[Callers] Seeking Dances which are harder for callers to visualized and teach.......

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Seeking Dances which are harder for callers to visualize and teach.   than they 
are for dancers to dance
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[Callers] Re: Basic Beckets for Beginners

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Balter

On Sun, Sep 8, 2024 at 11:50 AM Luke Donforth via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> Oftentimes at One Night Gigs, I'll do a mix of circle and longways set
> dances. With scatter mixers and specialty dances, I can fill an evening.
> But sometimes I get a group that "wants contras" or is looking to grow
> their familiarity with the dance form.
>
> I think Becket dances without lark/robin distinctions and no neighbor
> swing are AN easy option into "hands-four" contras. There are other ways
> in, but I'm looking for more Beckets that match that description. For a
> while I've had "Pluck It" in my box as a friendly option:
>
> Pluck It
> Contra/Becket-CW
>
> A1 ---
> (8) Circle Left
> (8) Circle Right
> A2 ---
> (8) Left hand Star
> (8) Right hand Star
> B1 ---
> (8) Partner Do-si-do
> (8) Partner swing
> B2 ---
> (8) Neighbor Do-si-do across set
> (8) Long lines, yearn left
>
> This is, in my opinion, pretty close to the traditional mixer Scatter Shot
> but done as a keeper in Becket. (It does have a DSD across the set, which
> in a recent thread was listed as a no-no for some callers. While I wouldn't
> use that move at a dance weekend, for One Night gigs I think it's
> accessible and acceptable). You don't have to teach ballroom swing, and if
> folks want to elbow swing and swap roles with their partner it doesn't
> really impact the dance (this is a small advantage of Becket over improper
> for this type of dance; different position on the side is less disorienting
> than different side of the set).
>
> What other Becket dances do folks have that don't rely on roles? No larks
> allemande or robins chain, etc.
>
> On the drive home from my gig last night I came up with this one (which
> may already exist), written for Naomi who organizes the community dance I
> was at:
>
> A Pillar of Weathersfield
> Contra/Becket-CW
>
> A1 ---
> (8) Balance the ring and spin to the right (petronella)
> (8) Balance the ring and spin to the right (petronella)
> A2 ---
> (16) Partner balance and swing, end facing down the hall
> B1 ---
> (8) Down the hall, four in line (turn as couples)
> (8) Return and face across
> B2 ---
> (8) Long lines, forward and back
> (8) Promenade across the Set, turn as a couple and progress
> (Go between the ones you danced with, passing by left shoulder, and the
> new couple on your right, turn to take hands with new couple)
>
> I'd be curious what else folks have that they use for entry-level contras
> when you don't have a critical mass of experience for improper dances with
> neighbor swings.
>
> Thanks!
> Luke Donforth
> Burlington, VT
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[Callers] Re: [External] Re: Choreographic No-Nos

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

;>>>> do-si-do.  If only the 1's or 2's are doing it then there is no problem.
>>>>> Shadow swings seem to be a personal preference or dislike and not really a
>>>>> choreographic issue.  I actually think that a right chain after a swing 
>>>>> can
>>>>> work very well.  If you end the swing with the pointy hands pointing 
>>>>> across
>>>>> then the right hands of the right hand dancers are right there ready to
>>>>> pull by.  I suppose you might say there is a momentum change, but that can
>>>>> be very welcome in a dance where everything seems to be traveling the same
>>>>> way.  Not every dance has to have continuous motion in the same direction
>>>>> all the time.  I danced a dance with that set of figures just last Friday
>>>>> and I was thinking to myself how well it seemed to work.
>>>>>
>>>>> So I see #1 and #3 as more of a challenge than a problem.  #4 is a
>>>>> personal preference and #2 seems like a perfectly fine transition between
>>>>> figures.
>>>>>
>>>>> Jonathan
>>>>>
>>>>> On 8/5/2024 7:37 PM, Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers wrote:
>>>>> > I am accumulating a  list of figures, or figure sequence that
>>>>> significant dance writers (not necessarily a majority) consider
>>>>> Choreographic No-Nos
>>>>> > My list so far:
>>>>> > 1. do-si-do across
>>>>> > 2. right chain after a swing
>>>>> > 3 short swings on an odd phrase
>>>>> > 4. Shadow swings
>>>>> > Does anyone have further suggestions?
>>>>>
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>>>>>
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[Callers] Choreographic No-Nos

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

I am accumulating a  list of figures, or figure sequence that significant
dance writers (not necessarily a majority) consider Choreographic No-Nos
My list so far:
1. do-si-do across
2. right chain after a swing
3 short swings on an odd phrase
4. Shadow swings
Does anyone have further suggestions?
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[Callers] Re: In light of recent developments

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

*Colonel North's Contra Insurgency* by Erna_lynne Bogue  1991
Transcription at
 https://www.library.unh.edu/special/forms/rpdlw/syllabus2015.pdf#page=13


On Tue, Jul 23, 2024 at 1:29 PM Angela DeCarlis via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> "That said, there's abundant evidence that the party that routinely cuts
>> funding for arts - which directly impacts so much of folk music and dance -
>> isn't the blue one. How appropriate that is in a dance title? Debatable,
>> sure. But appropriate in a discussion about folk music and dance?
>> Absolutely relevant to our collective thriving."
>
>
> Couldn't agree more, Julian. Vicki and I are here in Florida where arts
> funding was just cut altogether
> 
> — people in my universe (visual arts, galleries, public arts programming,
> theater, etc) are all panicking.
>
> It is tricky, though, for those of us here who call to politically mixed
> crowds. It's easy for some callers on this list to forget that dances like
> this exist all over! Part of what I love about contra dancing is that it is
> a bipartisan activity that brings people together. As such, I don't think
> I'd be comfortable calling a dance with this title in my communities.
> Frankly, it's political enough for me to arrive onstage as my nonbinary,
> they/them-using self.
>
> I do call Maia McCormick's dance Barack Me, Obamadeus
> . Less of
> a directive, more neutral, and it makes me laugh every time!
>
> Ang
> (they/them)
>
> On Tue, Jul 23, 2024 at 10:47 AM Julian Blechner via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> The "no political stances" isn't really accurate. 501c3s cannot endorse
>> candidates.
>>
>> If the rule was "non-profits can't take a political stand", a huge number
>> of churches would lose tax-exempt status.
>>
>> On a personal level, I might encourage caution for any choreographer with
>> a message about a political party.
>>
>> But I'd also point out that folk music and dance has a deep tradition of
>> being political. Guthrie. Dolly. Heck, Jazz and Blues merely existing was
>> radical at the time. Anti-war 50s/60s folk revival. Anti-slavery gospel and
>> plantation songs. Pro-labor songs. I'm sure y'all can think of many more
>> examples.
>>
>> I would hope and assume any on this list who'd raise a voice of caution
>> are doing so from the spirit of helping fellow creatives be successful and
>> express themselves.
>>
>> That said, there's abundant evidence that the party that routinely cuts
>> funding for arts - which directly impacts so much of folk music and dance -
>> isn't the blue one. How appropriate that is in a dance title? Debatable,
>> sure. But appropriate in a discussion about folk music and dance?
>> Absolutely relevant to our collective thriving.
>>
>> In dance,
>>
>> Julian Blechner
>>
>> He/him
>>
>> Western Mass
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Jul 23, 2024, 8:09 AM Vicki Morrison via Contra Callers <
>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>>> Considering all of the efforts our dance community makes to be welcoming
>>> and inclusive, the title of this dance does just the opposite by
>>> appearing unwelcoming and exclusive. Plus, as Mac said, non-profit
>>> organizations risk losing their status by taking political stands.
>>>
>>> Vicki Morrison
>>> Tallahassee
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
>>> 
>>>
>>> On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 12:47 AM, Mac Mckeever via Contra Callers <
>>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>
>>> You are  aware that not-for-profits can not take any kind of political
>>> stand or they can lose their standing.  Just takes one  dancer on the red
>>> side to report you.
>>>
>>> I'd check with your attorney before doing this.
>>>
>>> Mac
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Monday, July 22, 2024 at 05:59:01 PM CDT, Jonathan Sivier via Contra
>>> Callers  wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I have a couple of gigs next month.  I'll give it a try.
>>>
>>> Jonathan
>>> -
>>> Jonathan Sivier
>>> Caller of Contra, Square, English and Early American Dances
>>> Dance Page: http://www.sivier.me/dance_leader.html
>>> -
>>> Q: How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?
>>> A: It depends on what dance you call!
>>>
>>>
>>> On 7/22/2024 5:00 PM, Elizabeth Bloom Albert via Contra Callers wrote:
>>> > *my "**Vote Blue No Matter Who,**" tweaked for this election cycle:*
>>> >
>>> > *(let me know how it goes if you call this one!)*
>>> >
>>> > *
>>> > *
>>> >
>>> > *Vote Blue No Matter Who, Version 2.024 *(5-2-24) /by

[Callers] Re: Shadow Swings?

