Contra Callers

contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net

43 participants
4388 discussions

by Jeanette Mill via Callers

I am putting together a resume/CV with emphasis on my calling and music skills. I would be interested in seeing some models of how this is done, so if anyone is happy to share theirs with me, I would be very grateful Kind regardsJeanette Jeanette Mill Contra dance caller, musician, workshop facilitatorCanberra, AustraliaPhone: +61 (0)449 686 077 Email: jeanette_mill(a)yahoo.com.au Skype: jeanette.mill "The piano - 88 little mistakes waiting to happen"Kate Barnes

8 years, 3 months

Looking for a caller in RI for Fri June 16

by Paul Wilde via Callers

Hey all, I'm helping a friend out who is experiencing some serious (but hopefully temporary) stress. Would anyone be interested in calling a dance in Prov RI on Fri June 16? There may be other dates available at this series in the future, for interested parties. We are hoping to expand our go to list, so if you are up for some travel and/or visiting area friends/family, this might be a good dovetail. We can provide a very comfortable couch (where many notable contra personalities have spent a night, and don't worry, we are very good about laundry:-) and at least breakfast the next morning. Please contact me off list for more details. Thanks. Virtual group hug, Paul

8 years, 3 months

Seeking *lists* of tunes for patter squares

by James Saxe via Callers

[I'm sending this query to the trad-dance-callers list, to the SharedWeight callers' and musicians' forums, and to a number of individuals. Please send responses directly to me *off-list* (see Note 1 below). I plan to collect responses for about the next two months and will summarize results to the lists and to individual respondents some time in July. Thanks. --Jim] Folks, As some of you may know, I've worked on and off in fits and starts for some time at gathering lists of recommended tunes [see Note 2 below] for (traditional-style) patter squares. [In case you're wondering what I mean by "(traditional-style) patter squares", see Note 6 below.] My idea is to compile lists from a wide variety of sources and to look for tunes mentioned independently by many different recommenders. So far, I've compiled tune lists from a few dozen books and albums, and I'm currently adding lists from a bunch more books, articles, record catalogs, etc. I'm sending this message because I'd like to supplement all these sources with lists from current informants, possibly including you. So ... * If you are a musician who has substantial experience playing for (traditional-stye) patter squares and if you have a list of recommended tunes that you're willing to share--either an existing set list or a list you come up with by sitting down and scratching your head for a while--please send it to me *off-list* [see Note 1] at jim dot saxe at-sign gmail dot com * If you are a musician who mostly plays for other things than patter squares (e.g., contras or New-England-style squares or concert performances) or even if you're not a musician, but if you nonethelessAå have accumulated a list of tunes you particularly like *for patter squares*, I'd also be interested in hearing from you. * I'd also be interested if anyone can supply lists of tunes played *for patter squares* by players skilled in the genre who are no longer living (e.g., Ralph Blizard, Lyman Enloe, Benton Flippen, Bob Holt, Pete McMahan, Lee Stripling, Joe Thompson, or Melvin Wine, to name a few). However, see Note 5. * If you know other people who might be willing and able to contribute lists of recommended tunes, please feel free to pass this request along. (But please try not to put up my email address in places where spammers are likely to harvest it. Also, see Note 1. Thanks.) Below are some notes clarifying what kind of responses I am and am not interested in. ***Please read at least Notes 1-3 before responding.*** Note 1: If you got this query via a mailing list, please send tune lists directly to me and *not* to the entire mailing list. As stated above, I'm trying to see which tunes get mentioned *independently* by many recommenders, so I don't want the lists anyone sends me to be influenced one way or another by whatever suggestions other people have already sent. If you pass my request along to some of your friends, I'd prefer that you each send tune lists just to me rather than discussing tunes among yourselves first and then sending me a combined list (unless you and your friends are in the same regular band and such discussions are how you normally create your set lists). Please look carefully at the "To:" (and "Cc:") line of any reply and make sure that that it doesn't include the address of any mailing list. That would include addresses of the form James Saxe via ... <...> where <...