14 Aug
2017
14 Aug
'17
10:41 a.m.
Hi John,
I'm not a historian of dance, but I believe "calling a dance" had a
different meaning in 1816 in England. As far as I know, the very first lady at the top of
the set had the privilege (and responsibility) of "calling the dance," which
meant instructing the musician(s) about what music to play and choosing the dance
sequence. Then the dance began with just the very top minor set dancing, and the top
couple teaching it through their dancing. As the top couple worked its way down the set,
others began to dance until finally all were dancing. And, if it worked well, each couple
could then lead the dance when they became active at the top. Again, as far as I know,
there was no prompting, no walk-thru's, etc.
That's my understanding.
Richard Fischer
Princeton, NJ
On Aug 14, 2017, at 6:29 AM, john(a)modernjive.com
[trad-dance-callers] <trad-dance-callers(a)yahoogroups.com> wrote:
There is an interesting article on JSTOR entitled "Square Dance Calling: The
African-American Connection":
https://www.jstor.org/stable/41446577?mag=the-slave-roots-of-square-dancing…
<https://www.jstor.org/stable/41446577?mag=the-slave-roots-of-square-dancing&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents>
It suggests that:
"calling might have evolved in the black culture as an alternative to the formal
instruction that white dancers received at dancing schools" with the earliest
reference of someone calling a dance being a ball in New Orleans in 1819.
However back in England...
Thomas Wilson "The Complete System of English Country Dancing" 1816
Page 172.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
The persons who take upon themselves the
CALLING OF THE DANCE,
Should possess the necessary prerequisites for performing the duty they have to execute,
in setting the company an example, and directing them (when required) in the performance
of the Dance. Such a Dance should be ca lled, as they thoroughly understand, and are able
to perform with facility. When part of the company are indifferent Dancers, the persons
forming the Dance should be selected and placed according to their talent and knowledge of
Dancing; the best couples at and near the top, that by their performance the others may
become instructed in the Figure, previous to their having to lead off, otherwise it
frequently happens, that the Dance is obliged to be changed.
CROWDING TO THE TOP,
Is too frequently practised, and should be prevented by those whose province it may be to
see that due respect if paid to the person calling the Dance; it being impossible to
perform the Figure of the Dance with effect, or correctly, when the couples stand too near
to each other.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
But what did Wilson's caller actually do? I doubt it was calling as we know it
today, but it probably contained some of the elements of it.
I guess calling evolved in parallel in many places.
Does anyone have any other insights?
Happy dancing,
John
John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com <mailto:john@modernjive.com>
01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk <http://www.contrafusion.co.uk/> for
Dancing in Kent