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Would never call a dance with a shadow swing.

On Wed, Jul 17, 2024 at 9:40 AM Maia McCormick via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Prompted by some recent conversations, I’m curious how folks here feel
> about shadow swings!
>
> 1. As a caller, do you:
> A) not have an issue with shadow swings, and program them freely
> B) not tend to program them just bc they don’t come up in your repertoire,
> but have no issue with them
> C) not program shadow swings as a matter of principle
> D) some secret fourth thing (feel free to elaborate!)?
>
> 2. How do you feel about shadow swings as a dancer?
>
> Will weigh in with my thoughts later, both to avoid biasing the
> conversation from the outset, and also because I’m currently in transit 😅
>
> Thanks for participating in the data gathering!
>
> Cheers,
> Maia
>
> --
> Maia McCormick (she/her)
> 917.279.8194
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[Callers] Re: Cures for the Claps?

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Petronella claps interfere with my  listening to the music

On Wed, May 22, 2024 at 10:50 AM Maia McCormick via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> tldr: those of you who are anti-Petronella claps (in general, not just in
> specific cases where they interrupt flow from the spin into the next move),
> I want to understand why!
>
> Clapping on Petronella turns has been the overwhelming norm ever since I
> started dancing, but I know that it wasn't always this way, and that some
> folks vehemently dislike it. Well recently I've noted the (baffling??
> inexplicable??) rise of clapping after the spin on Rory O'Moore's, which
> makes my blood boil (it's so satisfying to catch hands in the new wave out
> of the spin, why would you ever NOT do that??), and it's making me think
> more about Petronella claps.
>
> Clapping on a Rory bugs me so much because it interrupts the momentum of
> spin-and-catch-hands. I'll admit that I don't understand the objection to
> Petronella claps, at least through that lens. Like certainly, in a
> specifically Cure for the Claps-type* dance (with e.g. Petronella spin into
> allemande left, Petronella spin into swing, etc.), clapping interrupts the
> momentum, and it's way more satisfying to spin directly into the next move.
> But given a bog standard "Petronella, Petronella, balance and swing" or
> similar, I don't feel like the claps interrupt the momentum or disrupt
> transitions, and in fact are a nice fun way to fill space.
>
> To be clear, the above isn't an argument in favor of Petronella claps,
> just me explaining where I'm coming from. So now we come to my question:
>
> 1. *those of you who are anti-Petronella claps, can you explain why?* I
> want to understand! Is it a satisfying momentum thing that I've just never
> experienced because I'm so used to clapping? Dedication to historical
> accuracy? Something else entirely?
>
> 2. *what dance(s) would you use to make your case to a contemporary
> contra hall, that aren't explicitly written as Cure for the Claps dances?* 
> Petronella
> spin to a swing feels great, and of *course* you shouldn't clap there
> (although some folks inexplicably do, sigh)—but if you'd prefer that we
> didn't clap even in a dance like Tica Tica Timing, then a CftC dance isn't
> the whole story. If you had the infinite good will of a contemporary contra
> hall, and were able to say to the dancers "don't clap on the Petronellas in
> this one and just pay attention to how nice it feels to X and how
> satisfying it is to Y", what dance would you use, what things would you
> tell the dancers to clue into, etc. to make your case? (And what would you
> ask the band for?)
>
> Thanks as always for your expertise!
>
> Cheers,
> Maia
>
> * Cure for the Claps contra: a dance that discourages clapping during the
> Petronella turn, often by putting moves directly after the Petronella that
> flow nicely from a spin. May be intentional or incidental. See e.g.:  The
> Cure for the Claps
> 
> (Bob Isaacs), Becket in the Kitchen
> 
> (Becky Hill)
>
>
> --
> Maia McCormick (she/her)
> 917.279.8194
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[Callers] Re: Surely thus dance has a name and author?

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

A short swing on an odd phrase works fine for reasonably experienced
dancers  if the tune clearly delineates the phrase and/or the caller
clearly announces the next figure until the dancers get it.
Here is one of mine with a short swing on an odd phrase (which I last
called at the Sugar Hill dance weekend outside of Bloomington IN last
August) https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#MrJohnson
I also have a dance with four swings, all on the odd phrases (which I have
not tried, as I have not yet worked out the details of the end effects)
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#PlBe  although I may rename it  A
Cardinal Sin

On Sun, Mar 31, 2024 at 1:05 PM Alexandra Deis-Lauby via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Du Quoin Races also has a swing that ends mid-phrase.  Dancers tend not to
> like to end those when the choreographer wants them to.
>
>
>
> On Mar 31, 2024, at 2:01 PM, Alexandra Deis-Lauby 
> wrote:
>
> I wrote that first dance you asked about the other day too!  And for the
> exact same reason!
>
> I just inverted Bob’s Read between the lines. And I used a slide and
> circle instead of a circle and pass through.
>
> Love this thread. Thanks!
>
> Alex
>
> On Mar 31, 2024, at 2:50 AM, Chris Page via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> Close hits:
> "Bob the Surfer" by Dugan Murphy.
> "The Blizzard Chimney Contra" by Geoff  Cubitt
> "The Plagiarist's Reel" by Peter Foster
>
> Cheers,
> -Chris Page
> Los Angeles, CA
>
> On Sat, Mar 30, 2024 at 10:17 AM Julian Blechner via Contra Callers
>  wrote:
>
>
> Becket
> A1. Circle L, Pass Thru N (or slide L to next and circle)
> N Alle R 1 1/4 to long wavy line, Larks face out, Robins face in
> A2. Bal, Circulate x2
> B1. N B+S
> B2. Larks Alle L 1.5x (or pull by)
> PS
>
>
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>
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[Callers] Re: Videos of different things to do in short wavy lines?

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Here are dances you should find useful:

To teach wavy lines
"Positional Thinikning"   https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#PosTh

A great dance for beginners and for moderately skilled to guide beginners
"The Balter Dance"  https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Balter

For dancers comfortable with a hey
"A.O.'s No-No"   https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#AOs
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[Callers] Some contra dance history of interest:

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

In 1810, and for some years before and after, Sudbury MA (incorporated in 1639) 
was the site of a monthly barn dance. One of the local dance masters, Allen 
Ortep, composed a contra dance, where four dancers would balance in a circle, 
left foot then right foot, followed by shift/spin left one place. Allen and 
another local dance master both had interest in the same lady. To shorten a 
long story, Allen did not get the lady, and eventually stopped attending the 
Sudbury dances. His successful rival then composed a dance where four dancers 
balanced in a circle, right foot then left foot, followed by a shift/spin right 
one place, and named it petronella (spell petronella backwards to find out 
why). To honor these events, Sudbury MA was given the zipcode 01776. (Thanks to 
Don Veino for pointing out Sudbury's zipcode.)
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[Callers] Re: Looking for contra dances that are more difficult .......

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Rick

(1)  'Alone at the End'  was first published in the book 'MIdwest
Folklore'   for which I (with much coaching by Al Olson)  was the dance
editor.

(2) You must have a few that could be answers to my inquiry.

