[Callers] Re: [External] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

[Julian Blechner via Contra Callers]

These are interesting suggestions I'd love to hear about trying them out.
My hope is with the setup of half the dance choreography open, people will
compose and share their own versions.

I opted for "most basic but not boring" as a baseline, because one of my
goals is having a more accessible dance for less experienced dancers. But
by all means, nab another version and play with it!

Julian

On Wed, Apr 19, 2023, 10:25 PM Joe Harrington via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> In the original choreo, for symmetry and styling, I'm looking for
> something other than just walking by your neighbor.  You could:
>
> chain with your neighbor to your partner - why not, you just did a
> mixed-role CC!
>
> allemande-right halfway, which is just a high-five or a high-hands chain,
> but that sets up a nice push-off twirl flourish before the partner swing,
> and toss the balance, which breaks the beautiful flow of CC anyway (always
> disliked it in CC, though I don't dislike every B)
>
> do a push-off turn - kind of like the push-back in a hey, but absorbing
> the momentum into your bent arms, turning halfway with your neighbor, and
> pushing off and turning to swing your partner
>
> wrong-hand California twirl with your neighbor to your partner and swing.
> This one puts each role into the swing with the "close" arm first toward
> their partner, how we usually catch swings.
>
> Because these moves are with your neighbor, you'd need to make one the
> official one.  If it were with your partner, partners could negotiate which
> to do, but not here.  One way would be to put an asterisk in the move at
> the pass N, and note these alternatives below the dance.
>
> Also, notationally, I would not use the term "couple" for neighbors.  I
> was confused when I read it, because the couples were on the sides.  Had I
> miss-run it in my head?  No, he really wants neighbors to CC.  It might be
> technically correct to call neighbors a couple, but I think just
> "neighbors" is clearer.
>
> --jh--
>
>
> On Wed, Apr 19, 2023 at 6:43 PM John Sweeney via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Hi Alan,
>> I would argue, perhaps, that how you rotate with your corner is
>> styling rather than a different move.
>>
>> And I must apologise for misunderstanding the original point.  I
>> though the concept being put forward was not interacting with your partner
>> BETWEEN turning your corners.  It was actually about not interacting with
>> your partner AFTER turning your corners. Whoops!
>>
>> So, everyone, please ignore this diversion! :-)
>>
>> P.S. "The Complete System of English Country Dancing" p61: "Turn corners".
>>
>> Happy dancing,
>>John
>>
>> John Sweeney, Dancer, England   j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802
>> 940 574
>> http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
>>
>>
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[Callers] Re: [External] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

[Joe Harrington via Contra Callers]

In the original choreo, for symmetry and styling, I'm looking for something
other than just walking by your neighbor.  You could:

chain with your neighbor to your partner - why not, you just did a
mixed-role CC!

allemande-right halfway, which is just a high-five or a high-hands chain,
but that sets up a nice push-off twirl flourish before the partner swing,
and toss the balance, which breaks the beautiful flow of CC anyway (always
disliked it in CC, though I don't dislike every B)

do a push-off turn - kind of like the push-back in a hey, but absorbing the
momentum into your bent arms, turning halfway with your neighbor, and
pushing off and turning to swing your partner

wrong-hand California twirl with your neighbor to your partner and swing.
This one puts each role into the swing with the "close" arm first toward
their partner, how we usually catch swings.

Because these moves are with your neighbor, you'd need to make one the
official one.  If it were with your partner, partners could negotiate which
to do, but not here.  One way would be to put an asterisk in the move at
the pass N, and note these alternatives below the dance.

Also, notationally, I would not use the term "couple" for neighbors.  I was
confused when I read it, because the couples were on the sides.  Had I
miss-run it in my head?  No, he really wants neighbors to CC.  It might be
technically correct to call neighbors a couple, but I think just
"neighbors" is clearer.

