Re: [Callers] Hand Turns & Safety

2019-05-18 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
This is a long term project of mine: to teach and encourage what I call
“the physical therapist approved” way to Allemande. I don’t seem to be
making much progress so am delighted that others care about it, too.

On Fri, May 17, 2019 at 8:55 PM Martha Wild via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hear, hear! My sentiments exactly! How on earth are you supposed to “give
> weight” (in the proper way, just a tiny bit so you are both part of a unit)
> and get around each other with a flat, palm to palm contact? The only way
> that works is that people bend their wrists so that they have some purchase
> on the other person. Which hurts my now no longer flat wrist! So wrong,
> painfully wrong. Please, please, please, stop teaching a flat hand
> allemande. It doesn’t work. Curved fingers, straight wrist, the thumb is
> just sort of loose and not doing much. Thank you for bringing that up, Erik!
> Martha
>
> On May 17, 2019, at 3:01 PM, Erik Hoffman via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> John Sweeny below hoped we callers would teach more about hand turns and
> the like.
>
> I’ve been thinking on this for quite a while. Years ago I had a discussion
> with Brad Foster. We both lamented the loss of the allemande with mildly
> interlocking thumbs to the modern overprotective thumb against the side of
> the palm allemande. At that time I think I was still in Santa Barbara, thus
> it must have been pre 1994. I wrote an article for our dance rag called,
> “If Allemande Left, Where’d Allemande Go?”
>
> I talked about what I do when someone grips my hand—and I think all of us
> should remove that word, “grip” from our caller’s vocabulary…
>
> But the most important thing I discussed is:
>
>- Our Wrist is Strongest When It’s Straight
>- Our Fingers are Strongest When Curved
>- Thus, however one does an allemande, it should be a hook, with
>curved fingers and a straight wrist.
>
>
> Lately I’ve seen teachers promote the straight fingers, bent wrist, and
> flat palm method. The almost always makes one person’s wrist uncomfortable.
> Not as bad as when someone draws the others hand into that
> almost-Aikido-put-them-on-the-ground position, but usually quite
> uncomfortable.
>
> Thus I hope most of us learn the curved fingers, straight wrist, no grip,
> and, no thumb clamping allemande, ECD hand turn, two hand turn type hand
> connections.
>
> ~Erik Hoffman,
>Oakland, CA
>
> *From:* Callers  *On Behalf Of *John
> Sweeney via Callers
> *Sent:* Friday, May 17, 2019 2:09 PM
> *To:* 'Caller's discussion list' 
> *Subject:* Re: [Callers] Name that Dance
>
> Hi Rich,
>   I would just call it a “Big Set Mixer”.  It is a slight
> variation of the one in the Community Dances Manual.  Callers just make up
> a 32 bar sequence that works for their dancers.
>
>   While it is a good example of all ages having fun together,
> I really wish callers would teach the dancers just a tiny bit about how to
> do better hand/arm turns and swings :-)
>
> Happy dancing,
>John
>
> John Sweeney, Dancer, England   j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802
> 940 574
> http://contrafusion.co.uk/KentCeilidhs.html for Live Music
> Ceilidhs
> http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
>
> http://www.modernjive.com for Modern Jive DVDs
>
> ___
> List Name:  Callers mailing list
> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
>
> ___
> List Name:  Callers mailing list
> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
___
List Name:  Callers mailing list
List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/


Re: [Callers] Looking for "fun" dances

2019-05-15 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
   Linda Leslie wrote some really good ones. Do Si Three is always a big
hit when I call it for kids and parents (as well as at weddings and other
parties where most people have never danced.) She has many more.

http://lindalesliecaller.contracorner.com/dances/very-easy-dances.html


On Wed, May 15, 2019 at 8:51 AM Charles Abell via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I'm sure there is already a thread on this somewhere, but I'm wondering
> what are your favorite dances for those in the 4-10 year old range.
> Specifically, dances that are not mixers since many younger dancers prefer
> to stay with a particular partner the whole time. I have a number of good
> ones already (Alabama Gal, Haste to the Wedding, La Bastringue, etc), but
> I'd like to expand my existing collection of dances geared towards "little
> ones".
>
> Let 'em rip!
>
>
> --
> *From:* Callers  on behalf of
> John Sweeney via Callers 
> *Sent:* Tuesday, February 13, 2018 9:58 AM
> *To:* callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> *Subject:* Re: [Callers] Looking for "fun" dances
>
> Since so many people enjoy the contrary circling in The Wheel, you might
> enjoy this one as well:
>
> Suicide Square
> http://www.ceilidhcalling.co.uk/danceviewpage.php?view=1=9
>
> It is extremely chaotic!  You can reduce the chaos slightly by getting the
> band to stop randomly during the circling, at which point everyone grabs a
> partner; the band waits a few seconds while everyone finds a partner and
> decides whether they are Heads or Sides, then gives two notes and starts
> the
> next Heads Gallop.
>
> I modify it to give a bit more recovery time:
>
> Start in a big square around the room
> A1: Head couples take partner in a ballroom hold and gallop eight steps
> into the centre and back
> A2: Sides gallop eight steps into the centre and back
> B1: All the men form an outer circle facing in, while the ladies form
> an
> inner circle facing out. All circle left then find a new partner
> B2: Partner Swing - stop early enough to decide whether you are now
> Heads or Sides - Heads get ready to gallop
>
> There is also The Muffin Man Jig:
> http://www.ceilidhcalling.co.uk/danceviewpage.php?view=1=11
>
> Happy dancing,
>John
>
> John Sweeney, Dancer, England   j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802
> 940 574
> http://www.modernjive.com for Modern Jive Events & DVDs
> http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
>
>
> ___
> List Name:  Callers mailing list
> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
> ___
> List Name:  Callers mailing list
> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
___
List Name:  Callers mailing list
List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/


Re: [Callers] Easy flourishes or other "bonus" movements?

2019-04-27 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
I think that dancers are more open to mastering those basic skills in the
context of a workshop teaching flourishes.

On Sat, Apr 27, 2019 at 12:21 PM Jim Thaxter via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> “More advanced” is a pretty vague term and could be interpreted in various
> ways. I didn’t think Colin’s response was “terribly” sarcastic. That, too,
> may be interpreted variously. Find your own way and be peaceful with it.
> More on topic, get the basics down first, then embellish.
>
> On Sat, Apr 27, 2019 at 11:16 AM Michael Dyck via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> On 2019-04-27 4:19 a.m., Colin Hume via Callers wrote:
>> > On Fri, 26 Apr 2019 14:44:32 -0700, Lenore Frigo via Callers wrote:
>> >> I would like to teach some of my more advanced dancers some flourishes
>> >> or other embellishments to contra dance. I'd like to start with things
>> >> that are easy and obviously that can be smoothly integrated into a
>> dance.
>> >
>> > How about first teaching them how to fit the dance to the music, giving
>> > weight in allemandes and circles, and doing a good buzz-step swing?
>> > Or would that not be considered politically correct?
>> Lenore did say that these are "more advanced dancers", so it seems
>> reasonable to assume that they already know these things. Why would you
>> assume they don't?
>>
>> I can sympathize with valuing fundamentals over flourishes, and I'm not
>> saying you should keep that opinion to yourself, just that I think you
>> could
>> find a less sarcastic way to express it.
>>
>> -Michael
>
>
>> ___
>> List Name:  Callers mailing list
>> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>>
> ___
> List Name:  Callers mailing list
> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
___
List Name:  Callers mailing list
List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/


Re: [Callers] Contra dancing... on ICE!

2019-04-15 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
This is terrific. Will you be posting this to any Contra groups on FB? If
not, would it be okay if I post to Triangle Country Dancers' page? I think
lots of people would enjoys seeing it.

On Mon, Apr 15, 2019 at 1:57 PM Luke Donforth via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I'd like to share this because I think it's really fun.
>
> Several months ago, I was approached by the coaches of a Theater on Ice
> team about helping put together a program for their 2018-19 Choreographic
> Challenge, which was to showcase cultural dance. Burlington's team, "On
> Thin Ice" wanted to do a contra dance on ice.
>
> There were various restrictions; style and historic elements that they
> wanted included, coverage of the ring, movement on the ice, etc. What they
> generated is not a contra dance, but does showcase several elements of a
> contra dance, and they do it on ice.
>
> You can check out their performance at
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EzYx4XtxSs
>
> It was a learning experience for me, and a fun exercise in deconstructing
> and putting things back together with different constraints. For instance,
> they needed percussive elements in the choreography; I'd originally tried
> to sell them on petronellas; but they all balked at the turning over
> "outside edges" on skates (a harder feat).
>
> It's the first time I've every had folks dance to recorded calls, but they
> wanted them to add to the feeling of a contra (and I won't be travelling
> with them to nationals in Alabama this June).
>
> As a side not, for historical reasons relating to how their program would
> be judged, I used the term gypsy instead of my preference of an
> alternative. I still think they do a wonderful job of bringing contra dance
> to a different corner of the world.
>
> When I went to my first contra dance, I'd never have guessed where it
> would take me. Here's to more fun memories and interesting experiences in
> this community and others.
>
> --
> Luke Donforth
> luke.donfo...@gmail.com 
> ___
> List Name:  Callers mailing list
> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
___
List Name:  Callers mailing list
List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/


Re: [Callers] Leading a 1 hr contra dance

2019-03-29 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
Do Si Three by Linda Leslie is another excellent dance for newbies. It has
progression and swings (I encourage elbow swings) and it doesn't matter a
bit where one ends up. It's always been a great success when I've called it.

On Fri, Mar 29, 2019 at 11:02 AM Rich Sbardella via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Casey,
>
> In a one hour gig with lots of newbies, I would suggest not using any
> progressive contras.  There are too many fun dances that usr similar basics
> without the complication of progression.
>
> I have been hired to call such contra dances, but found the most success
> calling dances likes "Rakes of Mallow", La Bastringue, Rural Felicity, Heel
> & Toe Polka, etc.  Few people in the crowd understand what a "modern"
> contra dance is, they just want to move to the music.
>
> Goodluck,
> Rich Sbardella
> Stafford, CT
>
> On Fri, Mar 29, 2019 at 10:05 AM Casey Carr via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> I would also start with a circle - teach giving weight, hand holds, 8
>> counts.  Might teach La Bastringue (keeping partners and 2 hand turn
>> instead of swing).   I would definitely not teach swings in an hour - no
>> ladies chains.   Just circles, stars, allemandes, dos si dos.
>>
>> Depending on the crowd could start with Gallopede or Virginia Reel, then
>> Family Contra would be perfect and end with another simple contra.
>>
>> Casey Carr
>>
>> On 3/29/2019 8:52 AM, Liz Burkhart via Callers wrote:
>>
>> I have a gig coming up at a library wherein I have one hour to teach and
>> call contra dances. It's a mixed crowd, and I heard there may be a lot of
>> tweens present. I think I'd like to focus on bigger picture things - moving
>> up and down the line, swinging, interacting with their set. I imagine I may
>> even cut out courtesy turns in order to minimize the time we spend on the
>> lesson. I've taught for small, mostly inexperienced crowds before but I
>> usually have a lot more time. I'd really rather get them moving than to get
>> bogged down in teaching. Does anyone have insight, suggestions, or advice?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Liz Burkhart
>>
>> ___
>> List Name:  Callers mailing list
>> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>>
>>
>> ___
>> List Name:  Callers mailing list
>> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>>
> ___
> List Name:  Callers mailing list
> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
___
List Name:  Callers mailing list
List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/


Re: [Callers] In honor of George Rettie

2019-02-22 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
Bill,
The dance is at the end of Emily’s email.  Note that it is in “indecent”
formation and a little tricky. As was our dear George.
Bree