(3) Two dances by Al that I have called (the second one often)
'Contra Corners Special'
https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=15862
'Carina' (a slight variation of)
https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=2316


On Sat, Mar 30, 2024 at 1:01 PM Rick Mohr  wrote:

> Michael, here's one I learned about in an exchange with Chris Page.
> Haven't tried it, but there's a good video -- Alone at the End
> <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=689>
>
> On Sat, Mar 30, 2024 at 1:43 PM Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Thanks Dale for the pleasant words.
>> The dance you referred to may have been one with a right and left on the
>> 1/2 diagonal, most likely "A New Idea"
>> All my dances with this figure can be found at
>> https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#RL
>>
>> On Sat, Mar 30, 2024 at 10:33 AM Dale Wilson via Contra Callers <
>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>>> For those who don't know Michael, he specializes in writing and calling
>>> these kinds of dances.
>>>
>>> When he calls at a dance weekend, it's always an adventure, and
>>> amazingly enough the dances actually work!
>>>
>>> [Michael, I still remember that dance you called at Kimmswick that
>>> included a right-and-left that somehow happened with a couple from another
>>> set.]
>>>
>>>
>>> Dale
>>>
>>> On Fri, Mar 29, 2024 at 8:43 PM Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
>>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi Greg:
>>>>
>>>> I guess I mean dances that a caller must spend an extra bit of
>>>> time to visualize,  and/or to work out the teaching and/or calls
>>>> -- or dances that only an experienced caller can try.
>>>> A few examples from my dances...
>>>>
>>>> Where's Alex?
>>>> https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Wheres
>>>>
>>>> From the Earth to the Moon and a Trip Around It
>>>> https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Earth
>>>>
>>>> Two Orange Cats
>>>> https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Cats
>>>>
>>>> Rusty Wheel Reels
>>>> https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Rusty
>>>>
>>>> The Great Urbana Barn Dance
>>>> https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Great
>>>>
>>>> Michael
>>>>
>>>> On Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 3:40 PM Gregory Frock 
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Hi Michael,
>>>>> I am not sure I understand the premise of the question.
>>>>>
>>>>> Breaking things down, an instructor has verbal description and
>>>>> demonstrations as primary tools teach a dance. If an instructor feels they
>>>>> cannot describe a figure adequately well verbally, they should not 
>>>>> hesitate
>>>>> to demonstrate it. Any figures from the basic vocabulary, circles, stars,
>>>>> chains, etc would be familia
>>>>>
>>>>> On Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 2:56 PM Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
>>>>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> ... to teach to reasonably experienced dancers than they are  for
>>>>>> them to dance.
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>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Penultimatum:  Surrender now or next time I threaten you I'll really
>>> mean it.
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[Callers] Re: Looking for contra dances that are more difficult .......

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Thanks Dale for the pleasant words.
The dance you referred to may have been one with a right and left on the
1/2 diagonal, most likely "A New Idea"
All my dances with this figure can be found at
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#RL

On Sat, Mar 30, 2024 at 10:33 AM Dale Wilson via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> For those who don't know Michael, he specializes in writing and calling
> these kinds of dances.
>
> When he calls at a dance weekend, it's always an adventure, and amazingly
> enough the dances actually work!
>
> [Michael, I still remember that dance you called at Kimmswick that
> included a right-and-left that somehow happened with a couple from another
> set.]
>
>
> Dale
>
> On Fri, Mar 29, 2024 at 8:43 PM Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Hi Greg:
>>
>> I guess I mean dances that a caller must spend an extra bit of
>> time to visualize,  and/or to work out the teaching and/or calls
>> -- or dances that only an experienced caller can try.
>> A few examples from my dances...
>>
>> Where's Alex?
>> https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Wheres
>>
>> From the Earth to the Moon and a Trip Around It
>> https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Earth
>>
>> Two Orange Cats
>> https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Cats
>>
>> Rusty Wheel Reels
>> https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Rusty
>>
>> The Great Urbana Barn Dance
>> https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Great
>>
>> Michael
>>
>> On Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 3:40 PM Gregory Frock 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Michael,
>>> I am not sure I understand the premise of the question.
>>>
>>> Breaking things down, an instructor has verbal description and
>>> demonstrations as primary tools teach a dance. If an instructor feels they
>>> cannot describe a figure adequately well verbally, they should not hesitate
>>> to demonstrate it. Any figures from the basic vocabulary, circles, stars,
>>> chains, etc would be familia
>>>
>>> On Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 2:56 PM Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
>>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> ... to teach to reasonably experienced dancers than they are  for them
>>>> to dance.
>>>> ___
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>
>
> --
> Penultimatum:  Surrender now or next time I threaten you I'll really mean
> it.
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[Callers] Re: Looking for contra dances that are more difficult .......

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Hi Greg:

I guess I mean dances that a caller must spend an extra bit of
time to visualize,  and/or to work out the teaching and/or calls
-- or dances that only an experienced caller can try.
A few examples from my dances...

Where's Alex?
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Wheres

>From the Earth to the Moon and a Trip Around It
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Earth

Two Orange Cats
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Cats

Rusty Wheel Reels
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Rusty

The Great Urbana Barn Dance
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Great

Michael

On Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 3:40 PM Gregory Frock  wrote:

> Hi Michael,
> I am not sure I understand the premise of the question.
>
> Breaking things down, an instructor has verbal description and
> demonstrations as primary tools teach a dance. If an instructor feels they
> cannot describe a figure adequately well verbally, they should not hesitate
> to demonstrate it. Any figures from the basic vocabulary, circles, stars,
> chains, etc would be familia
>
> On Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 2:56 PM Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> ... to teach to reasonably experienced dancers than they are  for them to
>> dance.
>> ___
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>> contracallers-le...@lists.sharedweight.net
>>
>
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[Callers] Re: April Fools fun

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

The Balter Dance   (Becket, robins chain,  left hand star, larks chain,
right hand star...)
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Balter

Roller Coaster  (reason for name is clear once you read the dance)
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Roller

Alex is Where?  (A less challenging version of Where's Alex?)
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Alex

S.D.S.   (Becket, dancers switch sides every time through the dance)
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#SDS

Skinny Dipping in the River (2's crossed, a new figure "river swim")
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Skinny

On Fri, Mar 29, 2024 at 3:45 PM Timothy Klein via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I have the pleasure this year of calling the Knoxville contra dance on
> Monday, April 1st ... occasionally remembered as April Fools Day.
>
> I'm taking the approach of exploring the spirit of the Fool -- challenging
> our assumptions and traditions and reminding us to smile, in spite of
> ourselves if necessary. In choosing/crafting my program, I'm looking for a
> balance of different and fun, of course.
>
> What foolish dances have you done in the past?
>
> Timothy
> Knoxville, TN
>
> P.S. Here's my "concept" list:
> * Reverse progression ("which way is up?")
> * Contra mixer ("who needs a partner?")
> * Left/Lark chain ("why do Robins chain and Larks allemand?")
> * 3 face 3 formations ("what's a partner?")
> * Crooked tunes ("why is everything 64 beats?)
> * No swing ("how far can I go before the dancers burn me at the stake?")
>
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[Callers] Looking for contra dances that are more difficult .......

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

... to teach to reasonably experienced dancers than they are  for them to dance.
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[Callers] Re: "Assigning" roles in the beginners' lesson?

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Sometime within the past 3 years or so someone posted an excellent procedure in 
this forum, which I did not copy, and could not find a year or so later when I 
tried.  maybe someone can find it.
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[Callers] Re: Walk through - Trip to Phan Reel - Cabin Fever 2024

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

The dance is named  "Trip to Phan Reel"
The composer, Susan Kevra, wrote it on the way to a Thanksgiving gathering.

