Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Erik Hoffman via Callers]

Here are a couple novelty dances I've made up:*
*

*
Garbology*

Erik Hoffman

Odd—Modified Tempest Formation

December 1998

A1Ones down center, turn as a Couple, Return, WHILE the twos and threes 
slide up the set one Couples place, cast off with (new) same sex two and 
three person


A2Hey for Four, ones start, passing Right shoulder, Couples two and 
three acting as “units” latching (arms around each others backs) onto 
Partners.


B1Finish the hey (it takes longer with “units”), ones cross to Star Left 
(in threes) with the opposite Couple (ones without Partners)


B2All Balance & Swing Partners

Formation is a U shaped triple minor formation, Couple one facing down, 
Couple two to the Right of Couple one(from the callers point of view), 
facing in, Couple three to the Left of Couple one, also facing in. I set 
this up by having both the ones and the twos get Improper, then the twos 
and threes circle Left one-quarter, as in Becket formation.


On the first walk-through I don't teach the progression; I do on the 
second walk-through.Note that when couples finally progress, two couples 
come out at the same time.Since only one goes in the next time round, at 
the top I have the number two Couple go in first, and the number three 
Couple wait out an extra time.At the bottom, when the a couple comes 
out, they need to wait for a second Couple before entering the dance.I 
suggest the first Couple waiting out become a number two, the second a 
number three. That way, Twos wait out twice at the bottom, threes, twice 
at the top.


This dance was written at Camp Harmony, the San Francisco Folk Music 
Club’s annual new years camp.It was at a workshop where I was making up 
“experimental contras.”I was naming them for the signs around the 
hall.This one landed on the “Garbology” sign – one discussing the use of 
garbage.Since this is something we should all consider, I think it’s 
well named
Part of the idea for this came from the beautiful and flowing 
dance, /American Summer/, by Phillipe Callens.




-



The next is designed as a Christmas dance, to go with the tune, We Three 
Kings, played as a straightened out jig. But I think it can be fun just 
as it is:



*Follow That Star*

Improper

Erik Hoffman

A1with New Neighbors: Star Left;with Old Neighbors: Star Right
A2Ones take Number Two Man Down Hall in Line of Three WHILE
 the Number Two Women come up the hall single file,'
  Turn Alone, Return, the Lines of Three Folds into a Circle around
  Number Two Women
B1 Circle Three around Number Two Wm;Neighbor Swing on “Own” Side
B2Long Lines Forward All Swing Partner (or just Ones if space is 
tight)


The story line is:
   Three Kings Follow Stars. They find a Babe in a Manger, Everyone 
Celebrates!To be danced to “We Three Kings” straightened out and as a Jig.





--
~Erik
  510-410-0456 Mobile
  510-444-4397 Land-Line

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Donna Hunt via Callers]

Sorry John, but you lost me in A1
If the ladies DSD 1 1/2 they are with their neighbor not partner
if the gents Lasso the Lady (by definition) they should be going CCW (ladies 
pass in front)

Or am I reading this incorrectly?





Donna Hunt








-Original Message-
From: John Sweeney via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net>
To: callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: Fri, Mar 18, 2016 4:48 pm
Subject: Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

Here's a few with a difference;

Cumberland Contra is here:
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk/Dances/CumberlandContra.html

The Slithy Dance is at:
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk/Dances/SlithyDance.html

Note: You can change the Two Hand Turn in B1 into a Swing; you can teach B2
as a Whole Set Petronella

Still working on this one:

DosiWhat? (by John Sweeney)
Contra; Becket (CW)

A1:   Men Dosido; Ladies Dosido 1 & 1/2 - Men turn to the Left and take
Man's' Right Hand to Partner's Left Hand to face a New Couple 
A2:   Mountain Dosido ("DoSi the Ladies"): Lasso Partner CW around self
and along to the other Man; Neighbour Swing
B1:   Open Ladies' Chain: Ladies Pull by Right; Partner Allemande Left 1
& 1/4 - continue into an Alabama Rang Tang: Men pass B-to-B; Neighbour
Allemande Right; Men pass B-to-B, weave into a 
B2:   Partner Gypsy Meltdown

Notes: Teach the Ladies' Dosido as "Dosido and Pass Thru", otherwise they
will spin and face where they think they are going.