> is a list address. I plan to gather recommendations for the next couple months and to post a summary some time in July. Note 2: Please *don't* explain to me that the suitability of a tune for a particular kind of dance can depend very strongly on how it's played. I'm already quite well aware of that. However, I also think it would be widely agreed that some tunes lend themselves to being played well for dancing more than others. (If you strenuously disagree, I will look forward to your forthcoming album of rip-roaring square dance arrangements of tunes from the Child ballads and _The Sacred Harp_. Meanwhile, please don't respond to my query by attempting to un-ask it.) After I've settled on a list of frequently-recommended tunes, a possible follow-on project would be to try to identify one or more renditions--online and/or on commercial recordings--of each tune played in a danceable style worthy of study by musicians learning to play for patter squares. For such a project, style of playing would of course be a prime concern. But that's not what I'm working on or asking about right now. Note 3: Please *don't* give me lists (or references to lists, albums, tune books, syllabi, etc) where tunes well suited for patter squares are mixed with other sorts of tunes without specific indication of which tunes are which. Note 4: I'm not all that interested in recommendations for just one or a few tunes. If you have substantial experience playing for patter squares, I'd expect that you can come up with at least ten tunes that you think are quite suitable, and perhaps you can come up with many more than that without feeling that you're starting to scrape the bottom of the barrel. (If you send a long list, you might want to distinguish which are your favorites and which are the second-tier or third-tier choices.) Note 5: If you send me a list of tunes from the repertoire of some deceased musician, please tell me something about how you compiled that list. I'm not merely looking for a list of tunes played or recorded by, say, late great fiddler Bestus Bowslinger, but for a list of tunes that Bestus actually played *for patter squares*. And if you happen to have some tapes of Bestus playing at actual dances, and if they include 30 different patter-square tunes, and if you send me the names of the 20 tunes you happen to recognize, then I'd like to be informed that the your sampling of Bestus's repertoire has been filtered by the limitations of what tunes you recognize. Note 6: When I say "(traditional-style) patter squares," I mean to exclude singing squares and squares that are prompted to the phrase of the music in the New England style (or in the style of 19th-century quadrilles) and I mean to include the kinds of squares generally thought of as traditional to the western and/or southern U.S. I specifically would include visiting couple dances in this genre, even when the progression is around a big circle or by a scatter promenade, rather than around a square of four couples. I'd also include most "transitional" (50's era) western squares (other than singing calls) as well as more recent compositions in similar style. I do *not* mean to say that the dances in question must be called in a style that includes a bunch of rhyming doggerel ("do-si high, do-si low, chicken in the bread pan scratchin' out dough") or other extra verbiage. Much of the "hoedown"/"patter" music produced in recent decades for the MWSD market is, IMO, very non-traditional in character and thus not of interest for purposes of my current inquiry. (Hint: If a tune isn't found in any tune books, played at any jam sessions, or recorded on any non-MWSD label, it's not what I'm after.) I'm happy to get recommendations for recently-composed tunes in traditional style, as well as for genuinely traditional (old) tunes. I'm also happy to get recommendations for tunes from "northern" sources that nonetheless have the right feel to work well for traditional southern/western dances. Of course I realize there aren't precisely defined and widely agreed boundaries between different kinds of square dances or different styles of calling (prompted vs. patter vs. singing; phrased vs. unphrased; New-England vs. southern vs. traditional western vs. ...). Ditto regarding precise definitions of musical genres. I also realize that a particular choreographic pattern might be danced to different styles of music and calling, etc. That said, I still hope that the preceding paragraphs will suffice to provide an adequate idea of what I'm looking for. Thanks in advance to any of you who have tune lists to share. Regards, --Jim

8 years, 3 months

Untitled Dances

by Rich Sbardella via Callers

Hello folks, I have many dances in my collection that I would love to attach to a title. If you can provide one, I would appreciate it. Thanks, Rich Sbardella Stafford, CT *#5 Untitled* A1 Bal Ring, Spin Right (2X) A2 LH Star, Gents Chain B1 Mad Robin, Face Partner & Swg B2 CL 3/4, Pass Thru, New Neighbor Swing *#6 Untitled (Becket)* A1 CL 3/4, N Swg A2 Hey B1 N RH Balance, Bx Gnat, Pull By, Ladies Alle L B2 P B&S *#7 Untitled* A1 N Gyp, N Swg A2 Gents Alle L 1-1/2, P Swg B1 Cir Left 3/4, Bal Ring, Spin R B2 Bal Ring, Spin R, Bal Ring, Pass Thru *#9 Untitled* A1 N B&S A2 Ladies Gypsy 1-1/2, P swing B1 Lad Chain, LL B2 N DSD, N Bx Gnat, Pass Thru *#12 Untitled* A1 N Gypsy, N Swg A2 Hey/Lad Ricochet B1 P B&S B2 LL , CL 3/4, Pass Thru