On Fri, Feb 22, 2019 at 11:15 AM Bill Olson via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Oh this is so sad.. "Suspenders George" was a good friend and one of my
> very favorite dancers when we toured down that way. George was always
> friendly and always helpful. And he sure was a great "dipper"..
>
> Please forward the Dean Snipes dance and I will call it next chance I get!!
>
> bill in Maine
>
> --
> *From:* Callers  on behalf of
> Emily Rush via Callers 
> *Sent:* Friday, February 22, 2019 3:55 PM
> *To:* Caller's discussion list
> *Subject:* [Callers] In honor of George Rettie
>
> Hi all,
> George Rettie, the NC dancer in the yellow ruler suspenders, passed away
> unexpectedly this week. He'd been dancing since at least the 1980's, and it
> was a rare dance that he didn't attend. He was always the first to
> volunteer (and did, more hours than I can count), personally thanked the
> musicians and callers, danced with beginners, dipped everyone beautifully
> and frequently, flirted with us all, could call one dance (Gene Hubert's "A
> Nice Combination"), brought his children into the dance community, and was
> a favorite partner to many, many dancers.
>
> Myra, Adina, and JoLaine are calling a dance that Dean Snipes wrote for
> George some years ago. If you're calling sometime soon and are so moved, I
> would like to invite you to call it too. If you're dancing, I hope you'll
> go up to the stage and thank the musicians and callers, welcome the
> beginners, and have an extra-good time.
>
> Love,
> Emily
>
> --
>
> George is Rettie, Willing, and Able
> by Dean Snipes
> Indecent (2s crossed), double progression
>
> A1.
> Neighbor balance & swing
>
> A2.
> Pass thru across, turn alone
> Star R 1x, pull by up and down with your neighbor
>
> B1.
> New ladies allemande L 1x while gents orbit 1/2 clockwise
> Partner swing
>
> B2.
> Long lines forward & back
> Ladies right hand pull by, neighbor allemande L 1.5
> ___
> List Name:  Callers mailing list
> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
___
List Name:  Callers mailing list
List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/


Re: [Callers] Put Your Red Hand In

2017-11-08 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
Brilliant idea; I plan to use it, too.

Bree Kalb
Carrboro. NC



> On Nov 6, 2017 7:19 PM, "Rich Sbardella via Callers" <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> I had a Girl Scout Dance coming up Sunday and I was thinking how I would
>> get 150 six to nine year old girls to know which hand was right and which
>> hand is left.  On the way to my contra calling gig on Saturday, the thought
>> arose that right hand sounds very close to red hand.  On the way to the
>> Scout Dance, I stopped and purchased scissors and some red ribbon (the
>> store did not carry yarn) and asked that the leaders tie a red ribbon
>> bracelet around each scout as they entered the hall.  When I called dances
>> with arm turns I called, "Turn your partner with your red hand, change
>> hands, other way back."  It worked so well that I know I will do it again.
>>
>> I thought I would share this trick, and then ask if anyone has useful
>> methods when working with only children.  Please share some trade secrets.
>>
>> Rich Sbardella
>> Stafford, CT
>>
>> ___
>> List Name:  Callers mailing list
>> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>>
>> ___
> List Name:  Callers mailing list
> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
___
List Name:  Callers mailing list
List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/


Re: [Callers] Moving past self-flagellation

2017-11-08 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
I don’t have any additional suggestions but want to thank Maia for the
original post and appreciate all the replies. I think many of us identify
and it reassures me that I’m not the only one who has had to figure out how
to forgive my errors. I’ve found it especially helpful to notice the
mistakes made by well respected callers and how un-flustered they seem to
be by them.

>
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Nov 6, 2017 at 11:10 AM, Maia McCormick via Callers <
> call...@listssharedweight.net > wrote:
>
>> So after a gig, I find myself haunted by one or two missteps from an
>> evening — the rolling start that was a little muddy, the thing I didn’t
>> teach clearly enough so the dancers never quite got it — even though the
>> dancers adjusted and all had a good time, and I still had the hall’s trust
>> and goodwill at the end of the evening.
>>
>> Is this a familiar experience for anyone? Assuming you’ve already learned
>> the lesson to be learned there, how do you move past it and stop
>> self-flagellating?Would love to hear some people’s thoughts!
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Maia
>>
>> ___
>> List Name:  Callers mailing list
>> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>> Archives:  https://www.mail-archivecom/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>> 
>>
>>
> ___
> List Name:  Callers mailing list
> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
>
>
> ___
> List Name:  Callers mailing list
> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
>
> ___
> List Name:  Callers mailing list
> List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/
>
___
List Name:  Callers mailing list
List Address:  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Archives:  https://www.mail-archive.com/callers@lists.sharedweight.net/


[Callers] Traditional Dance and Music Retirement Community in NC

2017-07-05 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
Hello Everyone,



A group of dancers/callers/musicians in the Triangle area of North Carolina
are in the midst of exciting plans to create a continuing care retirement
community centered around music and dance. We have been meeting with groups
of interested people, conducted a market study (with an excellent outcome),
started working with a group of consultants who design innovative
retirement communities, and have begun fundraising to pay for the design
process.

So far, we have focused on reaching out to local folks; now we are
spreading the word more widely.

If you are curious, please visit our website.
http://dancingintoretirementnc.org/

Right now, the website is the way we communicate with people out of town,
but I'll soon create a Facebook page and then an electronic newsletter. If
you are close enough to Durham, NC to attend a 1/2 day informational
session, let me know if you would like to be invited. We offer one every
few months--the next is August 26.


You can write to me directly or leave a message at the website if you want
more information or have comments/reactions.


Bree Kalb

Carrboro, NC
___
Callers mailing list
Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net


[Callers] Similar list for musicians?

2017-06-24 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
A brand new baby contra band is eager to learn more. Is there a list like
this one for musicians?

Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC


Re: [Callers] Sad news: Louie

2017-03-28 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
Small correction: the dance Friday is in Durham at the Reality Center.

http://www.tcdancers.org/schedule.html

On Mon, Mar 27, 2017 at 11:52 PM, Joy Greenwolfe via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> The *Triangle Country Dancers* in Central North Carolina would like to
> share the very sad news of *Louie Cromartie*’s passing. Louie was a
> well-loved and admired local dancer, caller, and mentor. We will miss her
> terribly.
>
> *Memorial Events:*
>
> There will be *two memorial dances *in her honor next weekend, both
> Friday, March 31st and Saturday, April 1st, coinciding with scheduled
> dances.
>
> Both dances will be at the Carrboro Century Center in Carrboro, NC. More
> info about dance times, location, and caller/musicians on the TCD website: 
> *http://www.tcdancers.org
> <http://www.tcdancers.org>*
>
> There will also be a *memorial service* for Louie, that same Saturday,
> April 1st at 11 am.
>
> The service will be at:
>
> Community Church of Chapel Hill Unitarian Universalist
>
> 106 Purefoy Rd
>
> Chapel Hill NC 27514
>
> Google map
> <https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/community+church+of+chapel+hill/@35.8985362,-79.1220615,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89acc2f0a47d37d5:0x40a4301d3e78db53!2m2!1d-79.0520214!2d35.8985565>
>  link
>  https://goo.gl/maps/wTzAdsgMLv32
>
> There may be some home hospitality for dancers coming from out of town as
> well.
>
> Whether or not you can make it to NC, please keep Louie’s family,
> especially Robert and Thankful, in your thoughts.
>
>
> Joy Greenwolfe
> Durham, NC
>
>
>
> _______
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>


-- 
Bree Kalb, LCSW
301 W. Weaver St.
Carrboro, NC 27510
Psychotherapy and Mindfulness Meditation Classes
919-932-6262 x216
www.thewellnessalliance.com
www.facebook.com/carrboromindfulnessandmeditation


Re: [Callers] Modern Western Square Dance for Contra Dancers

2017-03-19 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
I'm one of the lucky people who attended Andy's workshop in Durham in 2011.
Although I hit a wall 9or two) earlier than most people in the group I had
a great time. Andy is an excellent teacher and made it all lots of fun, if
overwhelming at times.  If my August wasn't already filled up, I'd
seriously consider doing this again. (Never did get to a local MWSD in the
area although a few of us thought we would.)

Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC

On Sat, Mar 18, 2017 at 3:59 PM, Andy Shore via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I realize this post qualifies as both shameless self-promotion, as well as
> possible improper use of this list for (somewhat) commercial purposes, but
> I do think this topic may be of particular interest to contra and trad
> callers and choreographers. Scold me if you must.
>
> I'll be teaching a special weeklong workshop at CDSS American Dance and
> Music Week at Pinewoods (Plymouth, MA) August 8-15, 2017 titled "Modern
> Western Square Dance for Contra Dancers".
>
>
>
>
>
> --


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

2016-12-16 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
I agree with Mark! This is a fabulous dance as it is and the dosido for the
women is just hard enough to be a fun challenge. (When I was a new dancer,
dosido 1 1/2 was the hardest move for me to do gracefully and on time. I
was so happy when I got it right!) When the caller teaches the alternate
B2, I hide my disappointment, but its not as satisfying as the original.

On Friday, December 16, 2016, Mark Hillegonds via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I have always used the original version and don't ever recall the dancers
> having trouble with the DSD progression. While I respect and admire the
> folks creating variants they find helpful for their needs, for me, if it
> ain't broke, I'm not going to fix it.
>
> Also, I must say that pleased me greatly to see Maia's reference to my
> home town of Ann Arbor!!!  :)
>
>
> On Dec 16, 2016 4:27 PM, "Maia McCormick via Callers" <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','callers@lists.sharedweight.net');>> wrote:
>
> Fwiw, if I were to write a variation of 3-33-33 (and wanted to avoid
> ladies chain/star L), I'd do a figure like in Al Olson's 'Ann Arbor Four':
> long lines (8), P alle. R 3/4 (4), ladies alle. L 1/2 (4). Agreed that
> ladies' allemande L out of long lines, while there's no reason it doesn't
> flow, is bizarrely counterintuitive!
>
> On Fri, Dec 16, 2016 at 4:18 PM, Bill Olson via Callers <
> callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','callers@lists.sharedweight.net');>> wrote:
>
>> Hi Kalia, yep, I agree.. I guess I should have said more about why I
>> preferred the original.. Anyway this is a great dance, a modern classic,
>> and i call it often..
>>
>>
>> bill
>>
>>
>> --
>> *From:* Callers <callers-boun...@lists.sharedweight.net
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','callers-boun...@lists.sharedweight.net');>>
>> on behalf of Kalia Kliban via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','callers@lists.sharedweight.net');>>
>> *Sent:* Friday, December 16, 2016 9:05 PM
>> *To:* callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','callers@lists.sharedweight.net');>
>> *Subject:* Re: [Callers] Variations of 3-33 by Steve Zakon-Anderson
>>
>> On 12/16/2016 11:48 AM, Bill Olson via Callers wrote:
>> > 3-33-33
>> >
>> > Steve Zakon (Duple improper)
>> > A1 Balance N1, N1 pull by R, N2 pull by L , N3 Balance, box the gnat
>> > A2 N3 pull by R, N2 pull by L,  N1 swing
>> > B1 Circle L 3/4, Partner Swing
>> > B2 Long Lines F, Ladies dosido 1.5
>> >
>> > I'm aware of a "fix" to 333 where the W DSD 1.5 at the end of B2 was
>> > replaced by a W allem L 1.5.. I  think I remember talking to Steve about
>> > this and he referred to this as an "approved alternative" HIMSELF..
>>
>> I've both danced and called this alternate ending, and that allemande L
>> is pretty counterintuitive for the women.  It causes some glitches as
>> folks fight with their natural instinct to allemande R.  It works, but
>> you'll need to be really clear with the dancers that it's the
>> non-obvious hand there.
>>
>> Kalia
>>
>> ___
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','Callers@lists.sharedweight.net');>
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>
>> Callers Info Page - lists.sharedweight.net
>> <http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net>
>> lists.sharedweight.net
>> This mailing list is for callers and people who want to be callers for
>> Contra and Traditional Square Dance. This is a place where callers can
>> support each other by ...
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ___
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','Callers@lists.sharedweight.net');>
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>
>>
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','Callers@lists.sharedweight.net');>
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>
>

-- 
Bree Kalb, LCSW
301 W. Weaver St.
Carrboro, NC 27510
Psychotherapy and Mindfulness Meditation Classes
919-932-6262 x216
www.thewellnessalliance.com
https://www.facebook.com/carrborokorumindfulness


Re: [Callers] new (?) dance - with a shadow swing

2016-10-01 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
I'd like to add this to my collection. Have you named it?



