Re: [Callers] Global terminology in contra dances

It would help tremendously if we could have a discussion on what "global terminology" is and an example of choreography that is called with such terminology. The concept is one I have not heard of before. Perry From: Linda Leslie via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> To: Andrea Nettleton <twirly-girl(a)bellsouth.net> Cc: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> Sent: Monday, June 1, 2015 10:33 AM Subject: [Callers] Global terminology in contra dances In Jamaica Plain, MA, the ECD dancers use Window Wall and Clock Wall, rather than left/right file. It is different global terminology, but works very well. I don’t know the history of why these words were chosen, but I could probably find out. The dancers also line up without identifying a partner, as discussed at Brooke’s site. This tradition is really quite lovely. I have had the opportunity to call this dance many times, so the terminology is very second nature to me. For me, the major challenge with incorporating global language into contra dances has to do with ending the swing. So many contra dances depend on the dancers having learned that the lady/lark/barearm/ruby/right file end on the right. How do we help completely new dancers learn this? Do we say “swing your Neighbor and change places”? Swing your Partner and change places”? I recognize that experienced dancers will know this instinctively; just as many dancers line up and automatically form improper lines at many contra dances. But I am curious about how callers out there see us helping the new folks, without using any role language at all. Thanks! Linda On Jun 1, 2015, at 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: _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net