--jh--


On Wed, Apr 19, 2023 at 6:43 PM John Sweeney via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hi Alan,
> I would argue, perhaps, that how you rotate with your corner is
> styling rather than a different move.
>
> And I must apologise for misunderstanding the original point.  I
> though the concept being put forward was not interacting with your partner
> BETWEEN turning your corners.  It was actually about not interacting with
> your partner AFTER turning your corners. Whoops!
>
> So, everyone, please ignore this diversion! :-)
>
> P.S. "The Complete System of English Country Dancing" p61: "Turn corners".
>
> Happy dancing,
>John
>
> John Sweeney, Dancer, England   j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802
> 940 574
> http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
>
>
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[Callers] Re: [External] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

[John Sweeney via Contra Callers]

Hi Alan,
I would argue, perhaps, that how you rotate with your corner is
styling rather than a different move.

And I must apologise for misunderstanding the original point.  I
though the concept being put forward was not interacting with your partner
BETWEEN turning your corners.  It was actually about not interacting with
your partner AFTER turning your corners. Whoops!

So, everyone, please ignore this diversion! :-)

P.S. "The Complete System of English Country Dancing" p61: "Turn corners".

    Happy dancing,
   John 

John Sweeney, Dancer, England   j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802
940 574
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent   


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[Callers] Re: [External] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

[Winston, Alan P. via Contra Callers]

Nobody reading this is actually going to care about this, but just because I so 
rarely get a chance to correct John, I will.

See this: https://www.kickery.com/2010/10/swing-corners-vs-turn-corners.html

"Turn corners" is two-hand turns, and it involves actives turning *only* their 
corners, passing each other rather than turning.

The thing most like a contra-dance contra corners is actually "Swing corners" - 
that's one-hand turns, partner right, corner left, partner right, corner left.  
That's confusing talking about contra dances because "Swing" means something 
altogether different in contra.  (And confusing trying to map from contra back 
to Regency-era country dances because 'allemande' means something altogether 
different in contra and Regency, but I digress.)

Anyway, it seems to me clear that in contra dancing, the contra corners figure 
itself doesn't include anything but those turns with partner and corner.  It is 
very typically followed by the actives balance and swing, but that is the next 
figure, rather than part of contra corners.

John's point that Wilson's "Turn Corners"- again, I think he means "Swing 
Corners" - doesn't include a swing at the end is correct, but I would argue 
that this is irrelevant; modern contra "contra corners" doesn't *include* a 
swing at the end either, it just is usually the setup for that.  Chris and 
Julian have done something unusual in modern contra context.

-- Alan


From: John Sweeney via Contra Callers 
Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 8:23 AM
To: 'Shared Weight Contra Callers'
Subject: [Callers] Re: [External] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

Hi all,
“Kitch's skipping of the swing-in-center”. Hmmm…

I think lots of other people thought of that before Kitch!  For example, Thomas 
Wilson in 1815 with his Turn Corners figure!

:-)

Happy dancing,
   John

John Sweeney, Dancer, England   j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 
574
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
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[Callers] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

[Julian Blechner via Contra Callers]

I like the concept of the "tight courtesy turn" - in effect achieving the
same goal as the half-slice. Neat!

On Wed, Apr 19, 2023, 1:35 PM Don Veino  wrote:

