Contra Callers

contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net

45 participants
4388 discussions

by Nancy Turner

Hi All, I followed the recent discussion of planning a dance for a highschool audience. I'd love to hear what you consider to be your "favorite" wedding dances for a wedding party of adults with some dancers in the mix but not too many, where the dance will run 45 minutes to an hour. I'm looking for non-contras, accessible to all dances. I've got the spiral waltz and Do-Si-Three as part of my preliminary planning.... Thank you very much Chrissy Fowler and Linda Leslie.... What else is tried and true and among your favorites? Thanks! Nancy Turner

15 years, 2 months

Re: [Callers] Wedding dance planning

by JohnFreem＠aol.com

Is it YOUR wedding dance? :-) I suggest that you begin with a Grand March. Plan ahead (conspire) with the newly wedded couple and families to assign an order of precedence. This makes it a lot easier to "encourage"more attendees to join in. You might then immediately try something simple like the Haste to the Wedding Sicilian Circle dance. You will know how things will go by the end of the second dance. A Fan Dance is another crowd-pleaser that can get virtually everyone in on it. (I had a blind individual dance it and the Virginia Reel at a dance yesterday!) The Pat-a-Cake Polka is also a very inclusive and easy dance to teach. Good luck! John B. Freeman, SFTPOCTJ

15 years, 3 months

Zodiac

by Nancy Turner

Hi All, I'd like to say that I called Zodiac last night, but this community knew it so well that a walk through or prompting through wasn't required! The band started playing, it was obvious they all knew it, and off we went! It was helpful to discover in advance of the evening that there are variations to the lyrics and the moves. In addition to the version that Martha shared, I now know this: Lyrics 1) Here comes Zodiac, Zodiac, Zodiac, here comes Zodiac all night long. 2) Step-back Sally, make a little alley, step back Sally all night long. 3) Here comes Sally, walking down the alley, here comes Sally, all night long. 4) Here comes the other one, just like the other 1, here comes the other 1 all night long. 5) I looked down the alley, and what did I see? A big fat man from Tennessee. 6) I betcha five dollars, you can't do this! I betcha five dollars, you can’t do that! To the front to the back, side-side-side! x2 7) Lean waaay back, you've got a hump on your back! x2 8) You do the camel’s walk, you do the camel’s walk. (Quietly) Moves: 1) Hands crossed with Partner across the set: sawing motion. 2) Step to beats, backing away from partner to make an "alley" down center of set. 3) First one of top couple, makes way down set. 4) Second person (or couple) follows. 5) Hand flat above eyes across to Partner; hands delineate a large belly. 6) Wag right finger, then left finger at partner. Hop to pattern x 2 7) Lean way back; reverse to lean way forward x 2 8) Move one step at a time towards their partners again and take hands. Thanks for the help. Nancy Turner Waitsfield VT

15 years, 3 months

Re: [Callers] Youthy gig (for free admission to a camp-based electronic music festival) in Northern Californa July 4 weekend

by Becky Nankivell

Techno contra is out there. It's an intriguing idea to adapt a ONS approach to that context. I hope there's someone who will take it on! ~ Becky Nankivell Long Beach/Tucson > Date: Fri, 28 May 2010 16:27:06 -0700 (PDT) > From: Alan Winston - SSRL Central Computing > <winston(a)slac.stanford.edu> > To: callers(a)sharedweight.net, trad-dance-callers(a)yahoo.com > Subject: [Callers] Youthy gig (for free admission to a camp-based > electronic music festival) in Northern Californa July 4 weekend > Message-ID: <01NNNN6XTSOYA5TDBZ(a)SSRL.SLAC.STANFORD.EDU> > Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=us-ascii > > Gang -- > > Alan Winston here. > > I'm forwarding an offer/request from Liz Donnelly ( lizdonnelly(a)gmail.com ), > which might be interesting for the right person. The deal is that this is > something like the fifth year of a pretty-rustic electronic music camp (actual > camping, but with Really Big Speakers) over the July 4th weekend, in rural > California maybe 90 miles from Sacramento. They do a live-music party during > the event, and Liz had been to a contra dance and that would be a cool thing to > introduce to their group.