8 years, 3 months

"Yankee" Dutch Crossing

by Perry Shafran via Callers

Hi, everyone, Can someone point me to the best resource to get the figures for Dutch Crossing (specifically the Yankee Dutch Crossing that is frequently called at dance weekends). With less than 2 weeks to spare, I've been asked if I'd like to do a Dutch Crossing workshop and I think I need the figures down pat if I'm going to do that. Thanks in advance! Perry

8 years, 3 months

Two New Dances

by John Sweeney via Callers

Hi All, These two proved popular at Eastbourne International Folk Festival. I would be interested in any comments on them, and on whether the Double Gypsy I have used is common. Rogue's March has the same first half as Devil's Dream, but without the awkward hand change at the end of A2. The second half is different and, I believe, flows more smoothly, and includes a Swing. Rogues March (by John Sweeney) Contra; Improper A1: #1s Face Down in the Middle; #2s Face Up on the Outside: Dance Forwards, Turn Alone, Dance Back, Neighbour Handy Hand Allemande 1/2 - #2s now in the Middle A2: Dance Forwards, Turn Alone, Dance Back, Neighbour Handy Hand Allemande 1/4 - #2s let go and face back in B1: Double Gypsy: #1s Gypsy wide and separate into Neighbour Gypsy Meltdown B2: Long Lines Go Forward & Back Men Rolling the Ladies from Right to Left on the way back Balance the Ring; Pass Through - #1s Down the Middle check out your New Neighbours Teaching Notes: In A1 and A2 every dancer starts off heading the same direction each time. In B1 the #1s start a Right Shoulder Gypsy with each other but as soon as they can see their Neighbour they change it into a Gypsy with the Neighbour then melt down into a Neighbour Swing. #1 Lady needs to go wide around #1 Man and avoid the temptation to weave into a Left Shoulder Gypsy with her Neighbour. The Pass Through is unusual in that the #1s stay together and go between the #2s. This sets everyone up beside their New Neighbour and ready to start A1 again. The Slithy Serpent (by John Sweeney) Double Contra - Four Facing Four - Mescolanza A1: Lines of Four Go Forward & Back - Men Roll the Ladies from Right to Left on the way back Lines of Four Go Forward & Back - Ladies Roll the Men from Right to Left on the way back A2: With your Partner: Slip Sideways (4) - Left Hand Couples through the Middle; Set to Neighbour With your Partner: Slip Sideways (4) - Left Hand Couples through the Middle; In Fours: Balance the Ring B1: Serpentine Hey: Ladies leading their Neighbour Men: 2 x [In Fours Circle Left Half Way (4); Middles Open Back Ring Half Way (4)] B2: Partner Gypsy Meltdown - Finish facing a New Line Teaching Notes: In the Serpentine Hey the four ladies are basically dancing a ladies hey, dragging their neighbour along behind them. As they circle left they have to very quickly change direction to dance around the back of the next couple. An Open Back Ring is a circle with your backs to the middle of it, open because you dont take hands with the other couple, you just keep dragging your neighbour along. It should flow smoothly! If you are not in the Back Ring then rest! You can see the move at 0.26 in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc3Bd9Rymp8 I practice the direction by getting the four ladies to dance a full hey dragging their neighbour men behind them. Then make sure they understand that that is not part of the dance, just where they go. Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574 http://www.modernjive.com for Modern Jive Events & DVDs http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