The Alabama Rang Tang and the Mountain Dosido were both
originally known in their communities as just "Dosido". The names were
changed to avoid confusion as mass communication brought dance communities
together.  So the dance is basically a series of Dosidos!

   "DoSi" is pronounced dose-eye.  I usually say "Lasso the Lady"
though, to avoid confusion and remind them of what the move is.  The man
raises his right hand and the lady walks forwards around him while he stands
still.  Then "You Swing Mine and I'll Swing Yours".

Please let me know if you try it.

Happy dancing,
John

John Sweeney, Dancer, England j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

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

Re: [Callers] [trad-dance-callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Vicki Morrison via Callers]

Hello all! I've been meaning to chime in. Don't think anyone has mentioned this 
one. I would consider Beneficial Tradition by Dan Pearl has having an unusual 
sequence. A friend used the exact same words, gimmicky, when I called it. That 
term hadn't occurred to me until he mentioned it. Anyway, here it is and a 
youtube link:
Becket, double progression
A1  Ladies alle L 1.0 to form a wavy line; Bal wave, swing PA2  Circle L 3/4, N 
swingB1  Ladies chain, LLFBB2  straight across with opposite sex, pull by left, 
face in (4)on slight right diagonal, with same sex, pull by right, face in 
(4)straight across, with opposite sex pull by left, face in (4)on slight right 
diagonal with same sex, pull by right, face in (4)
The author advises: This one needs strong, clear four-beat phrases in B2. More 
driving or exuberant and not mysterious or in a minor key.
I think Brian Hamshar did an excellent job teaching this dance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvB0RCB-QIw  From: Bob Green via Callers 
<callers@lists.sharedweight.net>
 To: "trad-dance-call...@yahoogroups.com" <trad-dance-call...@yahoogroups.com> 
Cc: Caller's discussion list <call...@sharedweight.net>
 Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2016 12:48 PM
 Subject: Re: [Callers] [trad-dance-callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras
 

 
Here are a few

Unusual Formations:

Missionary Men ("proper Becket") by Jim Hemphill - 
http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/443-mission-men

Maple & Cedar (partners at the corners) by Bob Green - 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQBj-zyKjnA

Wes Side Story (Becket mixer) by Bob Green - 
http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/445-wes-side-story

Unusual moves:

Shaker Buddha (double back dip) by Norm Stewart & Bob Green - 
http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/444-shaker-buddha

Seesaw Surfer (courtesy fling) by Jim Hwnphill - 
http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/206-seesaw-surfer


Enjoy!

Bob Green


On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 1:13 PM, Rich Sbardella richsbarde...@gmail.com 
[trad-dance-callers] <trad-dance-call...@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

     Here I am with another question.  I learn so much from these threads.
What are some easy, but good, novelty, or gimmick contras.  To elaborate, I 
mean contras that have unusual moves, or contras that use basic moves in 
unusual ways.
Maybe Ovals, Wholeset Promenades, Old-Timey square dance moves?Two of my 
favorites are "Hot Buttered Rolls" and "Roll Over Johannes"
Rich SbardellaStafford, CT  __._,_.___ Posted by: Rich Sbardella 
<richsbarde...@gmail.com> 
|  Reply via web post  | • |   Reply to sender   | • |   Reply to group   | • | 
 Start a New Topic  | • |  Messages in this topic (1)  |