On Tue, Sep 20, 2016 at 1:48 PM, Luke Donforth via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> I know the list has had big debates about shadow swings in the past. If
> you don't like 'em, you can pitch this. This dance was written for someone
> who wanted a shadow swing, and is something I might call at a shadow-themed
> festival session. As shadow swings go, I like the idea of swingus
> interuptus going from shadow to partner.
>
> To my knowledge, it's a new composition. Haven't gotten to test it yet.
> But I present it for comment and/or collection.
>
> Becket, cw
> A1
> Circle L 3/4
> Neighbor Swing
> A2
> Promenade across with neighbor
> Left Diagonal Ladies chain (to shadow)
> B1
> women start 1/2 hey straight across by Right shoulder
> Women Do Si Do 1x
> B2
> Shadow swing
> Partner swing
> (no slide required, circle with couple straight across)
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>


-- 
Bree Kalb, LCSW
301 W. Weaver St.
Carrboro, NC 27510
Psychotherapy and Mindfulness Meditation Classes
919-932-6262 x216
www.thewellnessalliance.com
https://www.facebook.com/carrborokorumindfulness


Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

2016-03-18 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
Hi Linda,Yes, I forgot to note that it is double progression.  And you are right, the solo part of the dosido is actually 3/4. But I'm not sure what you mean by '...and must turn around." The 1s are facing down, the 2s facing up during all of A1. Did I misunderstand your question?Regards,Bree-Original Message-
From: Linda Leslie <laleslie...@comcast.net>
Sent: Mar 17, 2016 1:40 PM
To: Bree Kalb <b...@mindspring.com>
Cc: "callers@lists.sharedweight.net" <callers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

Hi, Bree!That is a very novel way to get into a short wave Balance! and not al tall gimmicky, in my view. I watched the video…thanks for including the link. I have two questions for you:It seems the dance is double progression, correct?For the single do si do: the dancers stay back to back with their Neighbors to start, and actually do a 3/4 dosido into the wave, and must turn around  (neighbor now in right hand), right? This means that each dancer is facing their original direction of travel once in the wave. The link really helped with this move; when I read the dance, in my head I was picturing the dancers moving very differently.Thanks for the dance!warmly, LindaOn Mar 17, 2016, at 1:00 PM, Bree Kalb via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:I wrote a dance that has a move I've not seen in a dance before. Although I'd rather not call it a gimmick. The 'reviews' so far have been good. There’s a video of Jack Mitchell calling the dance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEp2vlYq1Nc=youtu.beThis is My Brain on Buddha ImpA1  Partners DoSiSo as a couple just ½ way until back-to-back with these Neighbors.    Drop hands with your Ptr, and complete the DosiDo solo with the N you have your back to,    until the women can take L hands, Rt to N, in a wavy line of 4. Balance the wave, walk forward to next Ns in a new wave of 4.A2 Balance this wave; with this new N, Swg.B1 Face across, Mad Robin (Gents sliding in front to the right to start)   Men keep moving to cross the set to your Ptr; Swg.B2 Circle L ¾; Balance the Ring, Calif TwirlA dancer suggested naming the move in A1 “Double Dose.” I like it, but another caller, Jack Mitchell, discouraged me from making up a new name when just explaining the move will do.  I’m curious what others think. ___Callers mailing listCallers@lists.sharedweight.nethttp://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.netBree Kalb, LCSW301 W. Weaver St.Carrboro, NC 27510919-932-6262 ext 216http://www.thewellnessalliance.com/BreeKalb.htmlhttps://www.facebook.com/carrborokorumindfulnessRegarding 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.


Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

2016-03-17 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
I wrote a dance that has a move I've not seen in a dance before. Although I'd rather not call it a gimmick. The 'reviews' so far have been good. There’s a video of Jack Mitchell
calling the dance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEp2vlYq1Nc=youtu.be

This is My Brain on Buddha Imp

A1  Partners DoSiSo as a couple just ½ way until
back-to-back with these Neighbors.    Drop hands with your Ptr, and complete the
DosiDo solo with the N you have your back to,    until the women can take L hands,
Rt to N, in a wavy line of 4.     Balance the wave, walk forward to next Ns in a
new wave of 4.

A2 Balance this wave; with this
new N, Swg.

B1 Face across, Mad Robin (Gents
sliding in front to the right to start)   Men keep moving to cross
the set to your Ptr; Swg.

B2 Circle L ¾; Balance the Ring,
Calif Twirl

A dancer suggested naming the
move in A1 “Double Dose.” I like it, but another caller, Jack Mitchell,
discouraged me from making up a new name when just explaining the move will
do.  I’m curious what others think.

 






Re: [Callers] Recognize this dance?

2016-03-11 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
Either way is fine with me; I won't know for sure which I like better until I dance it.Also, I think the balance in the wave might work best forward and back rather than Left and Right. I would like you all to tinker with it to suit your preferences and needs.  And I'd love to know if you call it and how well it works (or doesn't.)-Original Message-
From: Bob Morgan via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: Mar 11, 2016 10:56 AM
To: 
Cc: Caller's discussion list <call...@sharedweight.net>
Subject: Re: [Callers] Recognize this dance?

As I read that it's a four count allemande, almost a pull by left, to give a 12 count swing. Either option works I suppose. BobOn Fri, Mar 11, 2016 at 3:36 PM, Colin Hume via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:On Fri, 11 Mar 2016 08:27:19 -0500, Bree Kalb via Callers wrote:
> B1    Women allmd Left 1/2; Ptr Swg

Bree -

I like the dance, but I would make the allemande left one and a half -
I think that fits the music better.

Colin Hume

Email co...@colinhume.com      Web site http://colinhume.com


___
Callers mailing list
Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Bree Kalb, LCSW301 W. Weaver St.Carrboro, NC 27510919-932-6262 ext 216http://www.thewellnessalliance.com/BreeKalb.htmlhttps://www.facebook.com/carrborokorumindfulnessRegarding 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.


Re: [Callers] Recognize this dance?

2016-03-11 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
No one has claimed this dance, so I guess I get to. Since it unfolded with 
little effort as I was driving home from meditation practice, I’ve given it an 
appropriate name: Dancing the Eightfold Path.   For a tight space (like the 
house concert/dance party I was thinking about at the time) you might 
substitute a gypsy/roundabout/gyre/whatever-term-you-prefer for the N Dosido.

From: Bree Kalb via Callers 
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2016 7:25 PM
To: Caller's discussion list 
Subject: [Callers] Recognize this dance?

This emerged as I was driving home Wednesday night listening to a Latter Day 
Lizards CD and thinking about needing some fairly simple, but interesting 
dances to call at an upcoming dance.  I can’t find it in my collection of 
dances, but it’s so generic, I think someone else must have composed it and I 
was merely remembering.

A 1   N DoSiDo; Swg

A 2   LLF Pass thru to an ocean wave (women take left hands); Balance the 
Wave

B1Women allmd Left 1/2; Ptr Swg

B2Circle L 3/4; Balance the ring, California Twirl

Thanks!

Bree Kalb
Carrboro NC






___
Callers mailing list
Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net


[Callers] Recognize this dance?

2016-03-04 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
This emerged as I was driving home Wednesday night listening to a Latter Day 
Lizards CD and thinking about needing some fairly simple, but interesting 
dances to call at an upcoming dance.  I can’t find it in my collection of 
dances, but it’s so generic, I think someone else must have composed it and I 
was merely remembering.

A 1   N DoSiDo; Swg

A 2   LLF Pass thru to an ocean wave (women take left hands); Balance the 
Wave

B1Women allmd Left 1/2; Ptr Swg

B2Circle L 3/4; Balance the ring, California Twirl

Thanks!

Bree Kalb
Carrboro NC




Re: [Callers] another new word idea

2016-01-27 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
I've been undecided, and stayed out of this discussion. But this helps me make a decision. I have a lot of respect for Martha and Grant (and am addicted to their podcast), so I'm going to experiment with using a different term.I suspect the folk process will sort this out over time and that the most respected callers (e.g. those who are sought after for dance weeks and weekends) will probably influence what the rest of us do.Bree Kalb-Original Message-
From: Martha Wild via Callers 
Sent: Jan 27, 2016 1:23 PM
To: callers list 
Cc: Martha Barnette 
Subject: Re: [Callers] another new word idea

Well, I have changed my opinion. I decided to talk to Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett at Away With Words about the g-word controversy, figuring that if anyone could shed light on the origins of the words and the ethical use of language it would be them.They said that the origin is NOT the Welsh, but is indeed the same word used for the Romani people. And they also felt that it was a highly negative word and that we should try to find an alternative name for the move within our community. I think that the discussion will be on the next show - so if you are interested, tune in to Away With Words to hear their take on the subject.I”d prefer a word that has a similar quality - a soft sound - and a similar two syllable nature to it. That’s why gyre is a little bit problematic for me, on top of whether to make it a hard or soft “g". Tipsy? Mimsy (going along with they Jabberwocky theme)? Gimbal or gambol isn’t bad but isn’t very soft sounding. But it would be good if we didn’t have 20 different terms in different groups so that dancers going from one place to another would be OK when medleys were called. I can’t say I like many of the suggestions yet.Martha


Re: [Callers] Does this dance exist? / Beginner dances with chain, without star-L prog

2015-09-14 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
I have been calling this dance for years with the title Foxglove and the author 
Tom Thoreau. 

From: frannie via Callers 
Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2015 1:39 PM
To: Maia McCormick 
Cc: callers@lists.sharedweight.net 
Subject: Re: [Callers] Does this dance exist? / Beginner dances with chain, 
without star-L prog

That dance is almost Push the Button "by" Rick Mohr except it has Ladies Do si 
do instead of Allemande.  There's also Small Potatoes by Jim Kitch. 

~Frannie

On Sep 13, 2015 10:30 AM, "Maia McCormick via Callers" 
 wrote:

  Wanted a beginners' dance with a chain but without a star-L progression. 
Jotted down this one. I find it quite likely that someone has written it 
before: 

  [untitled], imp.
  A1: N b
  A2: long lines forward & back
  ladies chain
  B1: ladies alle. R 1x
  P swing
  B2: circle L 3/4
  bal. ring and pass through

  So a) has this been written? And b) can folks recommend already-written 
dances that meet my criteria?

  Cheers,
  Maia

  ___
  Callers mailing list
  Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
  http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net





___
Callers mailing list
Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net


Re: [Callers] Family dance questions

2015-08-04 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
I've done house parties with just a fiddler who was very familiar with dance music and knows how to maintain the beat and play square tunes. Not everyone can do that. Does your dance community have a list serve or Facebook page where you can ask for that kind of assistance? Unless you can find someone with those skills, it might be best to have no music.Linda Leslie's DoSiThree is one of my favorite beginner dances, but usually after they've done some simple circles. Linda posted here a week or so ago her excellent strategy for getting people dancing and into a spiral that turns into a partner-less circle. I thought I 'invented' that approach, but it seems at least 2 of us came up with the idea. It works really well, especially if you enlist some helpers to get it started and to urge their friends to join. When I call at weddings I make it a condition of my contract that the bride and groom will play that role for at least the first dance. <callers@lists.sharedweight.net><c...@mac.com>On Tue, Aug 4, 2015 at 6:18 AM, Claire Takemori via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:I want to learn to call & share family dances with more kids to spread folk music and dancing in our area (SF bay area, near Santa Cruz).

I've got an opportunity to teach dances for my son's nature class.  It will range in age from 5 to 15 years.  There's an option to work with just 8 years and up for some or all of the dancing.