Only in the past several years have callers realized that those orbiting  
[counter]clockwise should pass  [lef]right with the person in an adjacent 
foursome  if needed.   I suspect that callers in the initial walkthrough 
should say something  like  "Larks orbit clockwise passing right shoulders with 
the gent passed in the center if convenient"
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[Callers] Re: Suggestions for great recent contra compositions

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Three Waves, Five Balances on the Head of a Pin
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#TwoW5B

The Balter Dance
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Balter

Roller Coaster
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Roller

A New Idea
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#NewIdea
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[Callers] Re: Re Workshop/activity ideas for improving dancer skill

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

This almost certainly is not the dance David referred to, but should be of
scientific interest
https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Unconsoled

On Wed, Jan 24, 2024 at 9:12 PM Maia McCormick via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> > Late in a regular evening dance a caller recently threw in a contra with
> larks and robins progressing in opposite directions or at different rates.
> Although it was announced as a mixer, it was sufficiently unexpected that
> chaos and discomfort ensued.  I'd have been happier with that in a workshop
> setting.  "Dance with who's coming at you."
>
> David, I'd love to have this dance for uh, scientific purposes and
> certainly not to sow chaos 👀
>
> --
> Maia McCormick (she/her)
> 917.279.8194
>
>
> On Wed, Jan 24, 2024 at 10:02 PM David Harding via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> I've attended several workshops with this theme, led on different
>> occasions by Carol Ormand and Jo Mortland.  A few of the exercises have
>> been described already, including teaching the dance to half of each couple
>> and not calling, messing with the music, dancing with pool noodles, and
>> dancing to the calling of figures with names as nonsensical as our familiar
>> figures are to first time dancers.
>>
>> A variant on the pool noodle theme used one teddy bear in each square.
>>
>> One of my favorites is a different approach to the lost dancer
>> situation.  After the group takes hand four, the caller one dancer from
>> each minor set, shuffling around which one.  They go to the bottom and make
>> new minor sets.  This leaves one empty spot in each set occupied by a
>> ghost.  The teaching and calling proceeds, with the dancers having to find
>> their ways through the dance without the orientation of the full set.  As
>> the dance progresses, sometimes a whole set of four materializes,sometimes
>> it's three dancers, sometimes it's only two.  This really emphasizes
>> awareness of your position in the set.  It's also a useful skill when a
>> partner or neighbor doesn't show up at the right place and time.
>>
>> I've danced with a fraction of the dancers in a contra set blindfolded.
>> I also remember a simple square that we danced multiple times, increasing
>> the number of blindfolded dancers by one each time through.  Again,
>> positional awareness and communication.
>>
>> A dance with enforced taking of everyone's less familiar role can help
>> build acceptance.
>>
>> One time we were divided into two sets, one with all gents and the other
>> with all ladies.  Some gents came away impressed by how violently they were
>> being swung around while dancing as robins while some ladies complained
>> about the wimpy larks they danced with.  And some in both lines enjoyed the
>> better matches of forces and energy.
>>
>> Late in a regular evening dance a caller recently threw in a contra with
>> larks and robins progressing in opposite directions or at different rates.
>> Although it was announced as a mixer, it was sufficiently unexpected that
>> chaos and discomfort ensued.  I'd have been happier with that in a workshop
>> setting.  "Dance with who's coming at you."
>>
>>
>> On 1/24/2024 11:35 AM, Maia McCormick via Contra Callers wrote:
>>
>> Whoops, I never came back to this, but, some exercises I've
>> done/seen/considered:
>> - half the room gets the walkthrough and half doesn't, the ones who got
>> the walkthrough need to guide the others through the dance NONVERBALLY
>> - nonsense dance: substitute all the dance vocab with random words,
>> define a few terms for every dancer, call a nonsense dance and the hall has
>> to piece together what's what
>> - excision dance (requires real tight collab with the band): take a
>> simple dance and, once the hall has it, you and the band conspire to just
>> drop 8 or 16 counts at a time (or more!) and dancers need to get themselves
>> in place for the next move. E.g. if the dance ends with a chain + star and
>> starts with a new neighbor, you might call "robins chain... new neighbor
>> balance and swing" and the band goes to the top of A1 (i.e. cutting out the
>> last 8 beats of B2). Dancers need to know how the dance flows and where
>> moves start and end to compensate for missing moves
>> - noodly beginners: this one is a Lindsey Dono gem. You've got a bunch of
>> friends coming, they're raw beginners, who will volunteer to dance with
>> them and get them through the next dance? And the friends in question turn
>> out to be... pool noodles. How do dancers accommodate partners who quite
>> literally can't do a single thing?
>> - esp. in very slanted halls, I've challenged dancers to do a dance with
>> lots of movement up/down the line (think 3-33-33) without the sets getting
>> bent out of shape. That's it, that's the whole challenge.
>> - a good exercise on its own or can be combined with the above: practice
>> dropping a full hands-4 out of the set. This is a recovery skill that isn't

[Callers] Re: Workshop activities for helping dancers improve their skills?

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

During an allemande,  dancers should think of  their arn as a
spring--neither the elbow nor is rigid.Without instruction,  most
beginners will keep one or both rigid

On Wed, Jan 17, 2024 at 7:39 PM Read Weaver via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I quite like Alan’s tetherball pole, something I’ll keep in mind.
>
> I’ve so rarely found anyone giving too much weight that I’ve thought the
> objections to the term were theoretical rather than practical, but perhaps
> I’ve been lucky (or give too much weight myself). It has occurred to me
> that “taking weight” is perhaps a better term, since that better suggests
> something you’re offering rather than demanding.
>
> When I teach beginners, the very first thing I do is teach giving weight,
> both because I think it’s so important, and because I then point out
> moments where you can do it in all* the other figures. For example, in a
> chain across, I describe the connection that the people crossing have as
> they take hands and pull past as giving weight, awa a very different giving
> weight in a well-done courtesy turn. I think calling all of that “giving
> weight” is a way of getting across that it’s not just one thing, and that
> it’s really central to the difference between dancing near others and
> dancing with others. And I’ll tell beginners that if they’re good at giving
> weight, they can make lots of mistakes and people will think it’s their own
> fault ‘cause they’ll assume from the good giving weight that they’re
> dancing with a skilled dancer.
> *Except wrist-grip star—possible to do it, and if you do you’ll hurt the
> person whose wrist you’re gripping.
>
> The trick I start with for learning it is to have folks in allemande
> position, and then have them go around really fast while paying close
> attention to what that feels like in their hand and arm. I’ll then have
> them do it again, starting out fast and then slowing down (maybe slower
> than you’d actually dance it) while keeping that same feeling in their hand
> and arm.
>
> But the original question was about _improving_ skills—the specific thing
> for that would be giving weight in a circle, something that so rarely
> happens. In my beginners’ classes, I point out that a circle four is a
> really boring figure, _unless_ everyone is giving weight; then it’s
> actually a pretty worthwhile figure. (It’s why grapevine step has inveigled
> it’s way from club squares—it adds something at least a little interesting
> to a (weightless, poorly done) circle four. I strongly discourage it, since
> it’s so much harder (albeit not impossible) to give steady weight while
> grapevining.)
>
> Read Weaver
> Jamaica Plain, MA
> http://lcfd.org
>
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[Callers] Re: Most difficult contras

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Oops!!   From my earlier comment, delete the following:
---
"Your dance can be made single progression by using rights and lefts on the
1/2 diagonal  ( https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#RL ) , in which case
the robins move 3 places forward and 2 places back.  Work out the details
with coins or pencil & paper  if you wish.

Your dance is also single progression if only one of the chains is on the
1/2 diagonal"
--

It's all wrong
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[Callers] Re: Most difficult contras

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Hello Maia:
Oops..  I have been referring to your  dance Happy Jew Queer with a wrong name. 
 I apologize.   I fear this  was a temporary case of dyslexia, likely prompted 
by my  having been,  just before I  just before I looked up the dance, thinking 
about an acquaintance who is both Jewish and queer  Unfortunately this 
message system does not let me correct my error (or I have not been able to 
figure out how)
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[Callers] Re: Most difficult contras

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Alan:
Oops..  I indeed have been referring to Maia's dance Happy Jew Queer 
incorrectly.  I apologize.   I suspect  this  was a temporary case of dyslexia, 
prompted by my  having been,  just before I  just before I looked up the dance, 
thinking about an acquaintance who is both Jewish and queer.  Unfortunately 
this message system does not let me correct my error (or I have not been able 
to figure out how)

I have written several dances the workings of which I did not fully understand 
for months or years.  It took me several readings to figure how  Happy Jew 
Queer worked.I thought she and maybe others would find my observations 
interesting.
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[Callers] Re: Most difficult contras

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

One cycle through  a double progression dance moves everybody onew place up
or down the line.
One cycle through  a double progression dance moves everybody two places up
or down the line.
In Happy QueerJjew, the left diagonal chain moves the robins 3 places and
the right diagonal chain moves them one place more, leaving them 4 places
from where they started.   The roll away and then the swing each moves the
robins back one place resulting in at total progression of two places.