Save time and get your email on the go with the Yahoo Mail App Get the 
beautifully designed, lighting fast, and easy-to-use, Yahoo Mail app today. Now 
you can access all your inboxes (Gmail, Outlook, AOL and more) in one place. 
Never delete an email again with 1000GB of free cloud storage.   The 
Traditional Dance Callers List: Subscribe by sending a blank e-mail message (no 
subject, no message) to: trad-dance-callers-subscr...@yahoogroups.com   Visit 
Your Group
   -  New Members 1 
• Privacy • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use 
 .  
 __,_._,___ 


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

Re: [Callers] [trad-dance-callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Bob Green via Callers]

Here are a few

Unusual Formations:

*Missionary Men *("proper Becket") by Jim Hemphill -
http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/443-mission-men

*Maple & Cedar *(partners at the corners) by Bob Green -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQBj-zyKjnA

*Wes Side Story *(Becket mixer) by Bob Green -
http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/445-wes-side-story

Unusual moves:

*Shaker Buddha *(double back dip) by Norm Stewart & Bob Green -
http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/444-shaker-buddha

*Seesaw Surfer *(courtesy fling) by Jim Hwnphill -
http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/206-seesaw-surfer


Enjoy!

Bob Green


On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 1:13 PM, Rich Sbardella richsbarde...@gmail.com
[trad-dance-callers]  wrote:

>
>
> Here I am with another question.  I learn so much from these threads.
>
> What are some easy, but good, novelty, or gimmick contras.  To elaborate,
> I mean contras that have unusual moves, or contras that use basic moves in
> unusual ways.
>
> Maybe Ovals, Wholeset Promenades, Old-Timey square dance moves?
> Two of my favorites are "Hot Buttered Rolls" and "Roll Over Johannes"
>
> Rich Sbardella
> Stafford, CT
>
> __._,_.___
> --
> Posted by: Rich Sbardella 
> --
> Reply via web post
> 
> • Reply to sender
> 
> • Reply to group
> 
> • Start a New Topic
> 
> • Messages in this topic
> 
> (1)
> --
> Save time and get your email on the go with the Yahoo Mail App
> 
> Get the beautifully designed, lighting fast, and easy-to-use, Yahoo Mail
> app today. Now you can access all your inboxes (Gmail, Outlook, AOL and
> more) in one place. Never delete an email again with 1000GB of free cloud
> storage.
> --
> The Traditional Dance Callers List: Subscribe by sending a blank e-mail
> message (no subject, no message) to:
> trad-dance-callers-subscr...@yahoogroups.com
> Visit Your Group
> 
>
>- New Members
>
> 
>1
>
> [image: Yahoo! Groups]
> 
> • Privacy  •
> Unsubscribe
>  • Terms
> of Use 
>
> .
>
> __,_._,___
>

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Maia McCormick via Callers]

Some that I like:

Jim's Whim var. by Rich McMath || improper
(Smooth and English-y)
A1: N gypsy; N swing
A2: long lines; LH star 1x (hands across)
B1: ladies drop out, gents alle. L to P and swing
B2: circle L 3/4; square thru 3 hands*
* pull by NR, PL, NR and look for new N on side. (At start of this move, 1s
below the 2s w/ lady on R—i.e. to progress, all must swap with P and face
other direction.)

Love at First Swing by Bob Isaacs || improper
(Lots of physical connection to other dancers, so the
unfamiliar-to-beginners move of right hand high/left hand low is pretty
easy to pick up)
A1: bal. ring and spin R (2x)
A2: bal. ring and CA twirl (w/ P); NEW N swing
B1: circle L 3/4; P swing (end facing down)
B2: down the hall, #2 gent turn ladies R hand high & L hand low (#1 gent on
L turn alone); up the hall & bend the line

Cranky Ingenuity by Bill Olson || improper
(I'm pretty sure everyone knows this one but I would be remiss in not
mentioning this one: a very easy dance, suitable for a hall full of
beginners, with an out-of-the-box move.)
A1: circle L 1x; do-si-do Ns as couple
A2: do-si-do N individually; N swing
B1: gents alle. L 1 1/2 ; P swing
B2: circle L 3/4; bal. ring & CA twirl