My questions:

1. Can you recommend some really fun dances for starting out?  The first couple have be great so I can win them over with fun.

2.  I'm wondering how vital music is to the success?  I think really great live music is a major part of my joy of contra dancing.  We are not allowed to use electrical amplification.   I'm wondering if I could use a single fiddler?        And how do I locate a local fiddler who might volunteer playing?  Maybe a talented youth?

3.  I won't have a mic and will have to use a bullhorn.  Any advice?  I don't have a naturally loud voice, but do sing so I know about projection and belly breathing.

4.  They are thinking of 8 consecutive weeks, once a week for 15-30 minutes (before nature classes head out hiking).   Is 8 weeks a good initial exposure?  How long should each session last, 30 minutes?

5.  We might culminate with a "field trip" to a local barn dance.  Any advice for the preparation for that?

Thanks for any advice!

claire takemori



___
Callers mailing list
Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Bree Kalb, LCSW301 W. Weaver St.Carrboro, NC 27510919-932-6262 ext 216http://www.thewellnessalliance.com/BreeKalb.htmlhttps://www.facebook.com/carrborokorumindfulnessRegarding 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.


Re: [Callers] sticky floors

2015-07-20 Thread Bree Kalb via Callers
Our main venue is air-conditioned and we also have large fans, but we 
still get really hot and some dancers open the windows, thinking it will
 help. It doesn't. One of our dancers suggested that keeping the 
windows closed would cut down on in door humidity and prevent the stickiness. It
 seems to have worked. Since the original question was about stickiness during humid weather, 
it seems that moisture is the culprit there as well. Adding any other ingredients 
(corn based or otherwise) to the moisture sounds like a potential mess.  -Original Message-
From: Mary Collins via Callers 
Sent: Jul 20, 2015 2:36 PM
To: callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Subject: [Callers] sticky floors

Has anyone experienced issues with their wooden dance floors becoming sticky during humid weather?  If so, what if anything has been done to alleviate the problem?thanks. Mary C. - Buffalo-- “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning to dance in the rain!” ~ Unknown




Re: [Callers] Good ending dances

2014-03-15 Thread Bree Kalb
I think it's thrilling for the dancers if the last dance of the evening is 
no-walk-thru. That's not always possible (i.e. a flock of brand new dancers 
arrived at 10:00 PM and we already have lots of newcomers) but when it is, I 
call something really easy (Nice Combination, Midwest Folklore, etc.) and 
let the band fly.



-Original Message- 
From: Jeff Kaufman

Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2014 10:06 AM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: Re: [Callers] Good ending dances

One difference with the last dance of each half is that you don't need
to worry as much about tiring out the dancers.

As a dancer and a musician I like it when the last set is pretty
energetic, with lots of balances, so when I'm calling that's what I'll
request.
___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] Forum vs email list?

2014-02-19 Thread Bree Kalb
This feels like a good time to thank you, Chris, for setting up this list. 
Although it makes for tedious reading at times, it's mostly a great asset with 
good information and ideas. I don't comment much because someone usually says 
what I would have, but I keep learning here.

Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC 

 Wed, Feb 19, 2014 at 12:56 PM, Chris Weiler (Home) <
>chris.wei...@weirdtable.org> wrote:
>
>> This list will stay in it's current form. If someone wants to set up a
>> competing web-based forum, then they are free to and then people could vote
>> with their feet.
>>
>> Chris Weiler
>> SharedWeight moderator
>> Craftsbury, VT


Bree Kalb, LCSW
301 W. Weaver St.
Carrboro, NC 27510
919-932-6262 ext 216
http://www.thewellnessalliance.com/BreeKalb.html

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.




Re: [Callers] Favorite AABBCC contra dances?

2013-12-02 Thread Bree Kalb
Major Hey by Erik Hoffman. I think you can find it with a quick search; if 
not, I'll write it out for you.


BTW, William, you wrote one of my favorite dances: Devil's Backbone. Thank 
you!


-Original Message- 
From: William Watson

Sent: Monday, December 02, 2013 3:27 AM
To: Caller's discussion list ; trad-dance-call...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Callers] Favorite AABBCC contra dances?

Hi All,

A band I'm working with on an upcoming contra dance gig has asked me if I
can find a dance to fit some AABBCC tunes they have. They mentioned Real
Beatrice, and suggested that a balance at the top of C1 might work very
well.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

William
--
wjw1...@gmail.com
This is my bulk mail / mailing list address.
William J. Watson
___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] Purpose of the List

2013-09-11 Thread Bree Kalb
I think one list makes the most sense and appreciate the suggestions that 
have been made to reduce traffic a bit.


Another request: If you are replying to one person--for example, to thank 
Joe for posting the answer to your question--please send it just to Joe.


Thanks to all who contribute to this list. I've been calling for years, but 
still find it educational.


Bree Kalb
Carrboro NC



Re: [Callers] Need name and author of a dance

2013-07-05 Thread Bree Kalb
Jack, as usual, to the rescue! Thanks very much.  Yes, it is a contender for 
Saturday.


-Original Message- 
From: Jack Mitchell

Sent: Friday, July 05, 2013 12:45 PM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: Re: [Callers] Need name and author of a dance

The name is Of The Mills by John Gallagher

It can be found here:
http://www.quiteapair.us/calling/acdol/dance/acd_112.html

The A1 should be:

RHS 1/2, gents loop back to fall in behind partner
RHS 1/2, gents loop back at home and face across while the ladies
allemande R 3/4 to face partner

Hey starts passing partner by L shoulder

Is this possibly going to show up in your program saturday?  It's a
great dance and it's been a long time since I've gotten to dance it.

Jack


On 7/5/2013 12:22 PM, Bree Kalb wrote:
I apparently scribbled this on a card after dancing it, but never got the 
name and author. I’m also not completely confident that I wrote it 
accurately so am hoping to find a video of it somewhere.


It’s improper.

A1  Star Rt 1/2 way; men drop out and loop behind partner as the women 
continue to turn; men rejoin the star and all end up where they started

Repeat

A2 Hey for four (I assume women start by the Left?)

B1 Partner Bal and Swg

B2 Women chain, Left hand star

Thanks for even considering helping me out with this.

Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC
___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers


___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



[Callers] Need name and author of a dance

2013-07-05 Thread Bree Kalb
I apparently scribbled this on a card after dancing it, but never got the name 
and author. I’m also not completely confident that I wrote it accurately so am 
hoping to find a video of it somewhere.

It’s improper.

A1  Star Rt 1/2 way; men drop out and loop behind partner as the women continue 
to turn; men rejoin the star and all end up where they started
   Repeat

A2 Hey for four (I assume women start by the Left?)

B1 Partner Bal and Swg

B2 Women chain, Left hand star

Thanks for even considering helping me out with this.  

Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC



Re: [Callers] Caller Expectations and Dancer Performance

2013-07-01 Thread Bree Kalb

Barb:

I love those two phrases. Sometimes I say: "Here comes a really cool move." 
I have also said 'this is tricky' to get the attention of experienced 
dancers who talk during the walk through. Although I know better I hadn't 
thought clearly about the effect on newer dancers. I'm pretty sure that some 
version of what you offered here will be part of the next dance I call. 
Thanks!


Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC


-Original Message- 
From: barb kirchner

Sent: Monday, July 01, 2013 11:19 AM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: Re: [Callers] Caller Expectations and Dancer Performance


instead of "this is a little tricky", i go with "this LOOKS a little bit 
different, but you'll be surprised how easy it is!"  or "here comes the fun 
part!"





Re: [Callers] Tampering with a classis aagain 3-33-33

2013-06-20 Thread Bree Kalb
I agree with Michael. Especially in the case of a classic.


-Original Message-
>From: Michael Barraclough <mich...@michaelbarraclough.com>
>Sent: Jun 20, 2013 5:25 PM
>To: call...@sharedweight.net
>Subject: Re: [Callers] Tampering with a classis aagain 3-33-33
>
>There are thousands of contras.  If one doesn't work, why not try
>another one instead of altering that one?
>
>Michael Barraclough
>
>
>
>On Thu, 2013-06-20 at 13:16 -0700, Dave C wrote:
>
>> Instead of the Ladies Dosido 1.5 at the end to progress, just have the 
>> Ladies AL 1 1/2 in the center, with RH ready for the next neighbor.  Some in 
>> the caller community have dubbed this version of the dance 3-33-34. 
>> 
>> Dave Colestock 
>> New Cumberland, PA
>> 
>> 
>> --- On Thu, 6/20/13, Kalia Kliban <ka...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>> 
>> From: Kalia Kliban <ka...@sbcglobal.net>
>> Subject: Re: [Callers] Tampering with a classis aagain 3-33-33
>> To: "Caller's discussion list" <call...@sharedweight.net>
>> Date: Thursday, June 20, 2013, 2:10 PM
>> 
>> I've had pretty good luck with it, possibly because I have the women ID the 
>> next neighbor early on.  They know which face to look for.  After that, they 
>> get a better feel for the area to aim for to find the new neighbor.  A 
>> couple of seriously disoriented dancers can really play havoc with this 
>> dance though.  It's brittle.
>> 
>> Kalia
>> 
>> On 6/20/2013 11:02 AM, Rickey Holt wrote:
>> > 3-33-33 lovers and callers - I have been calling this great dance recently
>> > and noticed that dancers of various experience levels in several venues 
>> > have
>> > had trouble with the transition in the B2 from the Ladies Do-si-do 1 1/2 to
>> > the balance with the next neighbor that starts the dance.  They have 
>> > trouble
>> > finding that next neighbor, even after several times through, and with
>> > translating the momentum of crossing the set to that of up and down the 
>> > line
>> > of the first part of the dance. I tried substituting an allemande right 1
>> > 1/2 for the do-si-do 1 1/2 of the original with little effect.  What about 
>> > a
>> > ladies allemande right about 1 1/2 to a next neighbor allemande left and
>> > then starting the dance again with a balance by the right with that
>> > neighbor?  Other solutions?  Have you or your dancers noticed the problem
>> > that I have seen.  As always, thanks for your thoughts.
>> > 
>> > Rickey Holt
>> 
>> ___
>> Callers mailing list
>> call...@sharedweight.net
>> http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
>> ___
>> Callers mailing list
>> call...@sharedweight.net
>> http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
>
>
>___
>Callers mailing list
>call...@sharedweight.net
>http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers


Bree Kalb, LCSW
301 W. Weaver St.
Carrboro, NC 27510
919-932-6262 ext 216
http://www.thewellnessalliance.com/BreeKalb.html

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.




Re: [Callers] 3-33-33 and The Hussey Bride

2013-05-12 Thread Bree Kalb
I usually talk to the band before the dance starts about signals and who to 
direct them to. The most common for slowing the tempo is slowly lowering my 
flat hand, palm down, while mouthing 'slower' but I'll do whatever the band 
leader wants.


-Original Message- 
From: Aahz Maruch

Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2013 2:50 PM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: Re: [Callers] 3-33-33 and The Hussey Bride

On Tue, May 07, 2013, Bree Kalb wrote:


I don't tell the band what tempo to use for most dances since it
might depend on the tune, but if it looks like the dancers are
rushing to get to the next move, I'd signal the band to slow down a
tad. I've never gotten tired or winded doing 3/33/33 and I'm not
exactly in prime athletic condition, so that might have been a
fluke.


How do you signal the band to change tempo?
--
Hugs and backrubs -- I break Rule 6 
http://rule6.info/

 <*>   <*>   <*>
Help a hearing-impaired person: http://rule6.info/hearing.html
___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] 3-33-33 and The Hussey Bride

2013-05-07 Thread Bree Kalb

Rickey,

Tell the ladies that they allemande the new lady who is between their 
Partner and their Shadow and they are going to end up where she is, except 
facing out, with partner in left hand, shadow in right hand.


