Contra Callers

contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net

6 participants
4371 discussions

by Judy Greenhill via Callers

The 20th Canadian National Square and Round Dance Convention will be held in London ON July 19-21, 2018. http://www.squaredance.ca/2018/ Why am I mentioning this on a contra callers list? Because I have been asked to coordinate the contra programming. I'm hoping there are a few contra callers out there who dance MWSD, who might be interested in attending the Convention. Price goes up January 2016, and it's in Canadian dollars so a double good time to think about it! I've been promised at least 8 hours contra programming, and there will be a live band available for at least part of the time. Judy Greenhill --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

9 years, 7 months

Fwd: Josefins Dopvals (Waltz)

by Martha Wild via Callers

All, This is Josefins Waltz. Chris Peoples provided me with a copy. It is a very beautiful and fairly easy waltz to play (not many eighth notes). If you get a chance, play through it, and see what you think. We could add it to our repertoire and try it this week - thoughts from other fiddlers? I know Drew, Chris, and Michael know it already. I know slightly different chords but for now we can stick with these so mando/guitar/dulcimer folks etc. would all be together. Martha > > > >

9 years, 7 months

Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend Scholarships Available

by via Callers

The 29th Annual Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend is January 15 - 17, 2016 on the UNH Campus in Durham, NH. Providing scholarships to aspiring callers and dance musicians has long been an important part of our event. There are 2 scholarships for callers and 2 for musicians. Should you know someone who would be interested, please have them visit the website: http://ralphpage.neffa.org/ and look at the "Scholarship" link. The application couldn't be easier! Application deadline is Dec. 5. Thanks! Sandy Lafleur RPDLW Committee

9 years, 7 months

Radio stations

by Brooks Hart via Callers

Hello all. Does anyone know of a radio station that plays contra dance music and streams online? Thanks, Brooks