Maliza's Magical Mystery Motion by Cary Ravitz || becket, CCW
(Extra spin on petronella, still very accessible if you teach it right.)
A1: gents alle. L 1 1/2; N swing
A2: w/ N, prom. across; ladies chain to P
B1: bal. ring and spin right TO FACE NEW N's* with new N's, bal. ring and
spin right
B2: P b
* if out at the ends, come back in on wrong side (i.e. lady on L)

California Twirlin' by Janet Levatin || improper (opt. 2x prog)
(Very connected and rhythmic, so hard to get lost.)
A1: bal. ring, CA twirl w/ P, face back in bal. ring, CA twirl w/ N, face
back in
A2: bal. ring, CA twirl w/ P to face new Ns; this N swing
B1: circle L 3/4; P swing
B2: ladies chain; long lines, on way back gent roll N lady*
* omit the rollaway for a double progression. If rollaway, next A1 starts
in a ring w/ N you just rolled.

Melody's Madness by David Glick || improper
(Rory spin to a swing wheee!)
A1: N b
A2: ladies pull by R to alle. P L 3/4 ; alle. shadow R 1 1/2 → long waves
(ladies face out)
B1: bal. & spin R (as in Rory O'Moore); P swing
B2: circle L 3/4; N do-si-do 1 1/2 to next

Ron Blechner's Ants Marching
 is another
one I really like--a pretty damn unique use of "down the hall four in line"
but a highly connected one, and therefore pretty easy to pick up.

Rollin' on the River
 by Maia
McCormick || improper
(One of mine with some fun rollaway stuff that I don't see often--I
remember a similar figure in Du Quoin Races
, which is GREAT but not
"easy" by any stretch.)
A1: neighbor alle. L 1 1/2; ladies chain across
A2: in hands-4 AWAY from partner (with shadow), circle L 1/2 (4) and roll
shadow (gent roll lady) (4)
circle L 1/2 (4) and roll shadow (lady roll gent) (4)
B1: partner b
B2: ladies gypsy L 1 1/2
neighbor alle. R once and a bit to new neighbors

On Fri, Mar 18, 2016 at 4:47 PM, John Sweeney via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Here's a few with a difference;
>
> Cumberland Contra is here:
> http://www.contrafusion.co.uk/Dances/CumberlandContra.html
>
> The Slithy Dance is at:
> http://www.contrafusion.co.uk/Dances/SlithyDance.html
>
> Note: You can change the Two Hand Turn in B1 into a Swing; you can teach B2
> as a Whole Set Petronella
>
> Still working on this one:
>
> DosiWhat? (by John Sweeney)
> Contra; Becket (CW)
>
> A1:   Men Dosido; Ladies Dosido 1 & 1/2 - Men turn to the Left and take
> Man's' Right Hand to Partner's Left Hand to face a New Couple
> A2:   Mountain Dosido ("DoSi the Ladies"): Lasso Partner CW around self
> and along to the other Man; Neighbour Swing
> B1:   Open Ladies' Chain: Ladies Pull by Right; Partner Allemande Left
> 1
> & 1/4 - continue into an Alabama Rang Tang: Men pass B-to-B; Neighbour
> Allemande Right; Men pass B-to-B, weave into a
> B2:   Partner Gypsy Meltdown
>
> Notes: Teach the Ladies' Dosido as "Dosido and Pass Thru", otherwise they
> will spin and face where they think they are going.
>
> The Alabama Rang Tang and the Mountain Dosido were both
> originally known in their communities as just "Dosido". The names were
> changed to avoid confusion as mass communication brought dance communities
> together.  So the dance is basically a series of Dosidos!
>
> "DoSi" is pronounced dose-eye.  I usually say "Lasso the Lady"
> though, to avoid confusion and remind them of what the move is.  The man
> raises his right hand and the lady walks forwards around him while he
> stands
> still.  Then "You Swing Mine and I'll Swing Yours".
>
> Please let me know if you try it.
>
> Happy dancing,
> John
>
> John Sweeney, Dancer, England j...@modernjive.com 01233 

