3 Dec
2016
3 Dec
'16
7:05 p.m.
Hello folks,
I have a concern about collecting dances. When I first began to consider
calling contras, I video recorded several dances, mostly to observe and
study the walk-thus. Since I have begun calling, I carry a memo pad in my
pocket, and write down dances, or titles, that I find interesting. Many of
these dances never make my active calling collection, but many do. I have
always asked the callers/bands for permission to record, but I have not
asked for permission to notate dances and titles.
I really like calling dances that I have danced and enjoyed, and that is my
reason for taking notes. I also have never copied another callers program,
although I enjoy looking at them.
When I ask a caller the name of a dance, most callers feel honored that I
would want to call one of their choices. Occasionally the response is not
so positive, and I am left feeling like a pick-pocket.
Any thoughts on this to share?
Rich Sbardella
Stafford Springs, CT
3 Dec
3 Dec
9:19 p.m.
My impression is that most dance authors want their dances to be
done. However, they do want recognition for their work. I recall being
told at a caller's workshop early in my career to always announce the
name of dances and the author when calling them. So that is what I
always try to do. Many dancers may not care, though some do, but the
authors should be recognized. I haven't written many dances so one of
my best memories was many years ago at a dance weekend when the caller
announced the name and author of a dance and it turned out to be me.
When I collect a dance I'm careful to get the correct name of the
dance and the author. Then I always announce them when I'm calling. Of
course that on covers collecting dances to your personal collection to
call at dances. If you intend to publish something then you should
probably get permission from the authors.
I suppose there isn't any harm in contacting dance authors and
telling them you heard their dance at some location and want to call it
yourself. I suspect anyone would be pleased to get that sort of
positive feedback.
Jonathan
-----
Jonathan Sivier
Caller of Contra, Square, English and Early American Dances
jsivier AT illinois DOT edu
Dance Page: http://www.sivier.me/dance_leader.html
-----
Q: How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?
A: It depends on what dance you call!
On 12/3/2016 1:05 PM, Rich Sbardella richsbardella(a)gmail.com
[trad-dance-callers] wrote:
Hello folks,
I have a concern about collecting dances. When I first began to
consider calling contras, I video recorded several dances, mostly to
observe and study the walk-thus. Since I have begun calling, I carry a
memo pad in my pocket, and write down dances, or titles, that I find
interesting. Many of these dances never make my active calling
collection, but many do. I have always asked the callers/bands for
permission to record, but I have not asked for permission to notate
dances and titles.
I really like calling dances that I have danced and enjoyed, and that is
my reason for taking notes. I also have never copied another callers
program, although I enjoy looking at them.
When I ask a caller the name of a dance, most callers feel honored that
I would want to call one of their choices. Occasionally the response is
not so positive, and I am left feeling like a pick-pocket.
Any thoughts on this to share?
Rich Sbardella
Stafford Springs, CT
5 Dec
5 Dec
5:45 p.m.
In my experience if you ask regarding 1-2 dances, everybody is helpful. More than that and
you're getting closer to cribbing a program and the risk of offending rises with some
callers. Timing of the request is also important. I do my best to not disturb the talent
at any point their attention is required for the event's success and to minimize the
time consumed, unless they seem to want to talk.
Typically I'll jot down the choreo from observation and limit my request to any bits
I may be unclear on, like the name or author. In cases where I was dancing and unable to
recall the sequence from memory, I may either request to take a photo of their card at a
clear break or send an email request so they can deal with it at their convenience after
the event.
-Don
---In trad-dance-callers(a)yahoogroups.com, <richsbardella@...> wrote :
[snip]
When I ask a caller the name of a dance, most callers feel honored that I would want to
call one of their choices. Occasionally the response is not so positive, and I am left
feeling like a pick-pocket.
Any thoughts on this to share?
Rich Sbardella
Stafford Springs, CT
8:19 p.m.
My inquiry was about jotting down one or two dances in an evening. Usually
all I need is a title.
Even if i notate more than two, I usually only add one or two to my
collection. Especially as I began calling contras, I used my notes to
delve into choreography, and to figure out how to teach a dance.
Most dances are available online, but, again, I really like to call dances
that I have danced.
Rich
On Mon, Dec 5, 2016 at 12:45 PM, contra_groups_yahoo(a)veino.com
[trad-dance-callers] <trad-dance-callers(a)yahoogroups.com> wrote:
In my experience if you ask regarding 1-2 dances, everybody is helpful.
More than that and you're getting closer to cribbing a program and the risk
of offending rises with some callers. Timing of the request is also
important. I do my best to not disturb the talent at any point their
attention is required for the event's success and to minimize the time
consumed, unless they seem to want to talk.
Typically I'll jot down the choreo from observation and limit my request
to any bits I may be unclear on, like the name or author. In cases where I
was dancing and unable to recall the sequence from memory, I may either
request to take a photo of their card at a clear break or send an email
request so they can deal with it at their convenience after the event.
-Don
---In trad-dance-callers(a)yahoogroups.com, <richsbardella@...> wrote :
[snip]
When I ask a caller the name of a dance, most callers feel honored that I
would want to call one of their choices. Occasionally the response is not
so positive, and I am left feeling like a pick-pocket.
Any thoughts on this to share?
Rich Sbardella
Stafford Springs, CT
2693
days inactive
2695
days old
trad-callers@lists.sharedweight.net
3 comments
3 participants
participants (3)
-
contra_groups_yahoo＠veino.com -
Jonathan Sivier -
Rich Sbardella