> See My Hovercraft is Full of Eels by Luke Donforth for another mixed CC. I
> have an unpublished riff off that  called Alternative Transport (not near
> my cards or I'd provide the choreo) which can alternate easily.
>
> And just for another take for swings out of CC, there's this (definitely
> not beginner friendly) one:
>
> Contraventional Corners (Rev 2) - Becket RIGHT/CCW - Don Veino, Revised
> 20190329
> Your Shadow is past your PNR if facing up/down from hands 4.
>
> A1 Slice Right 1+1/2x (forward on right diag. until NEW GENTS are face to
> face, fall straight back)
> Gents Turn 1/2 Reverse Contra Corners (LH w/NBR1 GNT Center, RH with NBR1
> LDY)
>
> A2 Gents Turn 1/2 Reverse Contra Corners (LH w/NBR1 GNT Center, RH with
> NBR2 LDY)
> end facing back along side to NBR1 Swing
>
> B1 NBR1 Promenade Across (Past PNR) and tight Courtesy Turn to face across
> (end so Ladies are directly opposite each other like the Gents were)
> Ladies Turn 1/2 Contra Corners (RH w/NBR1 LDY, LH with PNR)
>
> B2 Ladies Turn 1/2 Contra Corners (RH w/NBR1 LDY, LH with Shadow)
> end facing back along side to PNR Swing
>
> First time through could be on slight right diagonal (Slice 1/2x) so
> original foursome gents start the A1 CC, with ghost corners for the 2s.
>
> On Tue, Apr 18, 2023, 10:34 PM Julian Blechner via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> I'm sorry, maybe it's because I'm doubting that this can be so simple and
>> I'm triple-guessing myself.
>>
>> Yeah, original.
>>
>> Progress and swing neighbor on Lark's home side.
>> Trade one role to be opposite neighbor.
>> Top or bottom couple do Contra Corners
>> Pass Neighbor, swing partner somehow.
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Apr 18, 2023, 10:31 PM Julian Blechner <
>> juliancallsdan...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Sorry, crossed wires and hit send before final proofing.
>>>
>>> A2 would need to amount to a zero move, so:
>>>
>>> Chain + Back, or
>>> LLFB+Rollaway x2 or
>>> R+L Thru + Back
>>>
>>> Etc.
>>>
>>> On Tue, Apr 18, 2023, 10:21 PM Julian Blechner <
>>> juliancallsdan...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
 So... it occurred to me that it'd be really easy to do a mixed-role
 contra corners from Becket position.

 A few weeks ago, I danced Jim Kitch's Equinox, which had a fun setup
 and you finish Contra Corners by passing R , but ... do people know any
 simpler ways? Like, for example, dance below. I can't possibly have been
 the first to figure this out, eh?

 (If not written yet: Buttered Corners)
 Becket

 A1. Circle L 3/4
NS
 A2. Robins Chain
LLFB*
 B1. Bottom couples Contra Corners**
Same Couples Pass R, to P
 B2. P B + S
... slide L to New Ns

 * opportunity in the lines for partners to rollaway to swap roles
 ** and can alternate top couples, bottom couples, doing bottom couples
 - who were original 1s - first. This way, the top of the set has corners
 for people, always.

 Like, literally this gives 16 measures to progress and have a neighbor
 swing if you want. If we opened up to the idea of contra corners with a
 neighbor from Becket, it opens up immense numbers of dances that can be
 written.


 In dance,
 Julian Blechner

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[Callers] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

[Don Veino via Contra Callers]

See My Hovercraft is Full of Eels by Luke Donforth for another mixed CC. I
have an unpublished riff off that  called Alternative Transport (not near
my cards or I'd provide the choreo) which can alternate easily.

And just for another take for swings out of CC, there's this (definitely
not beginner friendly) one:

Contraventional Corners (Rev 2) - Becket RIGHT/CCW - Don Veino, Revised
20190329
Your Shadow is past your PNR if facing up/down from hands 4.

A1 Slice Right 1+1/2x (forward on right diag. until NEW GENTS are face to
face, fall straight back)
Gents Turn 1/2 Reverse Contra Corners (LH w/NBR1 GNT Center, RH with NBR1
LDY)

A2 Gents Turn 1/2 Reverse Contra Corners (LH w/NBR1 GNT Center, RH with
NBR2 LDY)
end facing back along side to NBR1 Swing

B1 NBR1 Promenade Across (Past PNR) and tight Courtesy Turn to face across
(end so Ladies are directly opposite each other like the Gents were)
Ladies Turn 1/2 Contra Corners (RH w/NBR1 LDY, LH with PNR)

B2 Ladies Turn 1/2 Contra Corners (RH w/NBR1 LDY, LH with Shadow)
end facing back along side to PNR Swing

First time through could be on slight right diagonal (Slice 1/2x) so
original foursome gents start the A1 CC, with ghost corners for the 2s.