9 years, 7 months

Use of the term gypsy

by Bengtson, Lissa via Callers

Thank you for the clarification from the Voice of Roma. Having learned the dance move and the term, and used it in complete ignorant innocence, I feel sad that it's leaving. But I'm sentimental about the Confederate flag, too and sad that my high school's arch-rival will no longer be Robert E Lee High School. I've just been living my life in a pool of ignorance and not realizing I'm offending people right and left. Lissa Bengtson San Antonio Sent from my iPhone > On Nov 4, 2015, at 3:01 PM, via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > > Send Callers mailing list submissions to > callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > callers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > You can reach the person managing the list at > callers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Callers digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Fwd: Use of the word "gypsy" in various folk dances - > Response from Voice of Roma (Martha Wild via Callers) > 2. Re: Fwd: Use of the word "gypsy" in various folk dances - > Response from Voice of Roma (Winston, Alan P. via Callers) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2015 19:43:31 -0800 > From: Martha Wild via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> > Subject: [Callers] Fwd: Use of the word "gypsy" in various folk dances > - Response from Voice of Roma > Message-ID: <E9D55526-AB98-4C9C-AA56-DD67DACF5AF4(a)sbcglobal.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252" > > All, I have received the following response from a representative from the Voice of Roma. This seems to be a pretty definitive response to whether the term is insulting or not to the Roma people. > Martha > > > Begin forwarded message: > >> From: Carol Silverman <csilverm(a)uoregon.edu> >> Subject: Re: Use of the word "gypsy" in various folk dances >> Date: November 3, 2015 7:28:00 PM PST >> To: Martha Wild <mawild(a)sbcglobal.net>, Voice of Roma <voiceofroma(a)gmail.com> >> Cc: Petra Gelbart <petragelbart(a)gmail.com> >> >> Dear Martha, >> Sani Rifati, President of Voice of Roma forwarded you message to me. Although I am not Romani, I am on the Board of VOR and we do care deeply about the terms used for the people we represent. >> A large number of Roma (but not all) are offended by the term Gypsy, especially with a small g. To ?gyp" someone means to steal and swindle; plus the word connotes a false history? it a short for Egyptian whereas Roma are from India. Roma have faced centuries of discrimination, and today are subject to deportations and racial profiling; this would be an opportunity to teach your community a little about their history. >> >> So whatever the history of the dance step, I know that names can be changed by sensitive callers like you. I would urge you to change the names and seize and educational moment! >> Sincerely, Carol Silverman >> PS Check the VOR webs page fro my information: http://www.voiceofroma.com/culture/gyp_vs_rom.html >> >> >> >> >> >>> From: Martha Wild <mawild(a)sbcglobal.net> >>> Date: Tue, Oct 27, 2015 at 1:56 AM >>> Subject: Use of the word "gypsy" in various folk dances >>> To: voiceofroma(a)gmail.com >>> >>> >>> Hi, >>> I am a folk dancer - I do a lot of contra dancing and English Country dance and I call the dances as well. >>> >>> Recently a newcomer who came to a dance at another venue brought to our (a group of caller's that talk about such subjects on a list) attention that we have been using the word gypsy for one of the dance moves in both types of dance. This dancer (not a Roma) came to one of our dances and was upset that we used the term "gypsy" for this dance move, as they felt that the word was insulting to the Roma people. >>> >>> I would like to know if this is the case, as we have never intended to be derogatory to anyone, but lots of dances have this move, and dance names even contain the name, like "The Gypsy Star" and others. >>> >>> The move in question is a move where two people walk around each other and back to place, while facing each other. There is some confusion about origin of the term, but the best guess is that there was an English Country dance called "The Spanish Gypsy" that was written over a hundred years ago, and it was the first to include this move of people walking around each other while facing (prior to that people generally did a "back to back, or what is also called "do-si-do". The move was not called a "gypsy", but because this dance used it and other dances copied it, people called it a "gypsy" because it was the same move that was in that dance. >>> >>> I've been calling these dances for over 25 years and have used this term to indicate this move, never intending anything by it other than as an established name for a dance figure. I am hoping that some of the folks at Voice of Roma could give me an opinion as to whether you find it offensive or not for us to continue to use it. We've been discussing on the web whether we should try to find a different name, but if you feel that this use of the word gypsy is not an issue then we can stop arguing over words like "eddy" or "swirl" and continue to use it. If you do find it offensive, however, I will gladly alter my dance cards to something else so as not to continue to be offensive. >>> >>> Thanks for your input, >>> Martha Wild >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Sani Rifati >>> 707/823-7941 >>> http://www.voiceofroma.com >> >> Carol Silverman >> Professor >> Department of Anthropology and >> Folklore Program >> University of Oregon >> Eugene OR 97403-1218 >> Office 541-346-5114 >> Fax 541-346-0668 >> csilverm(a)uoregon.edu > >

9 years, 7 months

Fwd: Use of the word "gypsy" in various folk dances - Response from Voice of Roma