The larks, meanwhile, do not move up or down until the rollaway (on place)
and the swing (one more place for a total of two.

Your dance can be made single progression by using rights and lefts on the
1/2 diagonal  ( https://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#RL ) , in which case
the robins move 3 places forward and 2 places back.  Work out the details
with coins or pencil & paper  if you wish.

Your dance is also single progression if only one of the chains is on the
1/2 diagonal

On Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 12:57 PM Maia McCormick  wrote:

> I mean I'm not positive about your definition of a "place" but it's a
> double progression so that seems to check out?
> --
> Maia McCormick (she/her)
> 917.279.8194
>
>
> On Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 6:15 PM  wrote:
>
>> Hmmm...   In Happy Queer Jew the robins advance four places and return
>> two places, while the larks only advance two places
>>
>> On Mon, Oct 23, 2023 at 8:12 PM Maia McCormick via Contra Callers <
>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>>> Committing discussion necromancy because I just found this at the bottom
>>> of my inbox.
>>>
>>> Seconding Cary Ravitz' "Reflections", which continues to be the wonkiest
>>> dance in my box. I've also had Chris Weiler's mixer No Use Crying Over
>>> Spilled Milk
>>> <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=1608> fall
>>> apart in entertaining ways even with pretty advanced dancers.
>>>
>>> Happy Jew Queer
>>> <https://contra.maiamccormick.com/dances.html#happyjewqueer> is one of
>>> mine, and has been revised several times to make it a little more
>>> tractable, but it's still a fun gnarly double-prog double shadow dance.
>>>
>>> - Maia
>>> --
>>> Maia McCormick (she/her)
>>> 917.279.8194
>>>
>>>
>>> On Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 4:27 PM Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
>>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> In Happy as a Cold Pig in Warm Mud, the allemande 1 1/2  and the 1 3/4
>>>> can causes the excitement.I suspect emphasizing one's shadow can help a
>>>> bit.
>>>> But the direction change at the end of set guarantees temporary chaos.
>>>> Happy also appears in the "MIdwest Folklore" book mentioned in my
>>>> response to Woody
>>>>
>>>> On Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 7:11 PM Dale Wilson 
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> "Happy as a Cold Pig in Warm Mud"  y Mike Boerschig doesn't seem like
>>>>> it would be very difficult when you read the card, but it is amazing how
>>>>> many creative ways it can go wrong.  There is usually at least one star 
>>>>> for
>>>>> five somewhere in the line at the same time there's a star for three going
>>>>> on elsewhere.  I call it sometimes with the right crowd of experienced
>>>>> dancers because it's fun to watch the recovery process.
>>>>>
>>>>> Dale
>>>>>
>>>>> On Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 6:47 PM Jerome Grisanti via Contra Callers <
>>>>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> "Would You Do It for Twenty?" by Robert Cromartie. We have
>>>>>> discussions about "glossary" dances, this one is a "kitchen sink" dance, 
>>>>>> as
>>>>>> in "everything you can think of but the kitchen sink." Contra corners,
>>>>>> petronella, diagonal hey, alternates between proper and improper.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Maybe in a workshop, on a bet, hence the title.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Jerome
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Mon, Sep 25, 2023, 6:38 PM Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
>>>>>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> What are the most difficult  contras (improper, proper, indecent or
&g

[Callers] Re: Most difficult contras

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Hmmm...   In Happy Queer Jew the robins advance four places and return two
places, while the larks only advance two places

On Mon, Oct 23, 2023 at 8:12 PM Maia McCormick via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Committing discussion necromancy because I just found this at the bottom
> of my inbox.
>
> Seconding Cary Ravitz' "Reflections", which continues to be the wonkiest
> dance in my box. I've also had Chris Weiler's mixer No Use Crying Over
> Spilled Milk
> <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=1608> fall
> apart in entertaining ways even with pretty advanced dancers.
>
> Happy Jew Queer
> <https://contra.maiamccormick.com/dances.html#happyjewqueer> is one of
> mine, and has been revised several times to make it a little more
> tractable, but it's still a fun gnarly double-prog double shadow dance.
>
> - Maia
> --
> Maia McCormick (she/her)
> 917.279.8194
>
>
> On Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 4:27 PM Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> In Happy as a Cold Pig in Warm Mud, the allemande 1 1/2  and the 1 3/4
>> can causes the excitement.I suspect emphasizing one's shadow can help a
>> bit.
>> But the direction change at the end of set guarantees temporary chaos.
>>   Happy also appears in the "MIdwest Folklore" book mentioned in my
>> response to Woody
>>
>> On Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 7:11 PM Dale Wilson 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> "Happy as a Cold Pig in Warm Mud"  y Mike Boerschig doesn't seem like it
>>> would be very difficult when you read the card, but it is amazing how many
>>> creative ways it can go wrong.  There is usually at least one star for five
>>> somewhere in the line at the same time there's a star for three going on
>>> elsewhere.  I call it sometimes with the right crowd of experienced dancers
>>> because it's fun to watch the recovery process.
>>>
>>> Dale
>>>
>>> On Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 6:47 PM Jerome Grisanti via Contra Callers <
>>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> "Would You Do It for Twenty?" by Robert Cromartie. We have discussions
>>>> about "glossary" dances, this one is a "kitchen sink" dance, as in
>>>> "everything you can think of but the kitchen sink." Contra corners,
>>>> petronella, diagonal hey, alternates between proper and improper.
>>>>
>>>> Maybe in a workshop, on a bet, hence the title.
>>>>
>>>> Jerome
>>>>
>>>> On Mon, Sep 25, 2023, 6:38 PM Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
>>>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> What are the most difficult  contras (improper, proper, indecent or
>>>>> becket) that you have danced,  have called, and remain  afraid to call?
>>>>> ___
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>>>>>
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>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Penultimatum:  Surrender now or next time I threaten you I'll really
>>> mean it.
>>>
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[Callers] Introducing new dances to gender free dancing

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Several months ago someone posted on a thread here her/his excellent approach 
to this.
Does anyone know in which thread this was?
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[Callers] Larks, Robins, Gents, Ladies and "X, formerly known as Twitter"

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Which do you speculate will come first?
a) The press will regularly refer to "X" rather than "X, formerly known as 
Twitter"
OR
b) The contra dance world will agree to one of larks/robins or gents/ladies
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[Callers] Re: Most difficult contras

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

In Happy as a Cold Pig in Warm Mud, the allemande 1 1/2  and the 1 3/4 can
causes the excitement.I suspect emphasizing one's shadow can help a bit.
But the direction change at the end of set guarantees temporary chaos.
Happy also appears in the "MIdwest Folklore" book mentioned in my
response to Woody

On Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 7:11 PM Dale Wilson  wrote:

> "Happy as a Cold Pig in Warm Mud"  y Mike Boerschig doesn't seem like it
> would be very difficult when you read the card, but it is amazing how many
> creative ways it can go wrong.  There is usually at least one star for five
> somewhere in the line at the same time there's a star for three going on
> elsewhere.  I call it sometimes with the right crowd of experienced dancers
> because it's fun to watch the recovery process.
>
> Dale
>
> On Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 6:47 PM Jerome Grisanti via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> "Would You Do It for Twenty?" by Robert Cromartie. We have discussions
>> about "glossary" dances, this one is a "kitchen sink" dance, as in
>> "everything you can think of but the kitchen sink." Contra corners,
>> petronella, diagonal hey, alternates between proper and improper.
>>
>> Maybe in a workshop, on a bet, hence the title.
>>
>> Jerome
>>
>> On Mon, Sep 25, 2023, 6:38 PM Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
>> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>>> What are the most difficult  contras (improper, proper, indecent or
>>> becket) that you have danced,  have called, and remain  afraid to call?
>>> ___
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>
>
> --
> Penultimatum:  Surrender now or next time I threaten you I'll really mean
> it.
>
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[Callers] Re: Teaching 'contra' to adults with various developmental disabilities

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Thirty or so years ago a since deceased  acquaintance  told me his experience 
calling a contra dance for developmentally disabled adults.
The first dance he chose (I assume it quite simple) took a while to teach.
But once started the group enjoyed it.
When the group lined up again and he started teaching another dance, the group 
protested.
They wanted to do the same dance !!
So he did the same dance for the rest of the program.
I don't  recall his telling me how long the program was.
I can't imagine your doing more than 3 dances in an hour
But don't be  surprised if you end up needing only one dance.
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[Callers] Re: Most difficult contras

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

 "Irish Stars" first appeared  in the book *Midwest Folklore*,  published
in1995 by the Urbana (IL) Country Dancers, in honor of Orace Johnson, one
of our group's leaders who died of a heart attack at one of our community
dances. I edited the dances in the book, had not looked at the dance in
almost 30 years, but had  danced it 2 or 3 times.   Orace  and Al Olson
used to talk often and long by phone (pre-internet days)  about dance
compositions.   Seeing it in your post I looked at it for the first time in
close to 30 years.   The dance is challenging since A2 and B2 parts each a
bit over 16 beats.   So the music must be slowed and/or the dancers must
adjust.I think dancers today would have an easier time with it.   And,
as you know, it has no swings.