I also tell the dancers they are not really out at the top and bottom, to 
stay alert for when they are needed. They will be needed as part of the long 
wavy lines curving around the ends (again, with partner in right hand, 
shadow in right hand) and to be alert for their cue to walk forward into a 
new wave of four.


I don't tell the band what tempo to use for most dances since it might 
depend on the tune, but if it looks like the dancers are rushing to get to 
the next move, I'd signal the band to slow down a tad. I've never gotten 
tired or winded doing 3/33/33 and I'm not exactly in prime athletic 
condition, so that might have been a fluke.


I see you are calling here in June. We may have too many beginners for it, 
but I would LOVE to dance Hussey Bride. I call it often, but other local 
callers don't use it much.


Bree Kalb
Carrboro NC


-Original Message- 
From: Rickey Holt

Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 8:33 PM
To: 'Caller's discussion list'
Subject: [Callers] 3-33-33 and The Hussey Bride

Hi all,
Thanks for the suggestion to call 3-33-33. I did that and it went well, but
good dancers got very tired and winded. What tempo do you use?
Thanks also for the suggestion to call Bill Olson's The Hussey Bride. I did
that too, and it went well except that in one of the lines a couple kept
getting left out at the top.  Again, mostly experienced dancers. The A1 is:
Long Lines forward and back / Ladies Allemande Right 1 1/2 to cross the set
and form long wavy line with the gents with the ladies facing out. A couple
of us thought that several folks had trouble finding the lady to allemande
with, especially when she was the next neighbor lady.  Have you had similar
experiences with this dance?  What did you do about it?
Thanks again,
Rickey Holt,
Fremont, NH


___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] High-energy dances

2013-04-23 Thread Bree Kalb

California Twirlin by Janet Levetin
You Can't Get Here from There by Carol Ormand
Hussy Bride by Bill Olson

-Original Message- 
From: Mark Hillegonds

Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 8:40 PM
To: Caller's discussion list
Cc: Caller's discussion list
Subject: Re: [Callers] High-energy dances

It's not so balance-y as others suggested here, but definitely high energy: 
3-33-33 by Steve Zakon-Anderson.


Mark Hillegonds

Cell:  734-756-8441
Email:  mhillego...@comcast.net

On Apr 23, 2013, at 2:33 PM, "Rickey Holt"  wrote:


Hi all,
What are your favorite high-energy dances, especially those with lots of
balances and without heys?  My search of my books has yeilded very few.
Thanks,
Rickey Holt,
Fremont, NH



___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers

___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] Suggestions for particularly flirty contra dances?

2013-04-10 Thread Bree Kalb

Alan,

Happy to oblige.

Travels with Rick and Kim
A1 N B
A2 Take hands four and balance the ring. Pass thru across the set, turn to 
your right and walk around the ring single file 3 spaces until you are on 
side of the set with Ptr (Ladies chasing ptr while Men chase neighbor)
B1  Ptr B (I describe this as the men surrender and turn back to their 
partner for the balance)

B2 Ladies Chain; Star Left

Hi voltage Gypsy  PROPER!
A1 Ones cast off down the outside, return to above neighbors, cross to 
change places

 Meanwhile, Twos Gypsy & Swg, ending in time to take hands 4
A2  All 4 circle L, circle R
B1  Neighbor B
B2  Long lines F 1's swing in the center

This dance does tend to creep down the hall.

Enjoy the gig,

Bree


-Original Message- 
From: Alan Winston

Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 6:45 PM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: Re: [Callers] Suggestions for particularly flirty contra dances?

Bree --

Have "Old Bob's".  Found a youtube of Travels but if you have it written
down I'd just as soon not have to transcribe it.  Couldn't find Hi
Voltage Gypsy.
Would like to take you up on your offer to provide those two.

Thanks!

-- Alan

On 4/3/2013 6:00 AM, Bree Kalb wrote:

Dances that come to mind quickly are

Travels with Rick and Kim (chase ends with ptr swg)  Shari Miller Johnson
Old Bob's Mixer (one of the best mixers ever written, in my opinion)  Bob
Dalsemer
Hi Voltage Gypsy  John Combs

I'd be glad to provide the moves if you can't find them on the web.

Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC

-Original Message-
From: Alan Winston
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 6:18 AM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: [Callers] Suggestions for particularly flirty contra dances?

I'm supposed to do an hour of flirty contra dances at Queer Contra Dance
Camp next weekend.

Of course they all are, to some degree, but I wonder what comes to mind
for you when you think of a flirtatious contra.  (And what would be the
characteristics of a flirty dance for you.  As someone with long
experience in English dance I think there can be exciting flirtatious
connection without a lot of touching.)

I'll just get Flirtation Reel out of the way right now.
I'll obviously have something with a Mad Robin in it.
I'm thinking about Ramsey Chase.

What are your thoughts?

-- Alan


___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers

___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers


___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] Suggestions for particularly flirty contra dances?

2013-04-03 Thread Bree Kalb

Dances that come to mind quickly are

Travels with Rick and Kim (chase ends with ptr swg)  Shari Miller Johnson
Old Bob's Mixer (one of the best mixers ever written, in my opinion)  Bob 
Dalsemer

Hi Voltage Gypsy  John Combs

I'd be glad to provide the moves if you can't find them on the web.

Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC

-Original Message- 
From: Alan Winston

Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 6:18 AM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: [Callers] Suggestions for particularly flirty contra dances?

I'm supposed to do an hour of flirty contra dances at Queer Contra Dance
Camp next weekend.

Of course they all are, to some degree, but I wonder what comes to mind
for you when you think of a flirtatious contra.  (And what would be the
characteristics of a flirty dance for you.  As someone with long
experience in English dance I think there can be exciting flirtatious
connection without a lot of touching.)

I'll just get Flirtation Reel out of the way right now.
I'll obviously have something with a Mad Robin in it.
I'm thinking about Ramsey Chase.

What are your thoughts?

-- Alan


___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



[Callers] Tom Hinds' Mad Robin Dance

2013-03-23 Thread Bree Kalb
Hey Tom,I don’t have your personal email, so hope you check this list often.  
You posted this dance in January. I’m considering calling it soon and would 
love to know if it has a name.Thanks,Bree KalbCarrboro, NCTom Wrote:I just 
wrote a dance and wanted to know if it's unique.  I'm pretty  
sure the A1 is borrowed from another dance.


D-imp
A1  Circle left.  Mad Robin (face partner and do-si-do neighbor).

A2  Hey, women pass left shoulders

B1  Women pass left shoulders and swing partner

B2  Ladies chain, forward and back.


Tom


Re: [Callers] Is this a New Dance

2013-01-27 Thread Bree Kalb
Thanks, Gary, but I was asking about the progression in "Mad Masquerade" not 
in Tom's dance.


-Original Message- 
From: Gary Shapiro

Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2013 7:18 PM
To: call...@sharedweight.net
Subject: Re: [Callers] Is this a New Dance

The swing puts the men on the left. The chain puts the women on the correct
side.

Just circle with the next.

On Sun, Jan 27, 2013 at 3:32 PM, Maia McCormick
maia.mcc-at-gmail.com|sharedweight-garyes|
<7xs3vhh...@sneakemail.com> wrote:


Bree-- I don't see the progression either. Perhaps slide left to circle
left?

On Sun, Jan 27, 2013 at 5:05 PM, Bree Kalb <b...@mindspring.com> wrote:

> Tom,
>
> Let us know when you name this dance. I like it and have already written
> in on a card; need only a title before I file it.
>
> Jane,
>
> I may be having a brain blip, but I don't see the progression in Mad
> Masquerade and I can't find the dance with a web search.
>
> Bree Kalb
> Carrboro NC
>
>
>
>
--**--**--
>
>
> Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2013 11:06:54 -0500
> From: Tom Hinds <twhi...@earthlink.net>
>
>
> I just wrote a dance and wanted to know if it's unique.  I'm pretty
> sure the A1 is borrowed from another dance.
>
>
> D-imp
> A1 Circle left.  Mad Robin (face partner and do-si-do neighbor).
>
> A2 Hey, women pass left shoulders
>
> B1 Women pass left shoulders and swing partner
>
> B2 Ladies chain, forward and back.
>
>
> Tom



___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] Is this a New Dance

2013-01-27 Thread Bree Kalb

Tom,

Let us know when you name this dance. I like it and have already written in 
on a card; need only a title before I file it.


Jane,

I may be having a brain blip, but I don't see the progression in Mad 
Masquerade and I can't find the dance with a web search.


Bree Kalb
Carrboro NC


--


List-Post: callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2013 11:06:54 -0500
From: Tom Hinds <twhi...@earthlink.net>


I just wrote a dance and wanted to know if it's unique.  I'm pretty
sure the A1 is borrowed from another dance.


D-imp
A1 Circle left.  Mad Robin (face partner and do-si-do neighbor).

A2 Hey, women pass left shoulders

B1 Women pass left shoulders and swing partner

B2 Ladies chain, forward and back.


Tom

Tom -  Manhattan Chowder and Mad Masquerade both start similar - the latter 
being most similar.

It is in Becket as follows:
A1 Cir lf 3, Mad Robin
A2 1/2 Hey, N gyp Rt 1x
B1 L Gyp Lf 1 1/2x .  Half Hey (pass P Rt to start)
B2 P B

Jane Ewing
Grant, AL



___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] sharp corners

2013-01-18 Thread Bree Kalb
I think it's enough to send the dance titles; most of us are able to do an 
internet search for the details, then ask if they can't be found.


-Original Message- 
From: Michael Fuerst

Sent: Friday, January 18, 2013 12:29 PM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: Re: [Callers] sharp corners

I suspect that  the dance  names are not  helpful without the sequence or a 
link to the sequence



Michael Fuerst  802 N Broadway  Urbana IL 61801   217-239-5844


From: Chris Page 
To: Caller's discussion list 
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2013 11:10 AM
Subject: Re: [Callers] sharp corners

Walpole Cottage by Pat Shaw. (and spin-offs)
Box the Compass by Tony Saletan.
Double Trouble by Peter Foster.

-Chris Page
San Diego



On Friday, January 18, 2013, Tom Hinds wrote:



Years ago I remember dancing a dance that had a full contra corners in it.
 The active dancers had four corners to turn instead of two.  I think the
caller called the move sharp corners.  Does anyone have any of these 
dances

they could share?   I'm particularly interested in dances with this move
that have been written in the last 40 years or so.

Tom
__**_
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/**mailman/listinfo/callers


___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] Lead/Follow in a Swing

2013-01-05 Thread Bree Kalb

Thank you. Andrea!

I'd like to repeat the point that the terms lead/follow are implicitly 
communicating to (some) male dancers that they are in charge. Not only does 
this create pressure, but I think it contributes to a growing trend I'm 
noticing at my local dance; fairly new male dancers assume I'll happily 
follow their lead and seem dismayed (even insulted) if I choose not to. This 
sets up a dynamic of conflict rather than the friendly cooperation I 
consider the soul of contra dancing.


Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC

-Original Message- 
From: Andrea Nettleton

Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 4:51 AM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: Re: [Callers] Lead/Follow in a Swing

Sometimes a dance weekend comes along just in time.  So I am at Chattaboogie 
in TN, and thought very hard about what was going on between me and all the 
people I danced with, and I think I finally understand why, in my mind, 
lead/follow are actively bad terms to use in contra, and why when we teach 
the idea of flourishes, I really don't want anyone thinking of one role as 
lead, and the other as follow.




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

2012-12-01 Thread Bree Kalb

Alan,

Your explanation is so reflective of my reasons and so vivid, I felt like I 
was dancing with you. If we're ever in the same hall and that dance is on 
the program.


Bree Kalb


-
Why I like it:

Whether I'm inactive or active, I like the music, I really like the way
the parts of the dance interlock, I like the many things that remind me
I'm dancing in a bigger set
than just my foursome - go down the outside and you have to see the
whole line, be in line, match their timing; go down the middle and it's
the same, but if I'm inactive
I have to see people outside of my foursome on the way through.  I
really like how much it requires timing and rewards timing and
geographical sense.  I rather like the feeling of being a good cog in
the big dance machine.  I like supporting the actives and being
supported when it's my turn.

