Contra Callers

contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net

30 participants
4410 discussions

by Tom Hinds

Jeff Kaufman asked where dancers dance the cast off with the twos acting as the pivot point. One place for sure is the Washington DC area (that's my original dance community). But I'm talking more about the past when we did the older dances. Some dancers responded to me directly. Two dancers from the same dance community reported completely different answers. One caller made the point that it's very rare for a caller to go over the fine points of a cast off. I think this is a good point since there are so many other things to teach, like safety (safe allemandes), timing, how to do the more common moves well etc. The finer points of a cast of are relatively speaking not that important. Thanks to all of you for helping me out on this.

14 years, 8 months

new or old?

by Bronwyn Woods

I wrote a couple dances to fill gaps in the program at this evening's Pittsburgh dance, and they both went quite well. But since they were inspired by a number of other dances there's a good chance they already exist. Anybody recognize either of these? Dance A Becket (ccw) A1: (8) Long lines forward; on the way back, men roll partner away (8) Pass through across. Each person turns 1/4 to their right and everyone walk single file around the set to the next neighbors A2: (8) Right hand star once around with new neighbors (hands across) (8) Gents drop out, Women allemande right 1 1/2 B1: (16) Balance and swing neighbor B2: (8) Men allemande left 1 1/2 (8) Swing partner Note: The single file promenade flows nicely into the hands across star if the gents take right hand as they pass each other and the women fall in behind them. Dance B Becket (cw) A1: (8) Long lines forward and back (8) Right and left through A2: (8) Circle left 3/4 (8) Neighbor swing B1: (8) Ladies chain on the left diagonal (to shadow) (8) Give right hands to the person across the set, balance, pull by right. Pull by shadow left. [like a piece of an interrupted square through] B2: (16) Balance and swing partner Thanks, Bronwyn

14 years, 8 months

cast off

by Tom Hinds

I'm in the process of writing a book on the ins and outs of choreography. The last chapter is a glossary of uncommon moves used in contras. I remember, maybe 15 years ago, someone wrote a dance that used a move called a hockey stick. Does anyone know the dance/ know the move? My memory is that dancers walk across the set single file and then turn a quarter and move either up or down. Also, I may have discovered some regional differences in the move cast off. I realize that cast off isn't done as much as it was many years ago, but I wanted to know how you do it in your area. Say the ones go down the hall, return and cast off with the twos. Do the twos act as a pivot point? Or do the twos back up while the ones cast (the pivot is between the dancers). Thanks for you help!!!! Tom

14 years, 8 months

Re: [Callers] uncommon moves--"hockey stick"/"fishhook"

by Bree Kalb

It's also called "button-hook" by some dance writers. (Isn't that what Jim Kitch calls it in "Bees in the Shower?") -----Original Message----- >From: kheine(a)twcny.rr.com >Sent: Feb 23, 2011 3:00 PM >To: callers(a)sharedweight.net >Cc: callers-request(a)sharedweight.net >Subject: [Callers] uncommon moves--"hockey stick"/"fishhook" > >Here in Ithaca, the figure that you refer to as a "hockey stick" is called a "fishhook." --K > >> >> Message: 6 >> Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:57:33 -0500 >> From: Tom Hinds <twhinds(a)earthlink.net> >> To: callers(a)sharedweight.net >> Subject: [Callers] cast off >> Message-ID: <ADC6A104-0E5C-452A-B7F4-3B85B8BBA8D8(a)earthlink.net> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed >> >> I'm in the process of writing a book on the ins and outs of >> choreography. The last chapter is a glossary of uncommon moves used >> in contras. I remember, maybe 15 years ago, someone wrote a dance >> that used a move called a hockey stick. Does anyone know the dance/ >> know the move? My memory is that dancers walk across the set single >> file and then turn a quarter and move either up or down. >> > >> Tom >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 9 >> Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:26:41 EST >> From: Dhuntdancer(a)aol.com >> To: callers(a)sharedweight.net >> Subject: Re: [Callers] cast off >> Message-ID: <847d4.3874e54d.3a968f41(a)aol.com> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" >> >> Bumbling in the Shower Erik Smith Becket-L >> A1. 8 Long lines forward and back >> 8 Gents allem L 1? >> A2. 4,12 Neighbor balance, & swing >> B1. 8 Ladies chain to partner >> 8 Pass thru across and turn R ? and single file promenade to next >> couple >> B2. 8 Circle L >> 8 Partner swing >> >> I collected this in the late 80's/early 90's and it has the "hockey stick" >> you're talking about. >> > >_______________________________________________ >Callers mailing list >Callers(a)sharedweight.net >http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers Bree Kalb, LCSW 301 W. Weaver St. Carrboro, NC 27510 919-932-6262 ext 216 Regarding the Use of Email -- Please Note: Although I use a firewall and my computer is password protected, my emails are not encrypted. Therefore, I cannot guarantee confidentiality of email communication. If you choose to communicate confidential information with me via email, I will assume that you have made an informed decision and I will view it as your agreement to take the risk that email may be intercepted. Please be aware that email is never an appropriate vehicle for emergency communication. If you are canceling an appointment less than 48 hours in advance, please also leave me a voice mail message at my office.