I must be wide awake before reflecting on "Reflections"

On Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 6:22 PM Woody Lane via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Two dances, very different from each other (not afraid to call, just very
> reluctant):
>
> "Irish Stars" by Orace Johnson
> "Reflections" by Carey Ravitz
>
> Woody
> --
> Woody Lane
> Caller, Percussive Dancer
> Roseburg, Oregon
> ------
>
> On 9/25/2023 3:38 PM, Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers wrote:
>
> What are the most difficult  contras (improper, proper, indecent or becket) 
> that you have danced,  have called, and remain  afraid to call?
> ___
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>
>
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[Callers] Re: Most difficult contras

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

It's Buffalo Stampede by Tom Hinds.  (https://contradb.com/dances/948)

On Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 6:02 PM Paul Wilde  wrote:

> Buffalo Stampede by Don Armstrong (?)
>
> On Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 7:00 PM ROBERT FABINSKI via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Whitewater by Cary Ravitz is a difficult dance.
>>
>> bob...@aol.com
>>
>> On Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 6:38 PM, Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers
>>  wrote:
>> What are the most difficult  contras (improper, proper, indecent or
>> becket) that you have danced,  have called, and remain  afraid to call?
>> ___
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>
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[Callers] Most difficult contras

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

What are the most difficult  contras (improper, proper, indecent or becket) 
that you have danced,  have called, and remain  afraid to call?
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[Callers] Re: New Terminology Question

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Nothing wrong with teaching a figure and assigning it a name for the
duration of the dance or duration of the program--even if that name is
commonly used elsewhere.I would suggest so-di-so, but an
immediate following or preceding do-si-do may well leave the dancers
confused and/or the caller tongue tied.


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On Sun, Sep 17, 2023 at 7:41 AM Katherine Kitching via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> What interesting timing for Michael to write "Some terms, such as Rory
> O'More, petronella and California twirl should be banished for more
> descriptive phrases--in this case "balance and slide/shift". "
>
> I am about to introduce Mad Robins to my group for the first time in its
> 15 year history (reminder, we are an island here in Halifax where 99+
> percent of the dancers never dance anywhere else)
>
> and I was feeling reluctant to use the term M.R., since it goes against
> the principle I try to use  here for our "always lots of beginners" group,
> of using intuitive, descriptive names for my figures.  But also a bit torn
> because I do love the term "mad robin" and we will probably only use it in
> one dance :)
>
> I had been seriously considering the term "Mirror Do-si-do" as an
> alternative - because to me, this describes the term perfectly - my dancers
> know what a dosido is, and now they will do one- watching their
> "reflection" do the same thing across the set.
>
> But! I know that "mirror do si do" unfortunately has another meaning in
> the lexicon of figures...
> I have been weighing the decision because I am quite sure 99-100 percent
> of the dancers have never danced a real mirror do si do, and I feel 96-100
> percent of them will never go on to do so.
>
> I thought I might even introduce the concept saying "just for your
> interest/in case you go on to dance anywhere else, in the bigger contra
> dancing world, this figure is called a " mad robin" and a "mirror do si do"
> is something different..."
>
> I think Michael's comment has emboldened me to go down this route :)
>
> Kat in Hfx NS Canada
>
>
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[Callers] Re: New Terminology Question

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

"  known for writing and advocating difficult sequences, "
My "difficult sequences"  are mostly difficult for callers to
visualize (and thus teach), than for reasonably experienced dancers to
dance.

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On Thu, Sep 14, 2023 at 10:14 AM Tony Parkes via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Bravo, Michael! (I’ve bolded, below, the point on which I want to agree
> wholeheartedly.) I’ve believed this for years, and had no way of knowing
> what percentage of active contra callers agreed. I dare to hope that, as
> Michael is known for writing and advocating difficult sequences, his
> opinion will carry added weight.
>
>
>
> Over the decades, I’ve seen the number of contra “basics” increase
> dramatically – from about 12 in the 1960s, when many groups got started, to
> at least 36 today. I’ve worried that the modern contra world has been going
> down the same path as modern “western” squares did. There’s always a gap
> between what a first-timer can grasp in one night and what a dancer needs
> to know to be comfortable at a dance series. But if “basics” are
> continually added, the gap gets ever wider, until a lesson or a series of
> lessons is needed. Western squares started with 6 lessons in the late
> 1940s; currently the Plus program (the prevailing club level in most parts
> of the US) contains 97 “basics” and (coincidentally) is recommended to be
> taught in 97 hours, or about 50 lessons. (Most clubs insist that their
> callers take less time, which results in new dancers not learning the calls
> adequately.)
>
>
>
> We contra and trad square callers are nowhere near the excesses of MWSD.
> But even 36 “basics” are too many for an activity that supposedly anyone
> can join in without lessons. Some sequences – maybe even some moves –
> should be reserved for workshops. I’m glad to see an influential modern
> contra caller speaking out on this.
>
>
>
> Tony Parkes
>
> Billerica, Mass.
>
> www.hands4.com
>
> New book! Square Dance Calling: An Old Art for a New Century
>
> (available now)
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
> *Sent:* Thursday, September 14, 2023 4:11 AM
> *To:* Helle Hill 
> *Cc:* Shared Weight Contra Callers 
> *Subject:* [Callers] Re: New Terminology Question
>
>
>
> Jeff's suggestion of "facing star" works perfectly, and merits becoming
> the standard term used for discussions about and written descriptions of
> dances. However, *such occasionally used figures must always be explained
> during walk-throughs*, so the caller can designate, for the duration of
> the dance, any appropriate name. (I think I have used "funny" or "silly"
> star in the past.) The point being that *dancers should need to
> understand the names of a dozen or so basic figures* (such as F&B,
> allemande, promenade, star, chain, right and left, circle, shoulders round,
> hey, and maybe several more) and that callers should need only  basic
> figures to teach any dance.
>
>
>
> On Wed, Sep 13, 2023 at 8:58 PM Helle Hill via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> With all the changes to the "old" terminology, I am wondering what a
> "Gypsy Star" is now called.
>
>
>
> Thank you.
>
>
>
> Helle Hill
>
>
>
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[Callers] Re: New Terminology Question

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

I need to augment my list slightly:
F&B, allemande, promenade, star, chain, right and left, circle, shoulders
round, hey, swing, balance.
A crowd comfortable with all these should be capable of learning one or two
less generic figures (appropriate for the crowd's collective skill level) a
caller might wish to utilize.
What additional figures would you add to my list to create your list of 36?