On Tue, Apr 18, 2023, 10:34 PM Julian Blechner via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I'm sorry, maybe it's because I'm doubting that this can be so simple and
> I'm triple-guessing myself.
>
> Yeah, original.
>
> Progress and swing neighbor on Lark's home side.
> Trade one role to be opposite neighbor.
> Top or bottom couple do Contra Corners
> Pass Neighbor, swing partner somehow.
>
>
> On Tue, Apr 18, 2023, 10:31 PM Julian Blechner <
> juliancallsdan...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Sorry, crossed wires and hit send before final proofing.
>>
>> A2 would need to amount to a zero move, so:
>>
>> Chain + Back, or
>> LLFB+Rollaway x2 or
>> R+L Thru + Back
>>
>> Etc.
>>
>> On Tue, Apr 18, 2023, 10:21 PM Julian Blechner <
>> juliancallsdan...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> So... it occurred to me that it'd be really easy to do a mixed-role
>>> contra corners from Becket position.
>>>
>>> A few weeks ago, I danced Jim Kitch's Equinox, which had a fun setup and
>>> you finish Contra Corners by passing R , but ... do people know any simpler
>>> ways? Like, for example, dance below. I can't possibly have been the first
>>> to figure this out, eh?
>>>
>>> (If not written yet: Buttered Corners)
>>> Becket
>>>
>>> A1. Circle L 3/4
>>>NS
>>> A2. Robins Chain
>>>LLFB*
>>> B1. Bottom couples Contra Corners**
>>>Same Couples Pass R, to P
>>> B2. P B + S
>>>... slide L to New Ns
>>>
>>> * opportunity in the lines for partners to rollaway to swap roles
>>> ** and can alternate top couples, bottom couples, doing bottom couples -
>>> who were original 1s - first. This way, the top of the set has corners for
>>> people, always.
>>>
>>> Like, literally this gives 16 measures to progress and have a neighbor
>>> swing if you want. If we opened up to the idea of contra corners with a
>>> neighbor from Becket, it opens up immense numbers of dances that can be
>>> written.
>>>
>>>
>>> In dance,
>>> Julian Blechner
>>>
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[Callers] Re: Advanced dances gone awry

[John Sweeney via Contra Callers]

Hi all,
As has been discussed, there are two challenges:
1) How do you describe the session?
2) How do you get only the right people there?

In the 1980s the Ripley Wayfarers ran a monthly session in Alfreton.
It was called a "Dancers' Dance", and, to the best of my knowledge, it was
not advertised.  You only heard about it if someone thought you were up to
the right standard.  We had great fun doing dances like Dutch Crossing.

The "advanced" sessions that I run now we just call a "Masterclass".
We advertise it as " If you find all the dances easy at the Tuesday
afternoons or at the Saturday ceilidhs and you would like to try something a
little more challenging then why not join us."

I rely heavily on dynamic programming.  First, to ensure that each
dance works for the number of dancers who get up to dance. Second, to adjust
the skill level to match the participants.

We recently had two fit, intelligent people come along
(independently). They each had only been to one of the easier sessions, but
had no problem picking up the dances. Some people get it!  We also have the
occasional dancer turn up who has been dancing for years and still can't
handle a more challenging dance.  The regulars help them through it; we
never turn anyone away.

    Happy dancing,
   John 

John Sweeney, Dancer, England   j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802
940 574
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent   


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[Callers] Re: [External] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

[Julian Blechner via Contra Callers]

I mean, absolutely.