by Martha Wild via Callers

All, I have received the following response from a representative from the Voice of Roma. This seems to be a pretty definitive response to whether the term is insulting or not to the Roma people. Martha Begin forwarded message: > From: Carol Silverman <csilverm(a)uoregon.edu> > Subject: Re: Use of the word "gypsy" in various folk dances > Date: November 3, 2015 7:28:00 PM PST > To: Martha Wild <mawild(a)sbcglobal.net>, Voice of Roma <voiceofroma(a)gmail.com> > Cc: Petra Gelbart <petragelbart(a)gmail.com> > > Dear Martha, > Sani Rifati, President of Voice of Roma forwarded you message to me. Although I am not Romani, I am on the Board of VOR and we do care deeply about the terms used for the people we represent. > A large number of Roma (but not all) are offended by the term Gypsy, especially with a small g. To “gyp" someone means to steal and swindle; plus the word connotes a false history— it a short for Egyptian whereas Roma are from India. Roma have faced centuries of discrimination, and today are subject to deportations and racial profiling; this would be an opportunity to teach your community a little about their history. > > So whatever the history of the dance step, I know that names can be changed by sensitive callers like you. I would urge you to change the names and seize and educational moment! > Sincerely, Carol Silverman > PS Check the VOR webs page fro my information: http://www.voiceofroma.com/culture/gyp_vs_rom.html > > > >> >> > > >> From: Martha Wild <mawild(a)sbcglobal.net> >> Date: Tue, Oct 27, 2015 at 1:56 AM >> Subject: Use of the word "gypsy" in various folk dances >> To: voiceofroma(a)gmail.com >> >> >> Hi, >> I am a folk dancer - I do a lot of contra dancing and English Country dance and I call the dances as well. >> >> Recently a newcomer who came to a dance at another venue brought to our (a group of caller's that talk about such subjects on a list) attention that we have been using the word gypsy for one of the dance moves in both types of dance. This dancer (not a Roma) came to one of our dances and was upset that we used the term "gypsy" for this dance move, as they felt that the word was insulting to the Roma people. >> >> I would like to know if this is the case, as we have never intended to be derogatory to anyone, but lots of dances have this move, and dance names even contain the name, like "The Gypsy Star" and others. >> >> The move in question is a move where two people walk around each other and back to place, while facing each other. There is some confusion about origin of the term, but the best guess is that there was an English Country dance called "The Spanish Gypsy" that was written over a hundred years ago, and it was the first to include this move of people walking around each other while facing (prior to that people generally did a "back to back, or what is also called "do-si-do". The move was not called a "gypsy", but because this dance used it and other dances copied it, people called it a "gypsy" because it was the same move that was in that dance. >> >> I've been calling these dances for over 25 years and have used this term to indicate this move, never intending anything by it other than as an established name for a dance figure. I am hoping that some of the folks at Voice of Roma could give me an opinion as to whether you find it offensive or not for us to continue to use it. We've been discussing on the web whether we should try to find a different name, but if you feel that this use of the word gypsy is not an issue then we can stop arguing over words like "eddy" or "swirl" and continue to use it. If you do find it offensive, however, I will gladly alter my dance cards to something else so as not to continue to be offensive. >> >> Thanks for your input, >> Martha Wild >> >> >> >> -- >> Sani Rifati >> 707/823-7941 >> http://www.voiceofroma.com > > Carol Silverman > Professor > Department of Anthropology and > Folklore Program > University of Oregon > Eugene OR 97403-1218 > Office 541-346-5114 > Fax 541-346-0668 > csilverm(a)uoregon.edu >

9 years, 7 months

Gypsy Synopsis

by Erik Hoffman via Callers

On the subject of gypsies and language, I've enjoyed reading the myriad comments, and find myself feeling ambiguous (which I define as feeling very strongly both ways). And, I know it's been thrashed about and we've a request for acknowledging that we are unlikely to change any opinions on this. That said: * I have had this discussion with a number people in the past, about the very strong negative connotations of the word "Gypsy." Ambivalent as I am, I do think we should look for a replacement word. * I thought I'd collect all the words that have been suggested so far (unless I missed one or two) in one place. Here it is: No Hand Turn No Hand Allemande (and I do think Allemande comes from "The German," a dance) Dance Around, or Walk Around Face to Face Do Si Do Bine (binary stars -- snippet below) Nose-to-Nose Do Si Do Dance Around - or Dance About Orbit Around - or Orbit About Loop Eddy Vortex Swirl Spiral Eyes or "Take Eyes" Holding Eyes Eyeballs Facing Maypole Hands Off Face à Face (facey-face...) Right (Left) Shoulder (without the G-word) Cyclone (though mentioned with a complaint - too "violent") * I like "Single File with a Smile" to replace "Indian Style." Many Indians don't like the moniker "Native American," and vice versa -- America is a name that comes from a European explorer, in some ways more insulting than the misconstrued "Indians," from the name given by a murderous European explorer... It is good, I think, to stop using words that come from stereotyped images of an oppressed or victimized people. * When thinking of our positive feelings about the word -- "happy, colorful," think about people of the slave-holding South remembered with great delight how "Nigras" were always happy, and how warm and wonderful it was when they were slaves. Of course, they rarely considered that that "happiness" stemmed from fear -- the fear of bodily injury, jail, or even lynching... * We are teaching dance in a public forum. Dog breeders use the word "bitch" regularly -- no problem. Start calling a woman that word, and the connotation is different. A chink in a chain, a dike to hold back water or in a rock formation, etc. are all used in specialized situations. I run into a similar problem as I love playing the Jews Harp... Our use of the word Gypsy in a public forum could be said to have that specialized meaning. But it can be construed to have those negative connotations. * Eric Black says he uses "Gents & Ladies," never, "men & women." Years ago I stopped using Ladies & Gents since their roots are steeped in classism, and we live in a severely class society -- even though we pretend we don't. Be that as it may, I started using Ladies & Gents again when I realized most of us don't have those connotations associated with those words. Now I've gone gender free, and use ravens & larks. But when I was young we used "him," and "he" to mean "everyone. We did notice the affect this had on young women as promoting that sense of exclusion that still dominates our culture. Most of us now say "he and she," or just "she", and it has changed how some of us think about the power of women. Language does make a difference. Much of this came about from discussions on how the words I choose to use affect some. Most of are "unaffected," by the use of certain words. Or at least we don't perceive an affect of the use of certain words. It's like those of us who are White often don't know the scrutiny Black people are subjected to throughout their everyday lives. Or the majority of us men don't live with the fear and degradation women are subjected to. It is important to understand how our language affects those around us, especially from the podium. Well, enough for now, as that's more than two-cents worth... ~erik hoffman oakland, ca The Snippet on from Richard Fischer (richardallenfischer(a)verizon.net) "Bine": > I have a suggestion for a new word to replace "gypsy." My word is "bine" and I derive it from > "binary stars" which, especially if they are of similar mass, circle each other as in our dance > move. I consulted with an astrophysicist friend, who told me that under certain circumstances > binary stars may be "tidally locked," that is, facing each other as they orbit about each other. > (Our moon is tidally locked, but in the earth-moon case it's not a mutual thing.) > > "Bine" can be used as a verb and a noun, it's one syllable and easy to say, and its etymology is > known. (And some dancers might enjoy the image). > > As others have said, I too have appreciated this thoughtful discussion. It is hard to know when > to retire an established term that has been used without intention to offend anyone, but I know > many of us are considering doing so. So I thought I'd put my suggestion out there.