- When I'm an active, the way the excitement of the tune builds up
during the contra corners to resolve at the balance with partner (and
the balance + swing is way
  better than the balance without swing)  is just unparalleled. Hitting
the balance on the dot is just a tremendous moment.  The whole dance
(which is, incidentally, made of
  standard early-nineteenth century figures which show up in other
dances but aren't as  satisfying there) is an exercise in delayed
gratification; I leave my partner, we're apart
  (but have a flirtatious peek, perhaps, in the middle of the
down-the-outside-and-back), we're closer together for the
down-the-middle-and-back; we connect with our
  same-sex neighbors on the cast off, we interact with two opposite-sex
neighbors in the contra-corners, briefly seeing partner in between
others, and we finally connect.
  It's awesome.

- When I'm inactive - well, you can always swing your partner during the
down-the-outside, and I have no problem for that. During the
down-the-middle  you can likely cheat-swing somebody from the   next
line (although I won't generally do that and don't much like it when my
partner abandons me to cheat swing).  But here's what I like there - I
enjoy being able to support the actives in the contra corners, I enjoy
getting a read on whether they want to push off and spin out of the
allemande and supporting that, I enjoy helping to get them to their
appointment with their partner on time.   (I'll usually balance or stomp
at the end of the contra corners even if I'm an inactive.)  I'll admit
that I'd be a bit frustrated if I were inactive all the way to to the
top and the dance ended without my ever getting to be active, but I'm
happy to have it run long enough for everybody to get to be both active
and inactive.

Your mileage may well vary.  People like different things.

-- Alan

___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



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

2012-11-30 Thread Bree Kalb
3 that I am thrilled to dance and also get lots of thanks from dancers when 
I call them are:


Chorus Jig
There Is No Way to Peace; Peace is the Way (Eric Hoffman)
The Devil's Backbone (William Watson)

Although they are not easy/simple dances, they all work well the 2nd half of 
the night here in Carrboro, NC IF it's not as crowded as our dances usually 
are.


I could name at least 1/2 dozen others, but will refrain.


-Original Message- 
From: Michael Fuerst

Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 10:19 PM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: [Callers] What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

If you had to choose one or two or at most  three  ...

Michael Fuerst  802 N Broadway  Urbana IL 61801   217-239-5844
___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] Yet more mystery dances!

2012-10-26 Thread Bree Kalb

#4 I recognize immediately as Sara's Journey by Gene Hubert.

Bree 

-Original Message- 
From: Maia McCormick 
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2012 12:04 PM 
To: Caller's discussion list 
Subject: [Callers] Yet more mystery dances! 


Since my last mystery dance question got answered in a flash: I've been
going through some old papers and finding all these dances I wrote down at
various contras that don't have titles or authors attached. Any thoughts?

1) (improper: begin in long wavy lines with women facing in)
A1: Rory O'Moore
A2: (balance and?) swing neighbor (in RH)
B1: men by L 1 1/2; partner swing
B2: pass through to an ocean wave and balance (8)
men go on; women allemande L 1/2 (4); new neighbor turn R into long waves
(4)
(was called at the most recent Dawn Dance)

2) (improper)
A1: neighbor balance and swing
A2: ladies chain; pull by partner L to gypsy shadow once
B1: partner balance and swing
B2: circle L 3/4; neighbor allemande R 1 1/2

3) (improper)
A1: neighbor balance and swing
A2: pass the ocean, balance; neighbor alle R 1/2, men alle L 1/2
B1: partner gypsy; partner swing
B2: circle L 3/4; pass through, next neighbor do-si-do

4) (improper)
A1: neighbor box the gnat (no balance), gents pull by L; partner swing
A2: circle left once; partner dosido once
B1: partner box the gnat (no balance), women pull by L; neighbor swing
B2: right and left through; star L

5) (becket)
A1: (slide left to) circle L 3/4; neighbor swing
A2: right and left through; ladies chain
B1: balance ring and spin to swap (2x)
B2: partner balance and swing

Also, does anyone happen go have the dances Baracky Mountain High (author
unknown) or Young Adult Rose (David Kaynor)?

Thank you for your lovely collective wisdom!
Maia
___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers


Re: [Callers] Estimating space and couples

2012-10-20 Thread Bree Kalb
In my experience hosting and attending kitchen dance parties, it's fine to 
invite more people than can dance at one time.


Folks seem to be happy to rotate on and off the dance floor if they have 
food, drink and good company. They are also happy to dance smaller than 
usual.


I'm intrigued by Alan's description of dancing a contra with 4 people, but 6 
couples would be my minimum if you want good feedback on how the dance flows 
and feels to the dancers.


I've never been to or hosted one that wasn't great, good fun.  It's also 
very helpful to have something a bit more suitable than a kitchen chair to 
stand on while you call.  Have a great time!


Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC

On 10/19/2012 6:06 PM, Leslie Gotfrit wrote:
I am a new caller trying to log calling hours by hosting kitchen contra 
parties (with live music, beer and food). Could anyone tell me how many 
linear feet I need per couple? My friends' home is about 24 feet on the 
diagonal: how many couple in a longways can I (safely) accommodate?  And 
what's the minimum number of couples in a contra line so that is still 
fun? Thanks for any advice.




Re: [Callers] mixers for regular dancers not ons

2012-08-31 Thread Bree Kalb
Bob Dalsemer has some good mixers here: 
http://bobdalsemer.com/Bob_Dalsemers_Web_Pages/Other_Dances.html

‘Old Bob’s Mixer’ is one of my favorites but might be a bit more complex than 
what you are looking for.

Please let us know what you call and how it goes.

Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC



Re: [Callers] Fruit Punch choreography

2012-08-23 Thread Bree Kalb
Thanks to Linda and Bob for confirming my assumption about Redbeard Reel; I 
also appreciate Bob's historical note! Great dance, Bob.


Joy, I got Fruit Bunch from Diane a couple of years ago.  Yes, it is a 
Becket.  The A part is correct. Here's the B:


B1 Take hands in a ring
 Balance the ring; pass thru to a wave*,
 Balance the wave
Neighbor allmd Rt 1/2; Men pull by the Left to Partner
B2 Partner Bal and Swg

*still with same Neighbors, women in the center; neighbor on your right


-Original Message- 
From: Joy Greenwolfe

Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2012 1:00 AM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: [Callers] Fruit Punch choreography

Speaking of dances with missing details, I have a great dance called
Fruit Punch.  Diane Silver called it at Bogue Banks Boogie a few years
ago.  Not sure who wrote it (maybe Diane?).

I evidently wrote it down wrong since it doesn't progress but instead
keeps sending the dancers back and forth.  Someone said it felt like
it was missing a circle somewhere.  Does it start with a circle left
half way into a slide left?   Does anyone have the correct
choreography?   I haven't heard back from Diane yet about this question.

What I have is this:

Fruit Punch  by Diane or?
I have Improper written down, but it looks like a Becket.

A1 With couple on L diagonal, Yearn to new Neighbors and fall straight
back (8)
Ladies Allem R 1+1/2 (8)

A2 N Balance & Swing (16)

B1 Take hands in a ring.
Balance the ring (4)
Pass through to an ocean wave (4)
Balance the wave (4)
N Allemande R x1 (4)

B2 Ladies Allemande L 1+1/2 to partner (8)
Partner swing (8)


Thanks for any clarification anyone might have.


Joy Greenwolfe
Durham, NC
___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



[Callers] Redbeard Reel

2012-08-22 Thread Bree Kalb
I have Bob Isaacs’s dance Redbeard Reel, that I must have written down after 
hearing it called.  I tried to find the dance via a web search and also to 
contact Bob via Facebook. Now I’m turning to this helpful and knowledgeable 
group for help. 

Here’s the dance as I have it; my question is about B1. I’m pretty sure there’s 
a balance once the dancers are in an ocean wave, and would like to have that 
confirmed. If I made any (other) errors, please let me know!

Becket formation

A1 Long lines forward and back; Gents allmd Left 1  1/2

A2 Neighbor gypsy & swing

B1 Pass the ocean wave (Balance?)  Pass thru along the set; with the next Mad 
Robin while facing partner across

B2  Women pass Left; Partner swing. 

Thanks,

Bree Kalb
Carrboro NC


Re: [Callers] New choreo list / traffic volume

2012-05-09 Thread Bree Kalb
I prefer one list that includes choreography. The list volume is not too heavy 
here for my taste; I start using delete when a discussion is going on and 
on. 

Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC


-Original Message-
>From: "Chris Weiler (home)" <chris.wei...@weirdtable.org>
>Sent: May 9, 2012 3:23 PM
>To: Shared Weight <call...@sharedweight.net>
>Subject: [Callers] New choreo list / traffic volume
>
>Hello SW callers,
>
>I finally caught up on my e-mail and have read the discussion about 
>starting a new choreography list. My thought is that most if not all 
>callers would want to be on both lists, so why not have them be the same 
>list? My only answer that I could think of why not is if the callers 
>list volume is getting too heavy for some people.
>
>So I would like to know is if there are many people who would _not_ 
>subscribe to a choreography list?
>
>Also, what do you think of the traffic volume lately? If you think that 
>the volume is too heavy lately, would you rather have it divided into 
>two lists to increase the signal to noise ratio?
>
>Thanks to everyone for your interest and participation, even if it's 
>just lurking.
>
>Chris Weiler
>Your friendly neighborhood SharedWeight moderator.
>Craftsbury, VT
>
>
>___
>Callers mailing list
>call...@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.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can 
change.” Carl Rogers


Re: [Callers] New Dance: The Raeden Reel

2012-05-02 Thread Bree Kalb

Very nice dance. Thanks for posting it here.

Bree Kalb
Carrboro



Re: [Callers] Re Allemande Hold (was Analysis of Stars)

2012-03-13 Thread Bree Kalb
This is a problem for my wrists, too. It can cause enough pain to bring tears 
to my eyes so I've taken a direct approach. With a friendly (I hope) smile, I 
put my opposite hand on the back of the other person's hand & gently push to 
straighten out the bend. This is often baffling to my co-allemander; the ones 
who care ask me then or later why I did that. I'm grateful that so many are 
truly curious and willing to alter the angle. A couple of friends have told me 
they still have no idea they are bending my wrist until I tell them. I can see 
that it might be a little trickier for a man to do this with another man

