Contra Callers

contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net

4369 discussions

by John Sweeney

Roger Hayes said "Mention must be made of "Wizard's Walk". (Was it written, or found?)" It was written by Ruth Ungar. The tune was written by her father Jay Ungar. Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk <http://www.contrafusion.co.uk/> for Dancing in Kent

12 years, 6 months

Re: [Callers] Bowl of Cherries

by John Sweeney

I think there is a Roll Away missing at the end of the Circle Left in the description provided a few posts back. Bowl of Cherries by Sue Rosen Improper A1 N Dsd & swing A2 Promenade across; W ch to P B1 W gypsy each other; sw P B2 Circle left 3/4, Men Roll Neighbour Lady alone the line with a Half Sashay; Cross Trails (pass thru across, pass N by left shoulder to face new N) Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

12 years, 6 months

Re: [Callers] What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

by Allen Ortep

Hello All: I don't have a favorite dance, but my least favorite dance (and dance move) is Petronella. Always seems a bit backwards to me. Allen Ortep

12 years, 6 months

Why do you (or don't you) like Chorus Jig?

by Mark Widmer

Dale, Chorus Jig offers a lot of opportunities to embellish the moves beyond what dancers are instructed in the walkthrough. The most popular one is for the 2's to swing while the 1's are going down the outside. Besides that, it can be fun to: -- At the end of a swing, give a gentle "push off" with your partner to either launch yourselves into the down-the-outside (if you're active), or to get yourselves promptly to the side before the 1's start walking down the middle (if you're an inactive). -- Do that extra spin out of the allemandes (if time permits), as either an active or inactive. Mark Widmer Dale Wilson <dale.wilson(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:26:55 -0600 > Subject: Re: [Callers] What is the best contra dance(s) ever written? > > . > . > . > > And slightly more seriously. > > I don't want to start religious war but I have always wondered about A > Chorus Jig. I just don't see why anyone likes it other than those who > cherish it as a relic of a bygone era. The few times I have danced it my > primary impression was that the inactive couples stood still for the entire > dance -- offering admiration an occasional helping hand to the actives, and > even the actives spent a great deal of time walking up and down the set. > What am I missing? Why do people like it? > > Dale > >

12 years, 6 months

Re: [Callers] What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

by John Sweeney

The one I get most requests for is Devil's Dream http://www.cambridgefolk.org.uk/contra/dances/devils_dream.html I also get a lot of requests for Feet in Flight by Dale Rempert http://austinbarndancers.org/dances/ftflight.shtml Especially when we dance it to Wild Asparagus playing Taliban. The dance I have called most is probably Flirtation Reel by Tony Parkes - great for beginners, but the experienced dancers love it as well. Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

12 years, 6 months

Re: [Callers] What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

by JohnFreem＠aol.com

Dale, When did you start dancing? If you began during the "MUC" era, then you likely never had a chance to appreciate some of the chestnuts and unequal dances of the pre-MUC era. Some dances are comfortable, like an old pair of dancing shoes. I remember dancing to some of these dances that began on their own while the bend was "noodling" the tune, before the caller was ready. John B. Freeman, SFTPOCTJ Calling and dancing for only 30+ years

12 years, 6 months

Re: [Callers] Right & Left Through

by John Sweeney

Kalia said, "a right and left through over and back (4 changes of rights and lefts for you English dancers)". Q1: Why for English dancers? Dancers in England do R&L Throughs, and I am pretty sure that ECD dancers in the USA do them as well. Q2: "Four changes" does NOT (to the best of my knowledge) have any courtesy turns in it, whereas wherever I have danced in the UK or the USA (extensively in both countries) R&L Throughs DO. How do you do a R&L Through? Q3: When the dance is proper like this, then the two men are courtesy turning each other - is that what makes the difference? In my experience the men turn shoulder to shoulder, possibly with arms around each other, but they still do a turn which wouldn't happen in "four changes". (And the ladies likewise of course.) Q4: Does anyone know how a R&L Through was done, and with what styling, back when this dance was written? Thanks. Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

12 years, 6 months

Re: [Callers] Fw: What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

by Roger Hayes

Mention must be made of "Wizards Walk". (Was it written, or found?) - Roger Hayes

12 years, 6 months

Re: [Callers] What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

by JohnFreem＠aol.com

My all-around favorite to begin any dance has long been Don Armstrong's "Broken Sixpence". It moves a lot, introduces dancers to each other, is easy for beginners to comprehend, and would look familiar to square dancers. It's all about the fun! John B. Freeman, SFTPOCTJ

12 years, 6 months

Favorite contra albums

by Kalia Kliban

I've been listening a lot lately to Elixir's album "Rampant" and Wild Asparagus's "From the Floor Up". I really like them just as upbeat music to listen to. KGB's waltz album "The Red Light of Evening" is in that class, too. What are some of your favorite contra band recordings, and what is it about them that really gets your tail wagging? Kalia

12 years, 6 months

Jump to page:

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Contra Callers