So often, interesting choreography in contra in the last half century has
been integrating moves from adjacent dance styles. Please do presume that
when I attribute things, that it's often a product of this (whether the
move was reinvented or deliberately taken).

I do love the historical context! Thanks!


On Wed, Apr 19, 2023, 11:23 AM John Sweeney via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> “Kitch's skipping of the swing-in-center”. Hmmm…
>
>
>
> I think lots of other people thought of that before Kitch!  For example,
> Thomas Wilson in 1815 with his Turn Corners figure!
>
>
>
> :-)
>
>
>
> Happy dancing,
>
>John
>
>
>
> John Sweeney, Dancer, England   j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802
> 940 574
>
> http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
> ___
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[Callers] Re: [External] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

[John Sweeney via Contra Callers]

Hi all,

“Kitch's skipping of the swing-in-center”. Hmmm…

 

I think lots of other people thought of that before Kitch!  For example, Thomas 
Wilson in 1815 with his Turn Corners figure!

 

:-)

 

Happy dancing,

   John   



John Sweeney, Dancer, England   j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 
574

http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent 

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[Callers] Re: [External] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

[Julian Blechner via Contra Callers]

Cool. I definitely have danced Uncommon Corners before.

So, people have tried the "Contra Corners with your neighbor from Becket"
before. (Kinda what I assumed).

This one is neat because it also includes the partner swing each time.

I still think the value of adding in Kitch's skipping of the
swing-in-center opens up a lot of choreography freedom.

I'll report in after calling this.
Maybe other callers want to give a shot at filling in the A-part of my
original suggestion, and coming up with cool new CC dances?

Julian

On Wed, Apr 19, 2023, 11:08 AM Tepfer, Seth  wrote:

> Julian and Chris,
>
> Seems very similar to "Uncommon Corners" by Don Flaherty
> http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=2747
> Figures:
> A1
>
> (16) Man one and woman two turn contra corners
> 
> A2
>
> (4) Man one and woman two balance
> 
>
> (12) Man one and woman two swing
> ;
> face down
> 
> B1
>
> (6) Shadow mirror
> 
>  allemande
>  1
> (Man one and woman two split others)
>
> (10) Partner swing
> 
> B2
>
> (8) Circle left
> 
>  1
>
> (8) Slice
>  left
> 2A1
>
> (16) Woman one and man two turn contra corners
> 
> 2A2
>
> (4) Woman one and man two balance
> 
>
> (12) Woman one and man two swing
> ;
> face up
> 
> 2B1
>
> (6) Shadow mirror
> 
>  allemande
>  1
> (Woman one and man two split others)
>
> (10) Partner swing
> 
> 2B2
>
> (8) Circle left
> 
>  1 [with N2]
>
> (8) Slice
>  left
>
>
> Seth Tepfer, MBA, CSM, PMP (he, him, his)
> Senior IT Manager, Emory Primate Center
> --
> *From:* Julian Blechner via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:53 AM
> *To:* Shared Weight Contra Callers 
> *Subject:* [External] [Callers] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations
>
> I heard from Chris Page, on a FB post in a choreo group.
>
> He thought of the contra-corners-from-Becket, with:
>
> Twirly Corners
> Becket
> A1 Slice left while partner roll away
> Top/Bottom pair do-si-do in center
> A2 Top/Bottom pair turn contra corners
> B1 Top/Bottom pair balance and swing
> B2 Partner balance and swing
>
> I'll add this to my box, too, but, what I think is the interesting thing
> to play with is integrating Jim Kitch's contra corners exit where you skip
> the swing in the middle and swing your partner instead.
>
> This means we can have a contra corners dance which:
> - solves the issue of "many dancers don't like it when you only get to
> swing your partner half the time" with contra corners dances where partners
> are doing the move
> - leaves _half_ of a square tune for other choreo. Normally, we spend 3/4
> of a dance setting up contra corners, doing them, and having the swing at
> the end. I think this is why we all have Alternative Corners and Labor of
> Love in our boxes, and anything else is advanced level.
> - has the partner as an anchor, mitigating the issue of "new dancers have
> trouble with this move and can't recover quickly after it doesn't go well"
>
> I'm going to give my original a whirl at a dance this week. (Buttered
> Corners - circle L 3/4, NS, Chain, Lines, CC, P B+S, slide left progression)
>
> I'd love to hear more thoughts and feedback.
>
> In dance,
> Julian Blechner
>
>
> On Tue, Apr 18, 2023, 10:21 PM Julian Blechner <
> juliancallsdan...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> So... it occurred to me that it'd be really easy to do a mixed-role contra
> corners from Becket position.
>
> A few weeks ago, I danced Jim Kitch's Equinox, which had a fun setup and
> you finish Contra Corners by passing R , but ... do people know any simpler
> ways? Like, for example, dance below. I can't possibly have been the first
> to figure this 