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[John Sweeney via Callers]

Here's a few with a difference;

Cumberland Contra is here:
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk/Dances/CumberlandContra.html

The Slithy Dance is at:
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk/Dances/SlithyDance.html

Note: You can change the Two Hand Turn in B1 into a Swing; you can teach B2
as a Whole Set Petronella

Still working on this one:

DosiWhat? (by John Sweeney)
Contra; Becket (CW)

A1:   Men Dosido; Ladies Dosido 1 & 1/2 - Men turn to the Left and take
Man's' Right Hand to Partner's Left Hand to face a New Couple 
A2:   Mountain Dosido ("DoSi the Ladies"): Lasso Partner CW around self
and along to the other Man; Neighbour Swing
B1:   Open Ladies' Chain: Ladies Pull by Right; Partner Allemande Left 1
& 1/4 - continue into an Alabama Rang Tang: Men pass B-to-B; Neighbour
Allemande Right; Men pass B-to-B, weave into a 
B2:   Partner Gypsy Meltdown

Notes: Teach the Ladies' Dosido as "Dosido and Pass Thru", otherwise they
will spin and face where they think they are going.

The Alabama Rang Tang and the Mountain Dosido were both
originally known in their communities as just "Dosido". The names were
changed to avoid confusion as mass communication brought dance communities
together.  So the dance is basically a series of Dosidos!

"DoSi" is pronounced dose-eye.  I usually say "Lasso the Lady"
though, to avoid confusion and remind them of what the move is.  The man
raises his right hand and the lady walks forwards around him while he stands
still.  Then "You Swing Mine and I'll Swing Yours".

Please let me know if you try it.

Happy dancing,
John

John Sweeney, Dancer, England j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Linda Leslie via Callers]

Very Correct, Bree, about not turning around! The 3/4 starts back to back, but 
ends in the usual way in the wave; this made me incorrectly think there was a 
turnaround. Thanks for catching that mistake of mine! And describing that ones 
always face down, and twos always face up also helps a lot.
Linda

On Mar 18, 2016, at 10:16 AM, Bree Kalb <b...@mindspring.com> wrote:

> 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 
> Sent: Mar 17, 2016 1:40 PM 
> To: Bree Kalb 
> Cc: "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, Linda
> 
> On 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.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.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> ___
>> 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
> 919-932-6262 ext 216
> http://www.thewellnessalliance.com/BreeKalb.html
> https://www.facebook.com/carrborokorumindfulness
> 
> 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] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[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

[Martha Wild via Callers]

> This is one I wrote that I’ve called a couple of times and people liked it. 
> It is unequal in that the ones swing, but you can easily alternate between 
> ones and twos if the dancers are more experienced. If you look at the link it 
> will make the move clear, in case my explanation doesn’t quite get the idea 
> across.
> 

San Diego Sleigh Ride                                   <>
Martha Wild
Duple improper  
  August 1, 2014

A1Balance and swing your neighbor

A2Down the set four in line, turn as couples
Up the set, bend the line, and all face up taking inside hands with 
partners (facing up two by two)

B1Ones (below) arch and over, twos back up under the ones arch (4)
Twos arch and over, ones back up (4)
Ones arch and over, twos back up (4)
Twos arch and over, ones back up (4)

B2Twos face ones at end, circle left once around
Ones swing and face down (can alternate with twos swing and face up 
with more experienced dancers)


This dance was written after I saw a Youtube video of Nantucket Sleigh Ride 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVwNiszdVNg 
 (by Kirsten Koths), which has 
this arch and under figure. The people doing it looked like they were having a 
very good time, but the rest of the dance had no partner swing. I have modified 
this to include one, or at best an alternating partner swing. Feedback was 
positive. 