15 years, 3 months

Youthy gig (for free admission to a camp-based electronic music festival) in Northern Californa July 4 weekend

by Alan Winston - SSRL Central Computing

Gang -- Alan Winston here. I'm forwarding an offer/request from Liz Donnelly ( lizdonnelly(a)gmail.com ), which might be interesting for the right person. The deal is that this is something like the fifth year of a pretty-rustic electronic music camp (actual camping, but with Really Big Speakers) over the July 4th weekend, in rural California maybe 90 miles from Sacramento. They do a live-music party during the event, and Liz had been to a contra dance and that would be a cool thing to introduce to their group. (I'm thinking barn dance/ONS material myself.) They have no budget, but would offer free admission to the whole campout (which is somewhere between $85 and $125, and has sold out, so you don't get in any other way) for somebody to do this one-evening gig. That's obviously a lot more interesting if you want to bring a tent and hang out in the woods and swimming hole with a bunch of artsy, communitarian, youngish, electronic music heads. (The sponsoring group runs a Tuesday night party at Burning Man, if that sets your expectations at all.) (I am not a big tent-camping fan and I have a limited tolerance for Really Loud, and I'm busy that weekend, so I'm really not the guy. But I kinda think anybody who took the gig and enjoyed being there would be doing god's work in bringing them some engaged-with-each-over community dancing, so I volunteered to put the opportunity in front of the biggest caller groups I could find.) If you want to do this or find out more about it, write to lizdonnelly(a)gmail.com, not to me. (But if you end up doing it, or find out some utter showstopper, report back!) Here's Liz's note: ======================================================================== Hi there, My name is liz and i've got a long shot request for you: I am helping to coordinate a camp out party in Beldon CA this summer. It is largely an electronic music party, but each year we have a smaller party within the party that often has live music. This year the theme for that party with in the party is county/southern themed. In brainstorming activities for that part of the event, there was lots of enthusiasm exposing our group to contra dancing or partner dancing style. *So, I am looking for someone who might be able to teach contra, or two step or some other partner/group dance that fits well with in a country style theme. * I've done some contra dance & loved it: I love the way it is truly a community dance and gives one an opportunity interact with so many other dancers through the dance, for this reason, I think it would be fun to bring to a community of dancers who mostly dance solo to electronic music. However, I think part of why I loved it so much was I was dancing with lots of people who knew what they were doing, so my missteps were easily corrected and I could still feel the flow of the dance. I don't know how well it would work in a group where just about no one will have ever done contra before. So, this is why I am reaching out to you all... is this something that is doable? or should we focus on finding a teacher for a more partnered style of dance? Lastly, and perhaps most awkwardly :-) this event is put on at low cost and most of the folks involved volunteer their time for the fun of it. We do pay the musicians & artist but all of the budget for the party within the party has already been allocated for the band. So, I'm looking for someone who might think this sounds like such a super fun event that they would want to go to, and in exchange for a ticket could teach some dance. Here is the link to the event. http://priceless.false-profit.com/. Please let me know if you or someone you know might be a good fit. Thanks! L. ------------------------------------------------------- Over to you. -- Alan Winston SF Bay Area, California -- =============================================================================== Alan Winston --- WINSTON(a)SSRL.SLAC.STANFORD.EDU Disclaimer: I speak only for myself, not SLAC or SSRL Phone: 650/926-3056 Paper mail to: SSRL -- SLAC BIN 99, 2575 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park CA 94025 ===============================================================================

15 years, 3 months

Re: [Callers] dance db

by Greg McKenzie

I am also concerned about the decibel levels at our area dances. In some cases it can, over the long term, cause some hearing loss. I am also concerned that the high sound levels contribute to a higher stress level in the hall. As a caller I work to address this problem with several tactics: - I try to have the sound on my mike adjusted for more higher frequencies so that I can be heard clearly. - I work with the sound engineer to lower the overall volume. - I give the dancers time to socialize. - I try to never shout over the socializing but rather use other attention-getting techniques. - I establish a predictable routine so the dancers will know exactly when it is time to quiet down and pay attention. I would be interested in any other ideas. - Greg McKenzie *************** At 04:01 AM 5/27/2010, you wrote: >Surprisingly it can be damaging over a prolonged time. Decibels are >measured ( logarithmic scale) from a base line (the existing sound) Nelson's >baseline for instance would be 40 to 45 decibels, add the crowd talking, add >another 15-20 and the music and the caller.. total, a scary 95 >plus decibels. Standing at the microphone (next to the speaker >is higher and is damaging week after week. >I do contemplate earplugs. > >-don > >On Wed, May 26, 2010 at 10:50 PM, Chrissy Fowler <ktaadn_me(a)hotmail.com>wrote: > > > > > does anyone on SW know how many decibels a typical contradance is? > > > > thx! > > > > Chrissy Fowler > > > > Belfast > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > > Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your > > inbox. > > > > > http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:… > > _______________________________________________ > > Callers mailing list > > Callers(a)sharedweight.net > > http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers > > >_______________________________________________ >Callers mailing list >Callers(a)sharedweight.net >http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers

15 years, 3 months

dance db

by Chrissy Fowler

does anyone on SW know how many decibels a typical contradance is? thx! Chrissy Fowler Belfast _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:…

