces(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:callers-bounces@lists.sharedweight.net> > On Behalf Of Lenore Frigo via Callers Sent: 26 April 2019 22:45 To: callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:callers@lists.sharedweight.net> Subject: [Callers] Easy flourishes or other "bonus" movements? I would like to teach some of my more advanced dancers some flourishes or other embellishments to contra dance. I'd like to start with things that are easy and obviously that can be smoothly integrated into a dance. Simpler is better and I am especially looking for "extras" that can be done singly rather than within a couple. For example, simply twirling during a do-si-do, or little "meanwhile" things you can do while waiting out as your partner allemandes with their diagonal. I've found some YouTube videos, but they tend to be for more elaborate technique than I am interested in introducing at this time. Thanks for any thoughts, tips, support, or warnings! :) Lenore Frigo

4 years, 12 months

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