14 years, 8 months

uncommon moves--"hockey stick"/"fishhook"

by kheine＠twcny.rr.com

Here in Ithaca, the figure that you refer to as a "hockey stick" is called a "fishhook." --K > > Message: 6 > Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:57:33 -0500 > From: Tom Hinds <twhinds(a)earthlink.net> > To: callers(a)sharedweight.net > Subject: [Callers] cast off > Message-ID: <ADC6A104-0E5C-452A-B7F4-3B85B8BBA8D8(a)earthlink.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed > > I'm in the process of writing a book on the ins and outs of > choreography. The last chapter is a glossary of uncommon moves used > in contras. I remember, maybe 15 years ago, someone wrote a dance > that used a move called a hockey stick. Does anyone know the dance/ > know the move? My memory is that dancers walk across the set single > file and then turn a quarter and move either up or down. > > Tom > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 9 > Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:26:41 EST > From: Dhuntdancer(a)aol.com > To: callers(a)sharedweight.net > Subject: Re: [Callers] cast off > Message-ID: <847d4.3874e54d.3a968f41(a)aol.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" > > Bumbling in the Shower Erik Smith Becket-L > A1. 8 Long lines forward and back > 8 Gents allem L 1? > A2. 4,12 Neighbor balance, & swing > B1. 8 Ladies chain to partner > 8 Pass thru across and turn R ? and single file promenade to next > couple > B2. 8 Circle L > 8 Partner swing > > I collected this in the late 80's/early 90's and it has the "hockey stick" > you're talking about. >

14 years, 8 months

Re: [Callers] cast off

by Dhuntdancer＠aol.com

Bumbling in the Shower Erik Smith Becket-L A1. 8 Long lines forward and back 8 Gents allem L 1½ A2. 4,12 Neighbor balance, & swing B1. 8 Ladies chain to partner 8 Pass thru across and turn R ¼ and single file promenade to next couple B2. 8 Circle L 8 Partner swing I collected this in the late 80's/early 90's and it has the "hockey stick" you're talking about. Donna "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance." -unknown In a message dated 2/23/2011 8:57:09 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, twhinds(a)earthlink.net writes: I'm in the process of writing a book on the ins and outs of choreography. The last chapter is a glossary of uncommon moves used in contras. I remember, maybe 15 years ago, someone wrote a dance that used a move called a hockey stick. Does anyone know the dance/ know the move? My memory is that dancers walk across the set single file and then turn a quarter and move either up or down. Also, I may have discovered some regional differences in the move cast off. I realize that cast off isn't done as much as it was many years ago, but I wanted to know how you do it in your area. Say the ones go down the hall, return and cast off with the twos. Do the twos act as a pivot point? Or do the twos back up while the ones cast (the pivot is between the dancers). Thanks for you help!!!! Tom _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers

14 years, 8 months

How much is too much? How little is too little?

by Martha Edwards

We had a discussion the other night - not about how many walkthroughs, but about how many times the caller should call before dropping out. Obviously, it depends. So, for the purpose of this discussion, let's assume a new-dancer to intermediate dancer to experienced dancer ratio of 1:2:1. If everyone were evenly scattered by dance level, each group of four would have two intermediate dancers, one beginner and one very experienced dancer. Let's not assume that the dancers are evenly scattered, but are slightly clumped, so that beginners do encounter each other occasionally, sometimes with only a couple of intermediate dancers to help them. Let's further assume that the dance is in the part of the country where two walkthroughs is considered appropriate - where, even if the first walkthrough goes just fine, the second one cements the learning and leaves you in a position to "dance it from here." Let's further assume that the dance lasts about nine minutes (17 times through). Here's the question: If you have taught an easy dance clearly, *and the dance appears to be going well*, how many times through the dance should you call? Once or twice with full calls ("join hands and circle to the left"), once or twice with shortened calls ("circle left") and then nothing? Or five times through with full calls, three times with shortened calls, then nothing? How much is too much? How little is too little? M E -- For the good are always the merry, Save by an evil chance, And the merry love the fiddle And the merry love to dance. ~ William Butler Yeats