8 years, 3 months

Dare To Be Square Weekend in Helvetia, West Virginia - May 19, 20, 21st

by T Claw via Callers

This is my favorite square dance focused festival of all time. If you can find a way to be there, you will not regret it. Today is the last day for early bird rates on the super affordable tickets. If you can't afford it, but want to get there, we can make it happen. Please forward to friends of old time music and dance and try to send a contingent to represent your community. T-Claw https://mountaindancetrail.org/364-2/ https://www.facebook.com/events/161612907668582/ http://bittersoutherner.com/my-year-in-helvetia-west-virginia/ "DARE TO BE SQUARE HELVETIA, WV May 19th - 21st 2017 A weekend for aspiring and advanced callers, dancers and musicians in a small swiss town in the mountains of West Virginia! Workshops will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday with Bill Ohse, Will Mentor, Lou Maiuri, Mary Alice Milnes, Gerry Milnes, T- Claw, Taylor Runner, Jesse Milnes, Ellen & Eugene Ratcliffe and many others yet to be determined! There are two beautiful dance halls and there will be many opportunities to practice calling! Evening public square dances will be held on both Friday and Saturday night with late night jam sessions at all hours. The High Ridge Ramblers with Dave Bing, Andrew Dunlap and Mark Payne will play the Friday night square dance! Saturday night square dance will be Jesse Milnes and friends. Workshops will be held in Helvetia Fiddle Tunes, Calling 101 & 102, Helvetia Baking, Big Circle Square Dances, Glenville Style Squares, Flatfooting 1 & 2, West Virginia Ballad Singing, Play Party Games, Calling Feedback Sessions much more! REGISTRATION is open!! https://mountaindancetrail.org/364-2/ $65 prior to May 1st and $75 at gate. FREE to folks under 18 years of age! Please let me know if you can't come due to not being able to afford the admission price, we can work something out. There are several volunteer opportunities for partial and full tuition. There are also several scholarships available to eager beginning callers! Also, We are in need of a few more musicians to play for workshops. Contact hillreb1(a)gmail.com for inquiries. HOUSING - $10-15 suggested donation per person for rustic camping for the whole weekend. Rooms available for rent at the Bee Keeper Inn and the Kultur Haus Helvetia reserve yours before it's too late. "

8 years, 3 months

Website development

by Jeanette Mill via Callers

Can anyone recommend an open source website development tool that is appropriate for touring dance callers and musicians? cheersJeanette Jeanette MillContra dance caller, musician and workshop convenor+61 (0)449 686 077Canberra, Australia "The piano - 88 little mistakes waiting to happen" Kate Barnes

8 years, 4 months

Re: [Callers] Ralph Sweet's Birthday Dance

by James Saxe via Callers

Hi, Rich, I'm interested, and I think I can make it out there. Can you put me down for a spot? Thanks. --Jim Saxe Santa Clara, CA > On Apr 18, 2017, at 6:33 PM, Rich Sbardella richsbardella(a)gmail.com [trad-dance-callers] <trad-dance-callers(a)yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > Hello Friends, > > I am hosting/organizing a contra dance on Sunday evening, May 21st, to celebrate Ralph Sweet's 88th birthday. This is the last dance in Ralph's Shindig in the Barn series this season, and next season is not a certainty. Ralph's son Walter is part of a trio of musicians that will be providing the dance music. > > We are planning this dance as a tribute, and a thank you to Ralph for all he is to the dance community, and I am hoping for multiple callers to participate. If you are available, and would like to call a dance please send me a message. I can program in about 10 callers, and I will reserve slots on a first come, first serve basis. > > Please consider helping us to make this dance at Ralph's barn a celebration! > > Rich Sbardella > Stafford, CT

8 years, 4 months

Ralph Sweet's Birthday Dance

by Rich Sbardella via Callers

Hello Friends, I am hosting/organizing a contra dance on Sunday evening, May 21st, to celebrate Ralph Sweet's 88th birthday. This is the last dance in Ralph's Shindig in the Barn series this season, and next season is not a certainty. Ralph's son Walter is part of a trio of musicians that will be providing the dance music. We are planning this dance as a tribute, and a thank you to Ralph for all he is to the dance community, and I am hoping for multiple callers to participate. If you are available, and would like to call a dance please send me a message. I can program in about 10 callers, and I will reserve slots on a first come, first serve basis. Please consider helping us to make this dance at Ralph's barn a celebration! Rich Sbardella Stafford, CT

8 years, 4 months

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