Hi fellow organizers,
Sharing info about a brand new open dance band resource. I know not all of
you will have open dance bands but they are relatively common, and maybe
it's time to think about starting one... ... the pandemic feels like a
great time to me! :)
Full disclosure - I pulled the resource together on behalf of CDSS. Despite
my bias [[:)!]], I feel as though it's a really useful resource for both
new and experienced band leaders as there are best practices and tips
provided by 35 different open dance bands.
Here's a direct link to the resource:
https://www.cdss.org/images/documents/resource-portal/CDSS-Open-Band-Resour…
CDSS lists a number of other resources for open bands here:
https://www.cdss.org/resources/resource-portal/musicians#open-dance-bands
I've found that the pandemic has been a fantastic time to bring new
musicians into our local open dance band here in Ottawa, Ontario. Some of
our local dancers have joined our monthly zoom practices. The practices
have been a safe space for those who are a bit shy or unsure about their
musicianship as they can play along with the band leader while not being
heard by others. We've also built in a bit of visiting time into our
practices as a way for band members to connect. I think we've found some
new players for our open dance band!
Hope you enjoy :)
Emily in Ottawa
I received a request for assistance with organizing a contradance in Long Island, for Grace Christian Academy, in the next month or so.
I explained(1) That I live in Rochester NY, 7 hours drive (at least), and there is local talent that would be better suited;(2) That all contradances in the country have been closed because one could not *design* a more effective way to transmit Covid virus among a crowd of people.
I voiced appreciation for their wanting to include Contradance in the school program, and was hoping that someone on this serve-list, who is more proximate to the school, could follow up with the woman.
We've had some successful contact with local colleges here, and would recommend it for other organizations.
Please PM me if you are interested in the contact information, for the purpose of FUTURE outreach.(specifically, I won't pass along the information if your only purpose in contacting her is to chastise her.My explanation of the situation should be sufficient to let her know the pandemic-related concerns.)
Bob Fabinski
We've been using the Dancerfly dance registration system for our weekends
since 2016. I was setting up a new event, and in testing found I couldn't
complete test payment. I don't have a response to a couple of questions
sent to their help service. I was wondering if they have given up the
ghost during the pandemic. Does anyone have any knowledge of them?
Note that it was started by a collective that disbanded in 2019, but the
disband notice did say that Dancerfly would continue.
Jim Morgan
--
Jim Morgan
(412) 535-2078
morganjj(a)gmail.com
Hi All: (sorry if some of you receive this multiple times)
On March 25, Tony Parkes presented "Diversity in Square Dancing" for Mt Airy Contra (Philadelphia).
If you missed the presentation, no worries, we recorded it so you can watch it.. There are two opportunities in the website below, the .mp4 from zoom or the FB live stream.
https://thursdaycontra.com/speakers/Tony-Parkes-03-25-2021.html
Enjoy!
Donna
Web Site: donnahuntcaller.com
Email: dhuntdancer(a)aol.com
Cell: 215-565-6050