-Original Message-
>From: Perry Shafran <ps...@yahoo.com>
>Sent: Mar 13, 2012 3:17 PM
>To: Caller's discussion list <call...@sharedweight.net>
>Subject: Re: [Callers] Re Allemande Hold (was Analysis of Stars)
>
>Speaking of allemandes - is there ANY way to teach experienced dancers to not 
>bend their wrists when they allemande?  The wrist is supposed to be straight, 
>not bent, as bending can cause pain to the other person's wrist (generally 
>mine).  Nowadays when I find a person allemande with a bent wrist I go ahead 
>and keep mine straight and sacrifice a good allemande with weight for 
>protecting my arm and wrist.  
>
>As for thumbs, I protect my thumb in an allemande or a wavy line by keeping it 
>close to my hand, not straight up ready to be grasped.  I found that by 
>"dancing defensively" in this manner I can protect all my digits and limbs and 
>continue on the joy of dancing longer!
>
>Perry
>
>--- On Tue, 3/13/12, Andrea Nettleton <twirly-g...@bellsouth.net> wrote:
>
>From: Andrea Nettleton <twirly-g...@bellsouth.net>
>Subject: Re: [Callers] Re Allemande Hold (was Analysis of Stars)
>To: "Caller's discussion list" <call...@sharedweight.net>
>Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 3:08 PM
>
>As a dancer my personal solution to the Rory o more situation has been to have 
>an old fashioned allemande grip for the first balance, as I balance away and 
>have a little momentum to help tear the hands apart, I switch to an ECD hold, 
>kind of like what you do for a balance before a swing, then it is only curved 
>fingers, which actually give plenty of oomph to the spin, but also disengage 
>easily.  I don't spin out of allemandes as much, maybe because few women give 
>enough connection to do so, in fact there is often no time for such a flourish 
>because the connection is too weak to accelerate the allemande.  This has 
>nothing to do with the position of our hands or fingers or thumbs, but more a 
>refusal to engage the whole arm so the presence of their body can be felt.  I 
>love a zesty dance weekend where a high proportion of women connect.  I think 
>by and large, we all wrap our fingers around the base of the other person's 
>thumb, often enough with our
> thumbs also loosely curled arou
> nd.  The only time I recently remember being 'gripped' was by a terrified 
> newbie who seemed to want to hold on in hopes we would all help him get where 
> he needed to be.  Although it hurt, I was sorry for his fear and simply slid 
> my thumb straight down.  Like catching a falling pencil, it is pretty hard 
> for someone to hold your thumb if you pull straight down.
>Cheers,
>Andrea
>
>Sent from my iPhone
>
>On Mar 13, 2012, at 2:20 PM, Ron Nelson <caller...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> 
>> John Sweeny wrote:
>>> 
>>> Yes, people always used to interlock their thumbs - that is
>>> how I was first taught it many, many years ago.
>>> 
>>> But the dancing has changed. What has happened is that
>>> people now like to spin out of Allemandes; and Rory O'Mores are more
>>> prevalent, where you spin out of an Allemande-type hold. If someone has
>>> locked my thumb I can't spin! You say that it is easy to disengage when
>>> the thumbs are interlocked. That is not my experience. I really, really
>>> hate it when people hold on to me so that I can't enjoy the dancing. It
>>> is definitely easier to disengage if the thumbs aren't interlocked.
>>> 
>>> Dance styles evolve, and this is an example of a good change
>>> as far as I am concerned.
>>> 
>>> Let's all work on getting rid of thumbs from dancing! :-)
>>> 
>> 
>> Ron Nelson adds:
>> 
>> I could not agree more. As one who suffers from arthritis in my hands, I can 
>> testify that the thumb is particularly susceptible to abuse and subsequent 
>> pain.
>> I try to avoid any grip which might entrap and discomfort.
>>                           
>> ___
>> Callers mailin

Re: [Callers] American with Style

2012-03-11 Thread Bree Kalb
I would suggest saying "most" contra dancers" rather than "good." I think 
good contra dancers adjust to the person with whom they are swinging. I 
agree with David that one can do a walking swing while the other does a buzz 
step but I often switch to a walking swing to match my partner or neighbor.


Bree Kalb

-Original Message- 
From: Colin Hume

Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2012 3:42 AM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: Re: [Callers] American with Style

On 11/03/2012 05:41, Read Weaver wrote:

I'd like to see the phrase "good contra dancers use a buzz-step swing"
changed--I'd say really good contra dancers sometimes use a buzz step
and sometimes use a walking step, depending on the choreography or
music; medium-good contra dancers use a buzz step for all swings.


Would other people like to comment on that one?


I'd point out that the wrist-grip (which I believe you're calling
pack-saddle) star is the one move in contra dance where you should not
give weight--human wrists neither bend that direction nor have strength
the other direction, so it's uncomfortable to be pulled by the person
behind.


I've added the phrase "wrist grip" and the point about not giving weight.


My understanding is that English are used to doing a particular dance
fewer times than Americans. You sort of refer to this, but you might
make more a point of it--we like to get into it to the point of not
having to think about it. "Appalachian Sufi dancing."


I've added a sentence to that effect.  Thanks for your comments.

Colin Hume

E-mail: co...@colinhume.com  Website:  http://www.colinhume.com


-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2114/4862 - Release Date: 03/10/12

___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] Sharing Mixers

2012-03-04 Thread Bree Kalb
One night, when I arrived at our dance a few minutes before 8:00 , Robert 
Cromartie
was calling a mixer. I don't recall what prevented the usual new comers 
workshop, but I was told the mixer was in place of one.  It

worked quite well and it was easy for people to jump in as they arrived.

A couple of years later I was in New Bern, NC. There was a problem with
sound set up, so we weren't ready to go until 8:20. I had a room full of
impatient dancers and anxious newcomers expecting a lesson. I started with a
very very simple mixer and it was thrilling to see everyone's face light up
and the mood shift to joy for the rest of the night.

Since then, I've thought of an easy mixer, as the first dance, as a
good way for new people to acclimate to moving in time to the music, 
shifting

from one move to another, interacting with (and touching!) lots of
strangers, and letting go of the partner they came with. In spite of that, I
don't start with a mixer unless the dance is more than 50% beginners -- I
think it would feel strange to the regular crowd.

I often enjoy the discussions here; thanks for all the interesting opinions
and all the good dances I've harvested from this list.  Here are mixers I
like for the 3rd slot:

Ames Amble  George Lowrey

A1 In the center and back 2 times.
A2 Ptr dosido; Neighbor dosido,
B1 Promenade with ptr; Women turn back to the gent behind and Allmd Rt; Ptr 
Allmd Left

B2 Swing new partner (the one you allmanded Rt)

A simpler version is: B1 promenade; B2 Women turn back to the gent behind 
and swing.



Getting To Know You  Robt Cromartie

A1 circle L; circle R
A2 Ptr dosido; Neighbor seesaw
B1 Ptr B
B2 Into the ctr and back, Neighbor swing

January Mixer Bob Dalsemer

A1 Promenade with ptr
A2 Men continue single file; women turn back single file (8)
Everyone turn back, pass your ptr
B1 with the next allmd L; allmd R
B2 Dosido and swg









Re: [Callers] Mixers: [was: Request about requests]

2012-03-03 Thread Bree Kalb
David said this so much better than I can. I think mixers can be fun as a 
dancer and I call them when I think they will add to the enjoyment and 
cohesion of the group.  I sometimes call in Charlottesville and think the 
board is wise to try something new.


Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC

-Original Message- 
From: David Millstone

Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2012 8:24 AM
To: call...@sharedweight.net
Subject: [Callers] Mixers: [was: Request about requests]

I'm fascinated by this discussion about mixers. with most of the comments so 
far
indicating that a) the authors don't like 'em, b) they don't use them, c) 
they

don't see the point, and d) dancers don't like 'em.




Re: [Callers] Heys for new dancers

2012-02-22 Thread Bree Kalb
That's a great dance, Jim. I collected it from Dick Bearman of Maryland who 
called it in my area about 15 years ago. He calls it Balancing Act and I 
have him as author on my much used dance card. It works very well as an easy 
intro to 1/2 hey. Seems like several people were channeling the same dance 
muse.


-Original Message- 
From: James Saxe

Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 4:47 AM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: Re: [Callers] Heys for new dancers


While I'm writing, here's a dance that I sometimes use
for the first hey of an evening:

Duple improper contra

A1. Neighbors balance and swing
A2. Women chain
1/2 hey (W start by R shoulder)
B1. Partners balance and swing
B2. Circle left 3/4
Balance the ring, partners California twirl

I came up with this by swiping the first 3/4 of "Southern Swing"
by Steve Zakon-Anderson and substituting a simpler B2 part, but
never named it.  Lisa Greenleaf apparently came up with the same
sequence independently and named it "Hocus Pocus".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFEBaPqBXZM

Don Flaherty's "Slapping the Wood" is nearly identical, the only
difference being the do-si-do as couples in the first half of A1.
The first 3/4 of the dance also occur in Chart Guthrie's "Hay in
the Barn"




Re: [Callers] Callers Workshop with Scott Higgs - March 10th

2012-02-15 Thread Bree Kalb
Just to let you know: I'm on the fence about this. It's already going to be 
a very busy weekend for me. I'd like to be kept in the loop, but I can't 
commit now.



-Original Message- 
From: Jack Mitchell

Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 3:17 PM
To: trianglecon...@yahoogroups.com ; fiddle-and-...@yahoogroups.com ; 
Caller's discussion list

Subject: [Callers] Callers Workshop with Scott Higgs - March 10th

Scott Higgs is going to be in the Triangle calling for the 3/9 TCD
contra dance and for a special 3/10 English Country Dance workshop (in
the mid afternoon) and evening dance.  He has also agreed to do a
callers workshop for us while he's in town.  The workshop will be
Saturday morning 3/10, and will include a potluck brunch.  Scott has
many years of experience calling and teaching calling to others, and we
are really fortunate to have him in the area.  Possible topics for the
workshop include:

How to prepare for a dance event.

How to devise a great dance program, with flexibility to adapt as needed.

How to teach clearly & effectively.

How to prompt/call clearly & effectively.

How to integrate newcomers and less-skilled dancers.

How to communicate and collaborate with musicians.

How to set a welcoming, friendly tone, and build a sense of community.

How to build a repertoire, and what should be in it.

How to learn a new dance, and to anticipate challenges in presenting it.

How to communicate more than just the geography of a dance.

How to "listen" to the dancers.

How to adapt on the fly: when you encounter: circumstances like

30 beginners enter en masse at 8:45

the floor is too slippery to dance

the weather is too hot to dance

the hall is too crowded

the band can't play up to speed

How to practice teaching/calling.

How to "shape" an evening.

Techniques for developing advanced leading skills

What comes after the rudiments ?

What do individuals want to improve in their leading ?

How can we help each other to develop ?


I also hope to have a discussion during the brunch portion of our time
together on calling related topics.  So far, we've only had two people
sign up for the workshop.  To help with our planning, if you are
interested in attending, please fill out the registration form here:
http://www.tcdancers.org/workshop/

See you on the dance floor!

Jack




___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] Double contra - whodunnit?

2011-12-27 Thread Bree Kalb
Lines of 8 across.  That statement you quote seems to be in the wrong place. 
It fits better at the beginning of B2.


You have your partner in your right hand in the long wave; men by the left 
(as they have just finished allmd Left.) The two women in the very center of 
the wave of 8 take left hands.


Looking down from the ceiling, women are "o"; men are "x":   oxxooxxo

This is a seriously fabulous dance. I like calling it best if the band has a 
40 bar tune, but a band that can keep track of it's parts can repeat the B 
part 3 times instead of 2.


Bree Kalb


-Original Message- 
From: Rich Goss

Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 11:30 AM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: Re: [Callers] Double contra - whodunnit?

I have a question.  At the end of A2 do they form long lines to start the B1 
slides, or to they make a line of 8 across?  Do the slides in B1 go up/down 
or across?  The statement "to a line of people across both sets" seems to 
contradict "partners facing...".


Thanks, Rich




Title: Major Hey
Author: Erik Hoffman
Formation: 4-face-4, becket
A1: Circle Left 3/4, pass through; New Neighbor Swing
A2: Long Lines; Men allemande Left 1 1/2 (to a line of people across
both, sets, partners facing, men back-to-back)
B1: Balance, slide right (a la Rory O'More); balance left, slide left (a
la Rory O'More)
B2: face partner, use right hand to start 1/2 hey for 8 (16)**
C1: partner balance and swing


___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] Double contra - whodunnit?

2011-12-26 Thread Bree Kalb
Might be Major Hey by Erik Hoffman.  Here's a link to a previous discussion 
and description on this list.


http://www.sharedweight.net/pipermail/callers/2007-December/001112.html

Bree Kalb

-Original Message- 
From: Hanny Budnick

Sent: Monday, December 26, 2011 11:01 AM
To: call...@sharedweight.net
Subject: [Callers] Double contra - whodunnit?

I failed to note it down immediately after dancing it... Maybe one of you 
can

fill in the considerable gaps, please:
1) The choreography stems from 'someone in California'.
2) Formation: two improper contra lines, close together for a double dance
   across the whole set
3) there's a hey for all eight in it
Your turn
Thanks, Hanny
___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] When did pre-dance beginners' workshops start in YOURarea?