14 years, 8 months

Dance ID?

by David.Millstone＠valley.net

Two contras called at a dance not long ago... the caller can't come up with the titles or authors. Can anyone on the list help? Thanks. David Millstone #1 duple improper A1 Neighbor allemande left 1-1/2 Ladies chain A2 Hey for four (women starting R shoulder) B1 Women turn by RH, once around Swing partner B2 Circle left 3/4 around to home Swing neighbor #2 duple improper A1 Circle left 3/4 Partner allemande right 1-1/2, end with women facing in A2 Balance wave, circulate (women cross, men loop) Balance wave, circulate again (men cross, women loop) B1 Balance wave, swing partner B2 Circle left 3/4 Balance the ring, pass thru to new neighbors

14 years, 8 months

Northeast Dance Organizers Conference

by Chrissy Fowler

Hi Callers, If you're in the Northeast, you may have already gotten word of this, but thought I'd put it out one time on this list. I may put out one more announcement here as the date approaches, otherwise we'll be sending updates to the Shared Weight Organizers listserv, and directly to dance organizers in the Northeast. If you'd like to be kept in the loop directly, please email me. Thanks! Chrissy Fowler Belfast, ME ktaadn_me(a)hotmail.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Greetings dance organizers, We've got a new name! Puttin' on the Dance: A Conference for Northeast Dance Organizers, Nov 11-13, 2011 near Norwich, VT We've got a new conference email address! NEDanceOrgs(a)gmail.com And, we've got other news too... 80+ of you participated in our online survey. Wow! Your feedback is invaluable information for us as we continue to plan. Thank you, thank you, one and all. Particularly helpful are specific suggestions and offers of ways you'd like to participate. Keep 'em coming! (NEDanceOrgs(a)gmail.com) Many of you have already marked your calendars for Nov. 11-13. Double Wow! We're thrilled. This is definitely going to be an invigorating weekend, giving all of us tools, inspiration, and overall support for our dance organizing efforts. Speaking of support, we've been brainstorming ways that dance groups can support their organizers by sending them to the conference. Linda had a great suggestion: Start saving now! If a monthly series were to keep a modest $15-25 from each dance's gate starting in February, you'd have a hefty chunk of cash available to fund your participation in the conference. Or, you could raise your dance admission by only $1, and set aside the extra to underwrite conference attendance. Or, set out a contribution jar at the admission table -- let your dancers know you're planning to give your organization a big boost by attending, and let them get invested in the process too. Attending will be a terrific investment into the future of your series! Also, CDSS has budgeted funds for matching scholarships, further supporting the efforts of dance groups to get their organizing team to the conference. If you have things you'd like to discuss with your fellow organizers right now, in advance of the conference, consider joining the Shared Weight listserv for Organizers. It could be a terrific 'virtual networking' tool for us dance organizer folks. (direct link to subscribe: http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/organizers) ---> NOTE: Send questions or comments regarding the conference directly to us via NEDanceOrgs(a)gmail.com. Thanks! We'll keep in touch as other plans are firmed up. In the meantime, let us know if you have questions or suggestions. Happy organizing! Chrissy Fowler, Delia Clark & Linda Henry NEDanceOrgs(a)gmail.com (207) 338-0979

14 years, 8 months

Re: [Callers] Rory O'More wave bals AND contra corners?

by David.Millstone＠valley.net

Chrissy mentioned that among other things, she was curious about Petronella twirls in dances. When David Smukler and I were writing the articles that ended up as "Cracking Chestnuts," the earliest dance we could find that drew on the Petronella figure was one composed by Dudley Laufman's daughter Heidi. Ted Sannella, a choreographer ahead of his times in so many ways, used the twirl in his great composition Fiddleheads, written nearly 30 years ago. David S. has a list of dances with Petronella twirls on his website, here: http://www.davidsmukler.syracusecountrydancers.org/petronella_spinoffs.htm At this point, the number is well over 100. David Millstone Lebanon, NH

14 years, 8 months

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Contra Callers