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On Thu, Sep 14, 2023 at 10:14 AM Tony Parkes via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Bravo, Michael! (I’ve bolded, below, the point on which I want to agree
> wholeheartedly.) I’ve believed this for years, and had no way of knowing
> what percentage of active contra callers agreed. I dare to hope that, as
> Michael is known for writing and advocating difficult sequences, his
> opinion will carry added weight.
>
>
>
> Over the decades, I’ve seen the number of contra “basics” increase
> dramatically – from about 12 in the 1960s, when many groups got started, to
> at least 36 today. I’ve worried that the modern contra world has been going
> down the same path as modern “western” squares did. There’s always a gap
> between what a first-timer can grasp in one night and what a dancer needs
> to know to be comfortable at a dance series. But if “basics” are
> continually added, the gap gets ever wider, until a lesson or a series of
> lessons is needed. Western squares started with 6 lessons in the late
> 1940s; currently the Plus program (the prevailing club level in most parts
> of the US) contains 97 “basics” and (coincidentally) is recommended to be
> taught in 97 hours, or about 50 lessons. (Most clubs insist that their
> callers take less time, which results in new dancers not learning the calls
> adequately.)
>
>
>
> We contra and trad square callers are nowhere near the excesses of MWSD.
> But even 36 “basics” are too many for an activity that supposedly anyone
> can join in without lessons. Some sequences – maybe even some moves –
> should be reserved for workshops. I’m glad to see an influential modern
> contra caller speaking out on this.
>
>
>
> Tony Parkes
>
> Billerica, Mass.
>
> www.hands4.com
>
> New book! Square Dance Calling: An Old Art for a New Century
>
> (available now)
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
> *Sent:* Thursday, September 14, 2023 4:11 AM
> *To:* Helle Hill 
> *Cc:* Shared Weight Contra Callers 
> *Subject:* [Callers] Re: New Terminology Question
>
>
>
> Jeff's suggestion of "facing star" works perfectly, and merits becoming
> the standard term used for discussions about and written descriptions of
> dances. However, *such occasionally used figures must always be explained
> during walk-throughs*, so the caller can designate, for the duration of
> the dance, any appropriate name. (I think I have used "funny" or "silly"
> star in the past.) The point being that *dancers should need to
> understand the names of a dozen or so basic figures* (such as F&B,
> allemande, promenade, star, chain, right and left, circle, shoulders round,
> hey, and maybe several more) and that callers should need only  basic
> figures to teach any dance.
>
>
>
> On Wed, Sep 13, 2023 at 8:58 PM Helle Hill via Contra Callers <
> contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> With all the changes to the "old" terminology, I am wondering what a
> "Gypsy Star" is now called.
>
>
>
> Thank you.
>
>
>
> Helle Hill
>
>
>
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[Callers] Re: New Terminology Question

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Jeff's suggestion of "facing star" works perfectly, and merits becoming the
standard  term used for discussions about and written descriptions of
dances.  However,  such occasionally used figures must always be explained
during walk-throughs, so the caller can designate, for the duration of the
dance, any  appropriate name.   (I think I have used "funny" or "silly"
star in the past.)   The point being that dancers should need to understand
the names of  a dozen or so basic figures (such as F&B, allemande,
promenade, star, chain, right and left, circle, shoulders round, hey, and
maybe several more) and that callers should need only  basic figures
to teach any dance.

On Wed, Sep 13, 2023 at 8:58 PM Helle Hill via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> With all the changes to the "old" terminology, I am wondering what a
> "Gypsy Star" is now called.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Helle Hill
>
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[Callers] Re: Favorite "Experienced" Material?

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Skilled and/or properly prepared callers can make "experienced" material quite 
tractable.
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[Callers] Re: No Wait-Out Contras

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Any dance where dancers progress to a couple with which they do not end up with 
is, to some extent,  is a no-wait contra.

Here is one of mine:
Alex is Where?   http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Alex
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[Callers] Re: Favorite "Experienced" Material?

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Two waves, Five Balances on the Head of Pin
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#2W5BW

The Balter Dance  
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Balter

A New Idea   
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#NewIdea

Alex is Where? 
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Alex

A.O.'s No-No  
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#AOs

One Shy of Twenty 
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#One

Not Quite Fifty  
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#NotQuiteFifty

A Proper Potpouri 
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Proper

Hoots and Shouts
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Hoots

E.J.M.J.F.in Cincinnatti
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#E_J_M_J_F_

Dave found the Missing Coffee Cup
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Dave
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[Callers] Re: Mandatory Swings ??

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

There is nothing  inappropriate or embarrassing  about the parameters  
neffa.org sets for its Scout House dances.
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[Callers] Re: Mandatory Swings ??

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

"no more than two dances without neighbor swings"
https://www.neffa.org/thursday-contras-caller-info/
(A search for the words, enclosed in quotes, revealed the source)
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[Callers] Re: Mandatory Swings ??

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Limiting the number of no-neighbor-swing dances in a program seems prudent.
But  Greg's comment seemed focused on dance choreography
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[Callers] Mandatory Swings ??

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Greg Frock in a Jun 9 thread, 'Dance Modules,'  suggested  " the 'mandatory 
swing requirements' these days, more and more choreographic sequences are just 
coming up with new ways to interestingly connect the swings" 
I disagree.  A mandatory partner swing requirement seems to exist, but no  
neighbor swing requirement.   
Instead of a neighbor swing,  either  (a) substantial non-swing interaction 
with either or both neighbors (stars, allemandes, shoulder rounds, dosidos, 
chains or heys), or (b) distinctive choreography,  can result in a  great 
dances.
(1) Last time I danced an evening to Darlene Underwood's calling, she called 4 
excellent dances without a neighbor swing.   (As a dance composer I notice such 
dances.) 
(2) The May Heydays festival held in England, just posted on  this list  
(thread 'May the Serpent Be With you') the winners of its annual dance 
competition.   The second place winner, Cherry Season, (3) The Callers' Box  
has 3525 duple minor dances without a neighbor swing including 9 by me.
Clearer descriptions of some of mine may found at my web page
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[Callers] Remembering Allen Ortep

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

In 1810, and for some years before and after, Sudbury MA (incorporated in 1639) 
was the site of a monthly barn dance. One of the local dance masters, Allen 
Ortep, composed a contra dance, where four dancers would balance in a circle, 
left foot then right foot, followed by shift/spin left one place. Allen and 
another local dance master both had interest in the same lady. To shorten a 
long story, Allen did not get the lady, and eventually stopped attending the 
Sudbury dances. His successful rival then composed a dance where four dancers 
balanced in a circle, right foot hen left foot, followed by a shift/spin right 
one place, and named it petronella (spell petronella backwards to find out 
why). To honor these events, Sudbury MA was given the zipcode 01776. (Thanks to 
Don Veino for pointing out Sudbury's zipcode.)

Today, many contra callers and composers have promoted the word petronella to 
both a verb and noun for a circle balance followed by everyone 
shifting/spinning right one place. But if the spin/shift is instead to the 
left, the figure is better designated "Allen Ortep," or for brevity, "Ortep"
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[Callers] Re: 30+ seconds

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Oops  I meant Stuart, not Frank, Hodes
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[Callers] 30+ seconds

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

I remain entertained that while we conjure how to ensure dancers complete 
repetitive 30+ second sequences relatively in time to repetitive tunes,  some 
can retain infinitely complex sequences for infinitely complex music within.
Frank Hodes, who dance with Martha Graham, just died.Here is a link to his 
New York Times obituary which contains a link to his most well known 
performance with Ms Graham   
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/20/arts/dance/stuart-hodes-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=rV-CKP6SWVg_PY293ET2ybtaQwZTFofmLWGnj0nD5ifd4P96igjJB-o8HXO_or7gaDmcA_I_pQ2AsFvC9yn8_YZZ28VgPVN_sIxwTdB518vjh--ywmlkFASmZkOPPgaQ30StklyVyzH1zfsYh5k-0bJX2TG6udr3mNbSiDGNCMHMYIa9la4cPBI65S4X208B5aSPcu1t3wJA69rz2Fyw0MN0sM2eEGHHJuKVYzgH6wAfIxOfI94NIQIxZRWVo0zPwG8r6mRyz2uXw3qtlsfEafrk_JTeMvUGSHVyuhL5xj5EggL8TCpHCitPmEonBy6jAGKKEg6zdT3UyGtdiX0&smid=url-share
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[Callers] Another dance FOR other playful strategies?