[Callers] Re: [External] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

[Tepfer, Seth via Contra Callers]

Julian and Chris,

Seems very similar to "Uncommon Corners" by Don Flaherty
http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=2747
Figures:
A1

(16) Man one and woman two turn contra 
corners

A2

(4) Man one and woman two 
balance

(12) Man one and woman two 
swing; 
face down

B1

(6) Shadow 
mirror
 
allemande
 1 (Man one and woman two split others)

(10) Partner 
swing

B2

(8) Circle 
left
 1

(8) Slice 
left

2A1

(16) Woman one and man two turn contra 
corners

2A2

(4) Woman one and man two 
balance

(12) Woman one and man two 
swing; 
face up

2B1

(6) Shadow 
mirror
 
allemande
 1 (Woman one and man two split others)

(10) Partner 
swing

2B2

(8) Circle 
left
 1 [with N2]

(8) Slice 
left



Seth Tepfer, MBA, CSM, PMP (he, him, his)

Senior IT Manager, Emory Primate Center

From: Julian Blechner via Contra Callers 
Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:53 AM
To: Shared Weight Contra Callers 
Subject: [External] [Callers] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

I heard from Chris Page, on a FB post in a choreo group.

He thought of the contra-corners-from-Becket, with:

Twirly Corners
Becket
A1 Slice left while partner roll away
Top/Bottom pair do-si-do in center
A2 Top/Bottom pair turn contra corners
B1 Top/Bottom pair balance and swing
B2 Partner balance and swing

I'll add this to my box, too, but, what I think is the interesting thing to 
play with is integrating Jim Kitch's contra corners exit where you skip the 
swing in the middle and swing your partner instead.

This means we can have a contra corners dance which:
- solves the issue of "many dancers don't like it when you only get to swing 
your partner half the time" with contra corners dances where partners are doing 
the move
- leaves _half_ of a square tune for other choreo. Normally, we spend 3/4 of a 
dance setting up contra corners, doing them, and having the swing at the end. I 
think this is why we all have Alternative Corners and Labor of Love in our 
boxes, and anything else is advanced level.
- has the partner as an anchor, mitigating the issue of "new dancers have 
trouble with this move and can't recover quickly after it doesn't go well"

I'm going to give my original a whirl at a dance this week. (Buttered Corners - 
circle L 3/4, NS, Chain, Lines, CC, P B+S, slide left progression)

I'd love to hear more thoughts and feedback.

In dance,
Julian Blechner


On Tue, Apr 18, 2023, 10:21 PM Julian Blechner 
mailto:juliancallsdan...@gmail.com>> wrote:
So... it occurred to me that it'd be really easy to do a mixed-role contra 
corners from Becket position.

A few weeks ago, I danced Jim Kitch's Equinox, which had a fun setup and you 
finish Contra Corners by passing R , but ... do people know any simpler ways? 
Like, for example, dance below. I can't possibly have been the first to figure 
this out, eh?

