1 Jun
2015
1 Jun
'15
3:59 p.m.
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