Contra Callers

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4372 discussions

Re: [Callers] Variations of 3-33 by Steve Zakon-Anderson

by John Sweeney via Callers

Instead of Ladies Dosido 1 & 1/2 I always teach Ladies Dosido then Pass Through (by the Right Shoulder). That makes it clearer as to where they are heading (especially if they like spinning their Dosidos!). Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

8 years, 5 months

Variations of 3-33 by Steve Zakon-Anderson

by Dugan Murphy via Callers

Dear Shared Weighters, I wanted to call "3-33" by Steve Zakon-Anderson recently, but with a different B2 progression that would be easier for dancers to execute and for me to teach. Does this dance already exist under another title? If not, I'd like to call it "4-44" to present it in clear homage to Steve's creation. 4-44 by Dugan Murphy A1 Neighbor one right hand balance (4); pull by right (2); neighbor two pull by left (2); Neighbor three right hand balance (4); box the gnat (4) A2 Neighbor three pull by right (2); Neighbor 2 pull by left (2); Neighbor one swing (12) B1 Circle left three places (8); Partner swing (8) B2 Ladies chain (8); Left hand star (8) Please let me know if this sequence already has a name. I am already aware of "334" by Diane Silver A1 Neighbor one right hand balance (4); pull by right (2); neighbor two pull by left (2); Neighbor three right hand balance (4); box the gnat (4) A2 Neighbor three pull by right (2); Neighbor 2 pull by left (2); Neighbor one swing (12) B1 Gents left hand allemande 1.5 (8); Partner swing (8) B2 Circle left three places (8); Balance the ring (4); Partner California twirl (4) Question two: are there other 3-33-inspired dances out there you know about? Dugan Murphy Portland, Maine dugan at duganmurphy.com www.PortlandIntownContraDance.com www.NufSed.consulting

8 years, 6 months

contra name/author?

by Claire Takemori via Callers

Hi everyone. I just picked up a couple contra dances on Sunday and the caller didn’t know the titles or callers. I hope you can help to ID these 2 dances? BECKET A1 CL3 N Sw, face down A2 DTH, TA Ret, bend to ring B1 CL 1/2 , across from P as couple slide out Left & slide R until Gents meet Gents allem L 1x B2 P R-sh round & Sw Improper A1 N B &Sw A2. Gents Allem 1.5 P sw B1. LLFB L CH to N B2 bal ring P Roll lady across with 1/2 sashay Bal ring N rolls lady along Thanks for your help! Claire (Campbell CA)

8 years, 6 months

Favorite relatively Modern ECD

by Erik Hoffman via Callers

Hi All, I'm going to lead an English dance in early February. I've led English once or twice, and mostly stuck with The Playford Collection, and some Pat Shaw dances. I wouldn't mind collecting a few more modern dances. Please feel free to either post them to the list, or send to me directly: erik(a)erikhoffman.com<mailto:erik@erikhoffman.com> And, of course, please include the music. Thanks, ~Erik Hoffman Oakland, CA

8 years, 6 months

Re: [Callers] Favorite relatively Modern ECD

by John Sweeney via Callers

Hi Erik, It all depends on how you, or the group you are working with, define ECD. The definition of country dancing in England is much wider. We'll dance anything the caller calls as long as it is fun. You can find some 50 year old dances at http://contrafusion.co.uk/DancesEDS.html And some of mine at http://contrafusion.co.uk/Dances.html If you need more, then the archives of the ECD list would be a good place to look: http://www.bacds.org/mailman/listinfo/ecd Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

8 years, 6 months

A new dance: Cassoulet

by Roger Hayes via Callers

I've been thinking about dances with distinctive figures recently. Here's one that people have enjoyed; I think it may be the minimal improper dance with contra corners, as it avoids the half figure eight which, while fun, causes confusion for beginners. ------ Cassoulet Duple minor improper contra dance Roger Hayes, August 2016 A1 Circle left ½, Ladies roll away L to R with neighbor Circle left ½, Gents roll away L to R with neighbor A2 Demi pousette, Long lines forward and back B1 Contra corners B2 Actives balance and swing Demi pousette: 1’s do a ½ draw pousette starting above improper, ending below proper, while 2’s do a normal ½ pousette to move up. So the 1 gent pulls partner out of the set and back in, moving in an arc with the gent always in the forefront, while the 2 gent pulls partner out of the set then 2 lady pulls partner back in, describing a V shape. This dance benefits from spacious circles.

8 years, 6 months

Dances without LLFB and Ladies Chain

by Mark Hillegonds via Callers

Hi all, Following on the recent inquiries about favorite dances that [INSERT CRITERIA HERE], I'll post my request. I'm finding that when I put programs together, I'll have a string (or at least several) dances that have a LL F&B or a Ladies Chain and sometimes both. I'd be interested to know your favorite dances (of any experience level) that use neither of these figures. Thanks and Happy Holidays to all! -- *Mark Hillegonds* Cell: 734-756-8441 Email: mark.hillegonds(a)gmail.com

8 years, 6 months

Reverse prog/becket R dances?

by Maia McCormick via Callers

Anyone have some favorites to share? Especially interested in dances that are simple enough to be part of a medley (they don't need to be dead simple, just not absurdly complex). Cheers, Maia

8 years, 6 months

Re: [Callers] Holiday contras - BEG/EASY

by Tina Fields via Callers

The year I called the No Snow Ball in the SF Bay Area, Hillbillies from Mars agreed to include I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus as one tune in a set. I sang it after dancers got their flow going, and it went great. I like Alan's idea of including not only holiday tunes but bad holiday puns as alt dance titles. That way, you can choose excellent dances and still get your holiday theme on. I also look forward to hearing more ideas here. Have fun! Tina > > On Saturday, December 3, 2016 David Harding via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > I'm interested in familiar holiday tunes that work for contras. I know > I've danced to Jingle Bells a couple of times (as Alan suggested), and > think I remember doing a mixer to Gloria in Excelsis Deo. Any other ideas? > > David > > >> On 12/2/2016 6:10 PM, Winston, Alan P. via Callers wrote: >> Claire -- >> >> In my experience, choosing dances because their titles fit a >> particular theme isn't the best way to make programs. >> >> For Christmas holiday dances I'm used to bands slipping familiar >> holiday tunes into their regular sets. (Jingle Bells fits in nicely as >> a bouncy tune. Several carols can be played as waltzes.) You can also >> playfully alter the names of dances you'd want to call anyway to make >> them fit the theme.

8 years, 6 months

Holiday contras - BEG/EASY

by Claire Takemori via Callers

Hi everyone! Wishing you all fabulous holidays. I’m so grateful for this resource. I’m calling a small contra on 12/20 and would like to have some Beg/Easy modern contras with fun holiday theme titles. There is usually several new dancers and 1/3-1/2 beg to very experienced dancers. I appreciate any choreography that you can share. I’ve searched all the dances I already have in Caller’s Companion. Thank you So much! Claire Takemori (SF Bay Area)

8 years, 6 months

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