2011-09-03 Thread Bree Kalb
I started dancing in the Chapel Hill/Durham/Carrboro NC area in 1988.  I 
missed the newcomer class my first dance, but attended the classes several 
times after that to feel more confident. All the dances in this area have a 
pre dance lesson that are well attended by new folks as well as some long 
time male dancers who enjoy helping the new women dancers.





Re: [Callers] mental health and dance calling

2011-07-09 Thread Bree Kalb

Amy wrote: But have I truly called
them out on it? No. And neither have any of my peers.

I have.
Now that I'm older, it doesn't happen as often, but still does occasionally.
I've put my left palm against a man's shoulder and pushed him back, saying: 
"I don't want to dance that close.' Or: "I don't sleaze dance." The next 
time they've asked me to dance,  I've said "I'll only dance with you again 
if you don't (do that particular thing again.)" They've always agreed and 
behaved themselves, for that dance. When I come to them in the line, I 
automatically push them back a little. But I know I'm an exception; the 
younger, shyer women don't feel comfortable setting limits. Even someone 
like Amy (who I surmise is not particularly shy) is uneasy being so bold. 
So it's important that the organizers pay attention and act. Our board 
actually banned a guy from dancing because he was preying on teenage girls; 
other dance organizers in the area followed suit.


Bree Kalb
Carrboro 



Re: [Callers] mental health and dance calling

2011-07-06 Thread Bree Kalb
What a lovely story, Jill.  Although I'm a mental health professional I'm 
often unsure how to include dancers with obvious problems. You've provided 
an inspiration.


Bree Kalb
Carrboro NC

-Original Message- 
From: jill allen

Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 4:05 PM
To: call...@sharedweight.net
Subject: [Callers] mental health and dance calling

We had a gentleman coming to our dances for years, who suddenly appeared one 
night ranting about the police and tasers.  He was drooling and showing 
delusional behavior, and was still dancing.  Most dancers didn't think much 
of it, but some were very upset.


He continued to come to every dance, Contra and English, but when he came to 
our sweet little Family Dance and was smoking cigarettes on the sidewalk and 
greeting the children, I started feeling the need for a plan.  I talked with 
the local mental health facility and spoke to other organizers, but you 
know, what can you do?  Well, somewhat accidentally, I had about a half hour 
conversation at a dance one night with him.  We were just chatting, and 
something magic happened.  I got to know him really well.  Every time he 
came to a dance, I talked with him.  He began to trust me, and vice versa. 
I found out that he had been care-taking for his elderly dad, who was living 
with him.  His dad recently passed away while he was away at a dance 
weekend.  He explained that his father's death and his guilt for being gone 
had triggered his mental issues.  I don't know if it helped him to make 
friends with me, but it sure helped me!  I found him to be a really sweet 
person.  I used to dr
ead his presence, and now I look forward to seeing him.  He is still coming 
to dances, which seems to help him.  His medications are better adjusted now 
and he blends in much better and is appropriate on the dance floor, for the 
most part.


I am sure that this approach won't work for all situations, but why not 
first try going straight to the problem with accidental love and friendship.


Good luck,
Jill Allen



[Callers] List serve etiquette and calling skills

2011-03-28 Thread Bree Kalb
Applause for this topic and these suggestions. It seems to me that taking care 
and spending a few extra seconds when replying to messages requires some of the 
skills that make a good caller: consideration for your audience, attention to 
detail, careful and deliberate choices. By the same token, an occasional lapse 
is always forgiven graciously since we all make mistakes.

Bree Kalb


-Original Message-
>From: Chrissy Fowler <ktaadn...@hotmail.com>

>
>Thanks Bill for bringing up this reminder of listserv courtesy!  
>


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.


Re: [Callers] name of a dance Honor among thieves

2011-03-25 Thread Bree Kalb
I was surprised to discover I didn't have this dance in my collection so 
found it on line as well as Penn's explanation of the folk process that 
created it. I'm sharing it here because I think it's such a neat story.


Author's Notes:
"Honor Among Thieves" underlines the borrowing or "stealing" that goes with 
composing "new" dances. Originally I had been thinking about incorporating 
old-time square dance moves into contra dancing because of the popularity of 
squares in the Northwest. In a 1982 visit with Ted Sannella, I asked him 
about his newest dances. He gave me "New Friendship Reel" which used "lady 
around two." Feeling somewhat miffed that a New Englander had beaten me to 
the punch, I wrote a dance using the move more in the context that it was 
used in Northwest square dancing. Ignoring Ted's sage advice about never 
calling a new dance without first dancing it, I tried what I called "The 
G-Note Reel" at Tod Whittemore's Cambridge dance the next night. It met with 
mixed success. Tod then revised it, with the new version including the 
circles (see the 1982 version below). Upon hearing the story, Peter Barnes 
came up with the name "Honor Among Thieves". In 1986, I further revised the 
dance, borrowing from the popular sequence of the circle into a swing. 
Ironically, this sequence was the one Ted had used in his dance but that I 
had changed. The traditional tune, "Wind That Shakes The Barley" (in the 
book) works well with the dance and can be played ABAB rather than AABB.



The dance and a bit more history is here: 
http://arcserv.astro.washington.edu/dances/FMPro?-db=acdol.db&-format=danceformat.html&-sortfield=Name&-recid=72&-find





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

2011-02-23 Thread 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: khe...@twcny.rr.com
>Sent: Feb 23, 2011 3:00 PM
>To: call...@sharedweight.net
>Cc: callers-requ...@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 <twhi...@earthlink.net>
>> To: call...@sharedweight.net
>> Subject: [Callers] cast off
>> Message-ID: <adc6a104-0e5c-452a-b7f4-3b85b8bba...@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: dhuntdan...@aol.com
>> To: call...@sharedweight.net
>> Subject: Re: [Callers] cast off
>> Message-ID: <847d4.3874e54d.3a968...@aol.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"
>> 
>> Bumbling in the  Shower   Erik SmithBecket-L 
>> A1.  8Long  lines forward and back 
>> 8Gents  allem L 1? 
>> A2.  4,12   Neighbor balance, &  swing 
>> B1.  8Ladies chain to partner 
>> 8Pass  thru across and turn R ? and single file promenade to next  
>> couple 
>> B2.  8Circle L 
>> 8Partner 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
>call...@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.


Re: [Callers] Happy as a Warm Pig in Cold Mud

2011-01-31 Thread Bree Kalb
This is how I've always taught/called this dance--partners allmd only one 
time, spot your shadow and join them in a star left--and it works very well 
for the reasons Richard mentioned.


Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC

-Original Message- 
From: Richard Green

Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 9:07 PM
To: 'Caller's discussion list'
Subject: Re: [Callers] Happy as a Warm Pig in Cold Mud

I just danced (but have never called) this dance last weekend at our local
dance.  At the end of the A2 the call was for the gents to face out instead
of in.  I am not sure if this was intentional or not, but it not only worked
fine, I liked it better than the original, which I assume is the version in
Katy's original post.  I think the dance works fine either way, as long as
all the dancers are doing the same thing, but the calls need to be tweaked a
little.

I preferred the shorter allemande ending with the Gents facing out because,
at the end of the partner allemande, there was a widespread moment of
confusion as people struggled to remember to turn away from their partner
and find their shadow for the LH star.  This caused the star to be
consistently late, and the Partner Swing to be short.  It seems like this
delay would have been worse if we had continued the partner allemande
another half way around.

If the dance is done this way, I would change the A2 calls as follows:

A2
Men allemande L once and a half
Partner Allemande R a little more than once around until
the men face out and the ladies face in, look away from your partner to find
your shadow on your left

For the B1 I might say something like:

B1
With your shadow and another couple make a LH Star.  You are in a different
star from your partner.  Star once around until you meet your partner coming
out of a different star and swing your partner.

A little much to say as a calls, but okay for the walk through.

A couple of other notes:

You don't reach across to your shadow; they are next to you when you do the
star.

Also, in this variation of the dance, while you are waiting out you are
obliged to participate in the LH star.  If you cross over before the star,
you won't be next to your shadow for the star, although it all works out in
the end.  I don't think that is the case in the original version.

It should be noted that there were a fair number of beginners, but the
moment of confusion going into the left hand star seemed to affect more than
just the beginners; in fact, to me it was part of the fun of the dance.

Richard Green
Wayne, Maine

-Original Message-
From: callers-boun...@sharedweight.net
[mailto:callers-boun...@sharedweight.net] On Behalf Of khe...@twcny.rr.com
Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 12:56 PM
To: call...@sharedweight.net
Subject: [Callers] Happy as a Warm Pig in Cold Mud

Have any of you ever called this dance by Mike Boerschig? It's been in my
box for years, and I've never called it because I haven't been sure about
who should go to which star. It was published one way in Midwest Folklore
(see below), but the two YouTube videos I've seen of it have a shorter
partner allemande, ending with the first woman and second man (i.e., second
corners) starring above, while the second woman and the first man (first
corners) star below.

If you've called this and have an opinion about how it's best danced, or if
you've found it challenging to teach, I'd love to hear what you have to say
about it!

--Katy Heine

HAPPY AS A WARM PIG IN COLD MUD
by Mike Boerschig
dpl imp

A1
Neighbor balance and swing

A2
Men allemande left once and a half
allemande right partner once and three quarters
so men are facing in, women out

B1
Star left
away from partner, 1st corners star up, 2nd down; reaching across to shadow
in star
swing partner

B2
Circle left three quarters
balance in that circle, California twirl partner to face next couple
___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers


___
Callers mailing list
call...@sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers 



Re: [Callers] Another Cure for the Claps

2011-01-30 Thread Bree Kalb
Alas, these wonderful dances do not cure all sufferers. I have been amazed 
to have to wait for a partner or neighbor to clap before the swing. 
Possibly the same dancers who would scold me if I called a something without 
a partner swing.


Now some of our younger dancers are clapping on the Rory O'More balance and 
slide.  Clapping seems to be another way lots of dancers feel a lively 
connection to each other and the beat of the music, so I am resisting my 
resistance to this evolution of the tradition.


I really appreciate all the great dances and ideas I've gleaned here. Thanks 
everyone.


Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC





[Callers] Please trim your messages

2010-04-15 Thread Bree Kalb

I get these emails as a digest.
I love the list and all the great ideas.
I don't love scrolling and scrolling and scrolling past previous emails.
So when you reply to a message please snip off everything but perhaps, a 
portion of the one you are responding to.


Thanks,

Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC




[Callers] callers insurance

2010-04-02 Thread Bree Kalb
Thanks to everyone to replied to my query about insurance. I've considered it 
off and on over the years; it probably made more sense when I was touring a 
lot. I'll probably sign up any way.

Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC




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.


[Callers] Caller's insurance

2010-03-31 Thread Bree Kalb
Chris and others: can you say more about the reasons to have insurance? I've 
considered it but never heard of a situation where it was needed.


Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC

List-Post: callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:26:41 -0400
From: "Chris Weiler (home)" <chris.wei...@weirdtable.org>
To: Shared Weight <call...@sharedweight.net>
Subject: [Callers] [Fwd: Callers Insurance]
Message-ID: <4baac9e1.4000...@weirdtable.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

If you don't have it, get it.

Chris Weiler
Goffstown, NH

 Original Message 
Hello Callers,

So in late breaking news, CDSS now has callers insurance again!  it is a 
policy with Philadelphia, similar to what we had in past years.  There was a 
slight increase in price this year, it will be $55 per year The year for 
this policy begins on April1 this year, so there will be no lapse in 
coverage!


Information and applications can be found at 
http://www.cdss.org/caller-insurance.html







[Callers] SPAM scam

2010-01-06 Thread Bree Kalb
It's the initial feeler for a scam. I don't recall all the details but it 
roughly works like this: If you bite, they send you a check for more than the 
amount owed, they convince you to refund some of the money before their initial 
check bounces. As crazy as it sounds, it's a profitable scam that comes in many 
variations and fairly rational people fall for them.

Bree Kalb
Carrboro, NC