Caller Information
NEW Fall 2015 - PLEASE READ!
We are excited that you will be calling in Ottawa! We asked you because we think you are a great fit with the vision of our series. We believe that callers are leaders within the dance, establishing the tone of the evening and that they can make or break a beginner's experience. We know you can help the dancers and band have a great night, so keep the hints below in mind but call to your strengths
·
Dancing level
& style:
Dancers at our series range in age from six to eighty and are used to the basic
contra figures (e.g., contra corners or 'dancing outside your set' are not impossible
but are not overly common in Ottawa). Our overall style has been described as
friendly, fun-loving & enthusiastic.
We have many long-time dancers of mid-level experience, a smaller group
of very skilled dancers, and then many new dancers. On average, we have 120
dancers a night.
·
Beginners:
Our series welcomes new dancers! We have
on average 15 brand new dancers each dance plus others coming back for their
second or third time. Expect relative novices and rank beginners of all
ages. We have recently started to work particularly hard on enhancing the
experience of beginners to the point that they catch the bug and come back to
be regulars. Anything you can do to help
would be wonderful!
o In your own way, please make sure to encourage regulars & beginners to ask each other to dance.
o Other ways of encouraging & supporting brand new or relatively new dancers are welcomed.
o The introductory (beginner) lesson is from 7:30-8pm. Unless you tell us otherwise with a few weeks notice, we expect you to teach the lesson. We appreciate as much of a focus on connection, having fun, the dance structure, and transition/formation? than on learning specific moves. The one particular move we wish to have taught is the swing. (too much? I'm thinking of those people that only teach moves)
o Note that in Ottawa, beginners tend to collect in the back corners of the contra lines so those are good spots to watch!
o Clarity and conciedness in teaching & calling is very much appreciated by all dancers! (e.g., short walk throughs with no more than 2X through the dance)
·
Style tips,
etiquette & safety:
We appreciate judiciously sprinkled tips and reminders of ways to make dancing
fun and safe for everyone. A few of these style tips, described from the
stage or demonstrated on the floor, and definitely issued with good cheer or
humor, are encouraged by the committee and will be welcomed by most
dancers. Not to outweigh other topics, timing is a challenge for our
dancers!
· Programming:
o Variety: Variety in programming is appreciated in Ottawa! Although dancers will expect a program that is has many duple improper or becket contras, we encourage inclusion of 'other' dances as well. ("Other" could be a different formation such as a square, four-face-four, Sicilian circle, or triplet; or another type such as chestnuts or mixers.)
o Choreography: We prefer reasonably interesting dances with logical flow (enabling us to enjoy the music and each other) over complex choreography that requires intense concentration (hampering our enjoyment).
o Mixing folks up: In the interest of mixing dancers up and getting used to dancing with different partners, we would encourage the programming of a mixer (e.g., scatter, circle) sometime in the first three dances.
o Couple dances: As a heads up, we usually finish the first half, start the second half, and finish the dance with a waltz – that's three! The band may also play a hambo or schottis at the dance if they are keen.
o ??? Challenging or Gender mixer dance in second half? (committee to talk)
Bullet re one guest slot each night plus mentoring?
·
Archiving:
We have started an archive book that lists past programs, which you may refer
to before/during the dance. Please record
your called program there – name of dance, composer/author, comments, etc. This
is shared with other visiting callers to get a sense of pacing, types of dances
called, and challenges they come across. ???For Ottawa?
We do much to develop the culture of our community in terms of being a welcoming, friendly, and safe space. Thanks for your help in that regard!
If you are open to feedback after the dance, feel free to let us know and if you would have any feedback for us regarding this sheet or on other aspects relating to the experience in Ottawa, please talk to us at any time.
- The Ottawa Contra Dance Organizing Committee
(with inspiration and wordsmithing help from the Belfast Maine Flying Shoes series)