21 Feb
2016
21 Feb
'16
8:19 a.m.
I'd really recommend talking to the organizers. And possibly watching one
of their normal events.
Here's some of my thoughts on potential biggies:
-You and the band will likely need to supply and run your own sound system.
-Many people will likely keep the same partner throughout the evening.
-The expected flow of the evening is very different -- typically they're
used to doing two dances with the same partner of about 6-10 (?) minutes,
and then a rest break. Potentially involving snacks. Rinse and repeat.
-Swings are neither expected nor required. Without further instruction,
they'll go just once around, twirl, and stop.
-Be very careful about too much consecutive clockwise motion.
-You may have to adjust for the age level of the group. In general, MWSD
groups tend to be older.
-They're really not used to hearing the phrase of the music.
-Dropping out the calls may be traumatic for some.
-Contra is much more aerobic than squares.
Good luck,
-Chris Page
San Diego, CA
On Sat, Feb 20, 2016 at 3:28 PM, Joseph Erhard-Hudson via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Hi Everyone,
I've been pretty low-key on calling for several years now, just a few
local dances a year. Years ago I did close to one gig a month at home and
around my local region, but cut back due to busy life. Now I've accepted an
invitation for a regular gig that's going to be a bit different, so I'm
back on this email list, and I seek your advice.
A few people from the nearby Western Square Dance group came to one of our
local contra dances where I was calling, and had such a fun time they have
invited me, and the band from that evening, to come and do a monthly series
in their hall, promoted and sponsored by them. The band and I decided we'd
give it a shot.
I've had barely any exposure to Western Square Dance, but I know their
education system is formalized, calling is improvised, and the music is
mostly recorded; whereas in contra dancing the education is more by
assimilation, the calling is mostly fixed within a given dance, and the
music is live and improvised. I anticipate we may feel like strange cousins
to each other. Do any of you have any experiences or thoughts about
crossing over into this parallel universe of traditional dancers? I'm
particularly concerned about how I can best help them feel comfortable with
the way Contra Dance is done, and how I can be a gracious presence in their
space.
Bonus question: they want to know how to split the gate, since they don't
have experience paying bands. Your thoughts?
Best regards,
Joseph
_______________________________________________
Callers mailing list
Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net