9 years, 7 months

dances in unusual formations

by Donna Hunt via Callers

Hi I'm doing a workshop on dances "outside the box" (ie, no squares or contras). Anyone have any interesting dances for contra dancers that fit the criteria? I have Tom Hinds "Hexitation" and several triplets, a Zia and a Tempest, and have looked through the Ralph Page weekend glossary, but I'm wondering if you were doing a workshop like this, what would be your top pick of a dance? Thanks Donna Hunt

9 years, 7 months

Itty-bitty dances, triplets, odd numbers

by Kalia Kliban via Callers

I just called a tiny dance last night, and went through several of my triplets along with a big pile of English 3-couple dances that we did to old-time tunes (that was a little weird for me but the dancers enjoyed them, so what the heck). I was grateful to have the few triplets I had, and I'd like to expand my collection. The ones I used were Microchasmic, David's Triplet #7 and Ted's Triplet #24, which all have distinctive bits in them (contra corners, round two/drop through, and a cast to invert then 1s lead up, respectively). I like triplets that have some choreographic substance to them, something for the dancers to chew on. Do you have favorites you enjoy dancing as well as calling? I get the impression sometimes that triplets are "that thing you do to fill time until the real dancing starts," but 3-couple sets can be a whole lot of fun. And sometimes they can save your butt as a caller. We had lots of odd numbers last night, so in addition to the triplets and 3-couple English dances I used dances like Domino 5 (5 dancers) and Pride of Dingle (for 9). For a short while we had 4 couples and did contras but most of the evening was "other." Got any good dances for odd numbers? Kalia

9 years, 7 months

Itty-bitty dances, triplets, Timing Correction for David's Triplet #5

by Paul Wilde via Callers

Quick correction on timing: David's Triplet #5 David Smuckler A-1 1s cast down own side to bottom, Back up ctr to cast w/ 2s A-2 All do si do P 1 1/4 into way line of 6, balance Balance & Al R w/ P 1/2 into new wave & B-1 Bal, Pul by P by R into hey for 6 B-2 P Gypsy & Swing, face up Thanks to Tom for pointing this out. And Levi Jackson Rag is by Pat Shaw Thanks to all for the great dance suggestions. Paul

9 years, 7 months

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