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Here is a dance of mine (which I have called several times)  where partners  
say together, but the calls at a critical moment determines direction and 
distance of progression.
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Unconsoled
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[Callers] Re: Spilled Milk analysis (was Re: Do you add a 'do anything' move into a contra? OR other playful strategies? :) )

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Here is page by Colin Hume which discusses end effects--
https://colinhume.com/dtendeffects.htm
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[Callers] Re: Gentlespoons/Ladles (from Rompin' Stompin')

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Alan J. Rosenthal  suggested: "In my opinion it's important that the 
replacement terms don't resemble any gendered words"
I disagree.
The purpose of the replacement words is, in the long run,  to leave as few 
persons as possible (hopefully no one) uncomfortable.
Whether they sound like other words are not inherently relevant.
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[Callers] Re: Gentlespoons/Ladles (from Rompin' Stompin')

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

jets/rubies might be the best solution several reasons: 
(1) no relation to gender roles, 
(2) sound like gents and ladies, satisfying those who cognitively have 
difficulty associating larks and robins with the corresponding roles. 
(3) easier and faster to say.   Jets, unlike larks, has no hard consonant. 
Rubies has a hard consonant "b", but the sound of the "u" leaves one's lips and 
tongue positioned perfectly  to utter the "b". (This is a benefit to new 
callers, who often have difficulty prompting on time.) 
-
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[Callers] Re: Rompin' Stompin'

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

For lots of balances
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#TwoW6B
or
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#TwoW5B

On Sun, Feb 5, 2023 at 12:16 PM ROBERT FABINSKI via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> I like Roger Diggle's Snake Oil Reel for lots of balances, and the dancers
> are connected to someone else pretty muchthe while time, which makes it
> very accessible when there are a lot of new dancers mixed in with
> experienced ones.
>
> bob...@aol.com
>
> On Sun, Feb 5, 2023 at 1:10 PM, Maia McCormick via Contra Callers
>  wrote:
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[Callers] Re: ChatGBT

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

No asked it to use positional callng!!
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[Callers] Re: next steps between barn dance & contra, focus on fun figures

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

For many years  a man named  Jim Hicks has run   not quite monthly dances in 
the Peoria IL area.   He certainly  once faced the same challenges you now 
face.Their Facebook page is 
https://www.facebook.com/rusty.pickup.barn.dance/   
You might want to contact him through his FB page about his experiences and 
advice.

Plan  your dances (which I speculate last 2 or 3 hours) so that the earlier 
dances  teach the figures  used in more interesting dances  near the end of the 
session (by which time some of the newer dancers may have left).Also, plan 
in advance the 8-12 dances you would like to do,  but have another  5 or 6 that 
you can substitute if the crowd is collectively more or less skilled that you 
had planned for.
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[Callers] Re: next steps between barn dance & contra, focus on fun figures

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

For some reason I thought you were getting 20-25 dancers.  
But with 60-80 your slower approach seems needed.
However,  if you are planning an "advanced" dance  for your "more experienced" 
dancers,  you can probably proceed  closer to my suggestions.
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[Callers] Re: next steps between barn dance & contra, focus on fun figures

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

oops!!   I meant  "This link contains a list"  rather than   "This  link (a 
list .."
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[Callers] Re: next steps between barn dance & contra, focus on fun figures

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

For how many months have you been holding these dances?
I am assuming you are the caller.  
If you have  at least 6 or 8 regulars,  I would think, that after 3 or 4 
sessions   the core group should be familiar with all of  allemande, chain, R&L 
across, courtesy turn, swing, balance and swing, circle, F&B, dosido, Star, 
balance, balance & swing, becket, down the hall and tuning alone or as a 
couple.   If they don't yet know these, introduce 2 or 3 at your next dance.
Gaps could be filled in for any newbies.   California twirl is easily 
demonstrated.Many good contra dances exist that use only these.   Heys are 
optional.   I have called several evenings of dances without ever using a hey.  
 Roll-away are not needed.

This  link (a list of easy and intermediate dances I once put together, 
occasionally augment, but never cleaned up)  has many candidate dances,  
especially on the first several pages. 
http://aptsg.org/Dance/easy_dances.pdf

I  speculate that  your not having enough experience teaching new dancers may 
also be relevant. Maybe you can get Steve Pike or Roger Diggle to call one 
of your dances,  and you can study what they do and answer some specific 
questions.
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[Callers] My dance wirh 5 or 6 balances

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Deceptively easy for those who have danced several times
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#2W5BW
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[Callers] Dances where everyone balances 5 or more times ??

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

I've written two, but wonder if anyone know of others?
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[Callers] Re: Dances with fewer swings

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Many excellent dances without a neighbor swing exist, I have fantasized about 
calling a whole evening of such dances.
Many dances  having only the 1's active can be adapted so the 1's and 2's 
alternate as active, the  most often called of which is "Alternating Corners" 
by Jim Kitch.

Relevant dances of mine without neighbor swings
The Balter Dance   http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Balter
Star Birth  http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Star (also 1's and  2's 
alternate being active)
A Proper Potpourri:  http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Proper
The Unconsoled Cellar Door   http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Unconsoled
The Great Urbana Barn Dance   http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Great
Positional Thinking   http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#PosTh

At last December's Contradancers' Delight Holiday in Tennessee, Darlene 
Underwood called several excellent dances without neighbor swings.
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[Callers] Connectivity within a dance for new dancers

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Here is a link to  one of my recent dances, "The Balter Dance," not written 
with beginners in mind...
http://aptsg.org/Dance/dances.html#Balter
A caller  described her experience calling this at  a local dance (which 
usually attracts
  a relatively large number of beginners)
"I called a couple of your dances tonight. there were totally brand new 
dancers in the 
mix- folks with not even other dance experience- so even basic stuff 
required like 3 walk-thrus. 
We did Dave Found The Missing Coffee Cup, and Balter Dance. 
Balter Dance was particularly well received for its chains for both 
ladies and gents, 
which is rare, and works beautifully with the alternating stars. 
One person commented that it was great for helping new dancers, since 
you're in 
   physical contact with either a partner or neighbor almost all the time, 
so you don't 
   get lost or wander in the wrong direction."
Does anyone have other dances with connectivity making them appropriate for 
crowds with a high proportion of beginners?
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[Callers] Re: 'Git Goin' (Was: Big Easy Variation)

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Your concerns about positional calling are correct.
It works ok for the majority of dances, but poorly for some.
Positional teaching/prompting requires more words from the caller and more 
thought by  dancers.
Thus some dances will require a crowd of a collectively higher skill level for 
the  dance to be called positionally.
Often the challenge is not in teaching the dance positionally, but in prompting 
once the dance starts.
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[Callers] Re: 'Git Goin' (Was: Big Easy Variation)

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

" but there's a couple of strategies there:"
but such are less lucid to newer dancers, than role names.
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[Callers] Re: Does this dance exist?

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

I can think of  two out of print books where this  dance or something terribly 
close  could be.

Holden, Rickey, Frank Kaltman, and Olga Kulbitsky. The Contra Dance Book. 
Newark, NJ: American Squares, 1956; Lovendegem, Belgium: Anglo-American Dance 
Service, 1997.
A compilation of contras and progressive circle dances from available American 
literature between 1850 and 1953.

Page, Ralph. An Elegant Collection of Contras and Squares. Denver, CO: The 
Lloyd Shaw Foundation, 1984.
Over 60 of Page's favorite dances are described in great detail. Included are 
most of the old "classic" contras as well as many of the contras and squares 
written by "contemporary" composers between 1940 and 1980. All this and 53 good 
tunes as well!

George Lowrey, who died in the late 1980's or early 1990's, was well known 
dance caller and U of Illinois  faculty member.  He may well have created such 
a dance 

For now I would name this dance  "I Wonder Who Wrote This"
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[Callers] Re: New dance for your consideration

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

Good dance
I think the second half of the dance can be better described as follows

B1
Balance circle of 4  (4)
Petronella  finish taking left hands in a wavy line of 2 with person you swung. 
(4)
   (Tell dancers to think of their group of 8 as a racetrack or paper clip of 8
 everyone facing CCW)
Balance the line of 2 (4)
Walk forward 2 places in the racetrack,  looping left at the ends, take  left 
hands  with shadow (4)
B2
Balance with shadow (4)
Walk forward 2 places in racetrack
Those in front of their partner turn back over right shoulder to swing partner,
   end facing in original direction (8)
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[Callers] Re: Is this original?

[Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers]

How about a right shoulder round instead of dsd?
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