15 years, 3 months

Wireless mikes -- many soon illegal

by J L Korr

Hello friends, I received the following message from a local sound tech, and found to my dismay that my wireless mike, and many others, become illegal in three weeks. I encourage anyone with a wireless mike who isn't familiar with this imminent policy to follow the links below. Meanwhile, a quick plea for advice: I have been very pleased with my Samson Airline system, recommended to me by users of this listserv, and would love to know what Samson Airline systems you all would recommend that don't operate in the 698-806 MHz band. Thanks --Jeremy, Southern CA In January 2010, the FCC announced that the operation of wireless microphones in the 700 MHz band (698 – 806 MHz) will not be permitted after June 12, 2010. These frequencies have been reallocated for new wireless communication services (cell phones and public service). For more information: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/ To see if your wireless microphone operates on the 700 MHz band, go to; http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html Click on the name of the manufacturer and see if your model is listed. If it is listed, it is a 700 MHz wireless microphone and can not be used (sold or repaired) after June 12, 2010. If you can find your manufacturer’s name and your equipment is not listed, then you may continue using your wireless microphone because it does not operate in the 700 MHz Band. If your manufacturer is not listed, please contact the FCC for additional assistance. Some of the 700 MHz equipment can be modified and there are trade-in rebates available. _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:…

15 years, 3 months

formatting

by Chrissy Fowler

I'm sorry that my posts have such odd, hard-to-read, extra formatting/spacing. I've asked Seth and Chris (our SW hosts) for advice. Hopefully we'll figure out a solution. -Chrissy Fowler _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:…

15 years, 3 months

Concerns calling for total beginners in highschool

by Chrissy Fowler

I echo the sentiments of others who've noted how satisfying (and fun!) it can be to work w high school students. I've found them to be high-energy, quick learners. It's great to see what others use for tried & true dances in this sort of situation. (Hooray for Shared Weight!) Usually for a one-time session w total beginners, I don't even use lady/gent terms. It's not worth it. As others point out, it's better to use the time to dance. That said... When I visit schools to teach high-schoolers near our local series (which has lots of dancers teens/20s) I purposely do dances that nominally have lady/gent roles because (a) the students may well come to a public dance, and (b) the roles are a part of this dance form's history & culture. I also give the teacher some free passes to our dance, in case students want to check it out. (Of course, to date, none if those passes have been redeemed...) I point out that contra dancing is social dance, do a little "social graces" or "charm school" lesson in how to invite (I exaggerate this to the absurd, but it has the effect of increasing the smiles/cheerfulness/inclusivity of the invitation process), note that anyone can invite anyone else to dance, and that there are roles (lady, gent) which can be danced by either gender. I bring a bag of neckties (a big attraction!) to identify 'gents' in same gender couples. I usually start w a variant of La Bastringue as a partner keeper, teaching these things: 8 count phrases, walking steps, connected circle, allemandes, do-si-do, a walking swing in ballroom position, leaving lady on right after swing, promenade, partner/neighbor. The rest of the dances I call as having roles, but if the roles get confused, it doesn't matter. Here are some of the dances I choose from (obviously not all in one session!) If you don't already know them, they should be easy to find, esp if you have access to the NE Dance Masters resources. Note: Every one of these can be done w/o gender roles. Longways sets: Galopede Sweets of May Flat Tire (Amidon & students) Le Brandy/123 Poussez Sicilian Circle or Contra: ZOM Out (Zoe, Olivia, Molly) Haste to the Wedding Family Contra (Sherri Nevins) Mariposa (Fred Breunig) Jefferson & Liberty The Black Joke Scattered foursomes: Chaos Mixer Duck for Oyster, Dive for Clam (variant) Squares: Cumberland Square 8 Other simple hash squares Circles: La Bastringue mixer (variant) Heel & Toe Polka mixer (very popular!) If I can see a group more than once, and it's a large group, I sometimes include the Fan Dance (aka hat/flower/broom dance), which is also usually quite popular. And, if it's lots of time or several sessions w the same students, I might do an unequal contra, such as one with full ladies chain (eg Lady of the Lake - which has a long tradition in Maine) or more complicated progression (eg Broken Sixpence) Cheers! Chrissy Fowler Belfast, ME Message: 2 Date: Fri, 21 May 2010 10:33:42 -0400 From: "Grunzweig, Noah C." GRUNZWEI(a)mail.etsu.edu (...) call a contra dance for a highschool class of about 30-40 students. I would like to reach out for advice on working with not only youth, but total groups of non-dancers. (...) the dance will only be one hour and i was asked to do contra dances. (...) Noah Grunzweig _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with Hotmail. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multiaccount&ocid=PID28…

15 years, 3 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