> On Mar 17, 2016, at 11:41 AM, Rich Sbardella via Callers 
>  wrote:
> 
> Hello Tavi, 
> 
> You are correct, gimmick was a bad choice of words.  Gimmick is a term used 
> in MWSD publications to describe surprise or unusual choreography.
> 
> The type of dances I am looking for are dances that have an unusual element, 
> whether it be a different move like rip 'n snort, an unusual application as 
> in Bree's "couple to solo" Dosido, or an unusual progression.  These dances 
> are easy enough for a floor with many beginners but novel (?) enough for most 
> dancers to enjoy.  
> 
> Rich
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Thu, Mar 17, 2016 at 1:46 PM, tavi merrill via Callers 
> > 
> wrote:
> I take issue with the term "gimmick." Using familiar moves in new ways is IMO 
> called "good choreography." If one defines using existing moves in novel ways 
> as "gimmick," basically every use of petronella turns and waves after 
> "Petronella" and "Rory O'Moore" is a gimmick. 
> 
> Originally had a long list of dances, but then i saw "easy" in Rich's 
> original ask, so pared down: 
> 
> "Anthem to a Pet Ferret" by Sargon de Jesus may be of interest
> 
> "A Sure Thing" by Chris Page is challenging to teach but not actually 
> challenging to dance
> 
> also do si do and swing the one behind offers a simple but fun twist. U can 
> find it in Tom Hinds' "Python Reel" and Rick Mohr's "Leave the Wine"
> 
> 
> ___
> 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] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Rich Sbardella via Callers]

Hello Tavi,

You are correct, gimmick was a bad choice of words.  Gimmick is a term used
in MWSD publications to describe surprise or unusual choreography.

The type of dances I am looking for are dances that have an unusual
element, whether it be a different move like rip 'n snort, an unusual
application as in Bree's "couple to solo" Dosido, or an unusual
progression.  These dances are easy enough for a floor with many beginners
but novel (?) enough for most dancers to enjoy.

Rich





On Thu, Mar 17, 2016 at 1:46 PM, tavi merrill via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I take issue with the term "gimmick." Using familiar moves in new ways is
> IMO called "good choreography." If one defines using existing moves in
> novel ways as "gimmick," basically every use of petronella turns and waves
> after "Petronella" and "Rory O'Moore" is a gimmick.
>
> Originally had a long list of dances, but then i saw "easy" in Rich's
> original ask, so pared down:
>
> "Anthem to a Pet Ferret" by Sargon de Jesus may be of interest
>
> "A Sure Thing" by Chris Page is challenging to teach but not actually
> challenging to dance
>
> also do si do and swing the one behind offers a simple but fun twist. U
> can find it in Tom Hinds' "Python Reel" and Rick Mohr's "Leave the Wine"
>
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Bill Olson via Callers]

tavi said: also do si do and swing the one behind offers a simple but fun 
twist. U can find it in Tom Hinds' "Python Reel" and Rick Mohr's "Leave the 
Wine"
 
I agree and... actually this comes up (originally I believe) in "another nice 
combination" also by Tom..
 
bill
 

 
List-Post: callers@lists.sharedweight.net
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2016 10:46:24 -0700
To: callers@lists.sharedweight.net; callers-requ...@lists.sharedweight.net
Subject: Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras
From: callers@lists.sharedweight.net

I take issue with the term "gimmick." Using familiar moves in new ways is IMO 
called "good choreography." If one defines using existing moves in novel ways 
as "gimmick," basically every use of petronella turns and waves after 
"Petronella" and "Rory O'Moore" is a gimmick. 