(If not written yet: Buttered Corners)
Becket

A1. Circle L 3/4
   NS
A2. Robins Chain
   LLFB*
B1. Bottom couples Contra Corners**
   Same Couples Pass R, to P
B2. P B + S
   ... slide L to New Ns

* opportunity in the lines for partners to rollaway to swap roles
** and can alternate top couples, bottom couples, doing bottom couples - who 
were original 1s - first. This way, the top of the set has corners for people, 
always.

Like, literally this gives 16 measures to progress and have a neighbor swing if 
you want. If we opened up to the idea of contra corners with a neighbor from 
Becket, it opens up immense numbers of dances that can be written.


In dance,
Julian Blechner
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[Callers] Re: Choreo q - contra corners variations

[Julian Blechner via Contra Callers]

I heard from Chris Page, on a FB post in a choreo group.

He thought of the contra-corners-from-Becket, with:

Twirly Corners
Becket
A1 Slice left while partner roll away
Top/Bottom pair do-si-do in center
A2 Top/Bottom pair turn contra corners
B1 Top/Bottom pair balance and swing
B2 Partner balance and swing

I'll add this to my box, too, but, what I think is the interesting thing to
play with is integrating Jim Kitch's contra corners exit where you skip the
swing in the middle and swing your partner instead.

This means we can have a contra corners dance which:
- solves the issue of "many dancers don't like it when you only get to
swing your partner half the time" with contra corners dances where partners
are doing the move
- leaves _half_ of a square tune for other choreo. Normally, we spend 3/4
of a dance setting up contra corners, doing them, and having the swing at
the end. I think this is why we all have Alternative Corners and Labor of
Love in our boxes, and anything else is advanced level.
- has the partner as an anchor, mitigating the issue of "new dancers have
trouble with this move and can't recover quickly after it doesn't go well"

I'm going to give my original a whirl at a dance this week. (Buttered
Corners - circle L 3/4, NS, Chain, Lines, CC, P B+S, slide left progression)

I'd love to hear more thoughts and feedback.

In dance,
Julian Blechner


On Tue, Apr 18, 2023, 10:21 PM Julian Blechner 
wrote:

> So... it occurred to me that it'd be really easy to do a mixed-role contra
> corners from Becket position.
>
> A few weeks ago, I danced Jim Kitch's Equinox, which had a fun setup and
> you finish Contra Corners by passing R , but ... do people know any simpler
> ways? Like, for example, dance below. I can't possibly have been the first
> to figure this out, eh?
>
> (If not written yet: Buttered Corners)
> Becket
>
> A1. Circle L 3/4
>NS
> A2. Robins Chain
>LLFB*
> B1. Bottom couples Contra Corners**
>Same Couples Pass R, to P
> B2. P B + S
>... slide L to New Ns
>
> * opportunity in the lines for partners to rollaway to swap roles
> ** and can alternate top couples, bottom couples, doing bottom couples -
> who were original 1s - first. This way, the top of the set has corners for
> people, always.
>
> Like, literally this gives 16 measures to progress and have a neighbor
> swing if you want. If we opened up to the idea of contra corners with a
> neighbor from Becket, it opens up immense numbers of dances that can be
> written.
>
>
> In dance,
> Julian Blechner
>
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[Callers] Re: Advanced dances gone awry

[Greenleaf via Contra Callers]

Getting back to Maia’s original question, I can say that this has happened to 
me several times.

If it’s a new-to-me group, I’ll access two different programs I’ve called 
elsewhere. I’ll start with a test dance or two and then decide which program 
I’ll use after that. If this is a group for whom I have called challenging 
programs before, it can be very frustrating having to change my program.

My initial reaction is to try to connect with the organizers to find out what 
they want me to do: Alter my program, proceed as normal, or incorporate newer 
dancers as best I can. But the bottom line is the overall experience for the 
dancers; it’s no fun being on the floor dragging people through dances that are 
too hard! 

