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@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@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@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@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@gmail.com.

Thanks,
Jim Hemphill

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David Casserly
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