Originally had a long list of dances, but then i saw "easy" in Rich's original 
ask, so pared down: 

"Anthem to a Pet Ferret" by Sargon de Jesus may be of interest

"A Sure Thing" by Chris Page is challenging to teach but not actually 
challenging to dance

also do si do and swing the one behind offers a simple but fun twist. U can 
find it in Tom Hinds' "Python Reel" and Rick Mohr's "Leave the Wine"



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

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[tavi merrill via Callers]

I take issue with the term "gimmick." Using familiar moves in new ways is
IMO called "good choreography." If one defines using existing moves in
novel ways as "gimmick," basically every use of petronella turns and waves
after "Petronella" and "Rory O'Moore" is a gimmick.

Originally had a long list of dances, but then i saw "easy" in Rich's
original ask, so pared down:

"Anthem to a Pet Ferret" by Sargon de Jesus may be of interest

"A Sure Thing" by Chris Page is challenging to teach but not actually
challenging to dance

also do si do and swing the one behind offers a simple but fun twist. U can
find it in Tom Hinds' "Python Reel" and Rick Mohr's "Leave the Wine"

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Linda Leslie via Callers]

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, Linda

On Mar 17, 2016, at 1:00 PM, Bree Kalb via Callers 
 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.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.
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[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] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Jim Hemphill via Callers]

Here are a couple of easy dances with unusual moves used in different
ways.  The 1st uses an invert the line as an entry into a swing that works
very nicely, the 2nd uses pousettes sort of like an extended give and take.


*Invertro Flirtilization *  by Jim Hemphill  improper

A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 Down the hall in lines of 4, middle gent turns both ladies, right hand
high, left hand low and up the hall you go
B1 Invert the line, 1's arch, lady 2 lead thru and swing your partner
B2 Circle left 3 places
Balance the circle and California twirl

B1:   Couple 1's make and arch as they bend the line to cross the set, The
lady on the left (lady 2)  bends the line and leads her partner thru the
arch to cross the set.  For couple 2 the transition into a swing is like a
circle left then swing.  Couple 1 can have some fun with twirls out of
their joined arch into a swing.

*Push Me Pull You Two*   improper   by Jim Hemphill

A1 Ladies cross, push your partner to start 1/2 pousette then pull him back
across the set and
 Swing him around
A2 Gents cross, push your neighbor to start 1/2 pousette then pull her back
across the set and
 Swing her around
B1 Right left through
 Left hand star once around
B2 Next neighbor do si do,
 Face across, Mad Robin (clockwise)

Notes:  Pousettes are clockwise. A1 Ladies will swing their partner back on
the side of the set they started from, likewise in A2 gents will swing
their neighbor on the side they started A2 from.

On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 9:09 PM, Tina Fields via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Another great whole-oval dance, along with Gang of Four, is the
> ever-popular Fairport Harbour by Paul Balliet. Advanced dancers can add in
> a cool trick in that one: suggest that in the B, gents have time to
> rollaway your partner before passing through the set (with lady on the left
> - scandalous!) because it's a piece of cake to correct that with the next
> move, swing your partner on that other side.
>
> My favorite "can only get away with calling it once every few years" dance
> is Carmen's Contra or variations, which features a truly goofy and fun
> "clap-clap-bump-bump" figure a la Carmen Miranda. Remind those dancing the
> gents' role to empty their pockets first.
>
> Tina
>
> > On Mar 16, 2016, at 2:01 PM, via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net>
> wrote:
> >
> > Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Tina Fields via Callers]

Another great whole-oval dance, along with Gang of Four, is the ever-popular 
Fairport Harbour by Paul Balliet. Advanced dancers can add in a cool trick in 
that one: suggest that in the B, gents have time to rollaway your partner 
before passing through the set (with lady on the left - scandalous!) because 
it's a piece of cake to correct that with the next move, swing your partner on 
that other side.

My favorite "can only get away with calling it once every few years" dance is 
Carmen's Contra or variations, which features a truly goofy and fun 
"clap-clap-bump-bump" figure a la Carmen Miranda. Remind those dancing the 
gents' role to empty their pockets first.