A few tricks I employ from the mic: 
• The first dance is always a no-walk through.
• I give plenty of warnings: “The dance after this has contra corners, which 
will not be taught. If you don’t know it, maybe you’d like to watch OR find an 
experienced partner.”
 “The next dance after this is a square —you need to be familiar with squares” 
And then maybe I choose an intermediate square, not a harder one.
• My frustration with the dance level can’t leak through. So I have to teach 
how to do a roll away; OK, I’ll do it. And maybe I’ll teach it again just to be 
clear. With humor, I can get through it and help everyone have a good time.
• I remember that this is really the organizer’s issue, and not the dancers’!

If you need to alter your program drastically, the dancers will understand. If 
they are disappointed, encourage them to talk with the organizers.

At the break, I  approach the organizers to find out how beginners ended up at 
the dance. I encourage organizers PLEASE to understand how much work goes into 
planning and preparing a challenging program. Is your dance well-advertised as 
being challenging, and do you give an explanation about what that means? Do you 
have a sign at the door saying it’s for advanced dancers? (FYI: “Experienced” 
doesn’t mean much. You can be newer to dancing and be a spatial wizard who 
totally breezes through harder choreography). You can set limits and still be 
welcoming. Remind people that there are dance series geared for all levels in 
your area and where. Happily offer a refund if newer dancers are overwhelmed.

Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility.

Lisa Greeenleaf



> On Apr 17, 2023, at 12:57 PM, Julian Blechner via Contra Callers 
>  wrote:
> 
> I've given this some thought. I've been a dancer in this situation, and heard 
> other organizers ask this question.
> 
> I don't like the idea of asking someone to leave. I do think this is 
> antithetical to my values as a dance organizer. 
> 
> I don't like the idea of gatekeeping and presuming I know how well a person 
> may succeed not - especially since contra is a team sport.
> 
> I also want to raise the idea of economic injustice - many folks carpool, or, 
> in NYC it may be a pain to get to a location - even by mass transit a new 
> person could really need the help of a friend. Especially if it's a person 
> from out of town; having lived in and around NYC for a decade, it can be 
> _daunting_. So I can totally see some experienced dancers wanting to bring a 
> friend, and having them come later is not an option. Forcing them to come 
> later may be easier for folks with financial means, which is why I'm saying 
> this may touch on an issue of economic justice and privilege.
> 
> An alternative I might have - and, totally with the benefit of hindsight and 
> reflection:
> 
> I think if I'm in this situation in the future, I will do the following:
> 1. Caution the dancer of the expected skill level.
> 2. Offer them to sit and enjoy the music for free / donation instead of 
> required entry fee.
> 3. Recommend that if they're set on trying it out, to do so, but if they're 
> not getting it, come hang out and stay, with fee refunded. (Like a 
> satisfaction guarantee.)
> 
> Ideally, if they do stay and sit, some dancers will need breaks and sit with 
> them and make them feel welcome.
> 
> In dance,
> Julian Blechner
> 
> 
> 
> On Sun, Apr 16, 2023, 9:50 PM Maia McCormick via Contra Callers 
>  > wrote:
>> I attended an advanced dance this afternoon that was intermediate at best, 
>> and had a few raw beginners in there, and it got me wondering:
>> 
>> 1. As callers, what do you do when a bunch of intermediate and/or beginner 
>> dancers show up to an advanced session?
>> 2. As organizers, what do you do to try and keep your advanced sessions... 
>> advanced? (Either in messaging or at the dance itself?) Obviously I'm not 
>> advocating for kicking anyone out, but if a bunch of newbies show up at an 
>> advanced session, both they and the dancers who came for gnarly stuff are 
>> going to have a less-than-ideal time.
>> 3. As dancers (/organizers/callers), how do we elevate the dance level of 
>> our local communities? I'm talking about