Tina

> On Mar 16, 2016, at 2:01 PM, via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> 
> wrote:
> 
> Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Don Veino via Callers]

It looks like I've never shared this one with the list - apologies if I
have. Mostly simple parts used in unusual configuration(s).

-Don

Give the Gents a Whirl

[Type]: Contra [Formation]: Becket CW [Author]: Don Veino [Status]: DV::
[Comments]: Have lines stretch out to make room for A1 simultaneous gypsy
in middle.
::
[A1]:
(3,2,3) LINES FORWARD, GYPSY NEIGHBOR 1/2, LINES BACK (so all cross set to
N's place)
(6,2) STAR LEFT 3/4, SHIFT TO TAKE NEIGHBOR IN PROMENADE POSITION facing
CCW around oval
::
[A2]:
(6,2) Everyone PROMENADE THE OVAL, LADIES TURN BACK over right shoulder
#PROGRESSION
(8) NEW N SWING end facing CW around oval in promenade position
::
[B1]:
(6) PROMENADE BACK until opposite Partner
(6,4) GENTS WHIRL* 1+1/4, GENTS CROSS to P (passing Left)
::
[B2]:
(4,12) PARTNER BALANCE, SWING
(alternate for smooth, slinky feel: Partner Gypsy, Swing)
::
[Notes]: A1 - Shift to take Neighbor in Promenade: All drop hands from
Star, Gent walks forward to join hands with current Neighbor lady in
promenade position - left in left, right in right.
A2 - EVERYONE (ENDS!) MUST PARTICIPATE IN THE A2 PROMENADE, as it is the
progression.
B1 = *Gents Whirl in this case is a CW rotation Butterfly Whirl with the
Gents going forward and the Ladies backing up. Mention eye contact with
Neighbor in whirl.::
[Tunes]: ::
[Provenance]: From author. Composed 4/8/15. Opening part of A1 taken from
Cary Ravitz's dance Terry & Sherry, which derives from an ECD sequence The
Hole in the Wall. First called by Sue Rosen 5/4/2015 Monday Contras, by me
5/25/15 Thursday Contras.::
[Tags]: oval, gypsy lines, hole in the wall, gents whirl, KV, DV,
intermediate::

On Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 2:13 PM, Rich Sbardella via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Here I am with another question.  I learn so much from these threads.
>
> What are some easy, but good, novelty, or gimmick contras.  To elaborate,
> I mean contras that have unusual moves, or contras that use basic moves in
> unusual ways.
>
> Maybe Ovals, Wholeset Promenades, Old-Timey square dance moves?
> Two of my favorites are "Hot Buttered Rolls" and "Roll Over Johannes"
>
> Rich Sbardella
> Stafford, CT
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>

Re: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Bill Olson via Callers]

For Ovals/Wholeset Promenades, certainly "Gang of Four", though I don't know if 
I'd call that a novelty or gimmick dance!! bill
 Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2016 14:13:29 -0400
To: call...@sharedweight.net; trad-dance-call...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras
From: callers@lists.sharedweight.net

Here I am with another question.  I learn so much from these threads.
What are some easy, but good, novelty, or gimmick contras.  To elaborate, I 
mean contras that have unusual moves, or contras that use basic moves in 
unusual ways.
Maybe Ovals, Wholeset Promenades, Old-Timey square dance moves?Two of my 
favorites are "Hot Buttered Rolls" and "Roll Over Johannes"
Rich SbardellaStafford, CT

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

[Callers] Novelty & Gimmick Contras

[Rich Sbardella via Callers]

Here I am with another question.  I learn so much from these threads.

What are some easy, but good, novelty, or gimmick contras.  To elaborate, I
mean contras that have unusual moves, or contras that use basic moves in
unusual ways.

Maybe Ovals, Wholeset Promenades, Old-Timey square dance moves?
Two of my favorites are "Hot Buttered Rolls" and "Roll Over Johannes"

Rich Sbardella
Stafford, CT