tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79123571783924322822012-03-16T21:12:31.706-05:00Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.comBlogger2001100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-42408047685037428242010-07-28T11:48:00.003-05:002010-07-28T12:20:28.154-05:00

Transferring the Contents of One Brain into AnotherIt has occurred to me that the reason callers get wordy is that they somehow think that if they can just transfer the contents of their brains into the brains of the dancers, the dancers will understand the WHOLE DANCE and will, therefore, dance better.Understanding the Whole Dance is, of course, the job of the caller, and there is work involved

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-51076178023098183182010-04-12T12:22:00.003-05:002010-04-12T12:32:30.986-05:00

Matthew Keefer, who used to dance w/ Childgrove, is interested in having a dance for an All Parish Conference (on May 15). It would be a mixture of ages and mostly beginners. Neither Mac nor I is available for this event, but I wanted to see if any of you can help.When we were learning to call, we often tag-teamed (Mac/Ted/Jeanette/Andrew/and myself) for events such as this to take some of the

That's a 7-letter Deborah, never a Debnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-75672418652080055342009-12-09T17:16:00.003-06:002009-12-10T00:22:13.101-06:00

Lovely time at Dan and Karen's extra apartment tonight. Bob and Dale called some dances, there was jamming with Dan and Alice and Dale and Jan. Dan had an old violin that I played since I didn't think of bringing mine. The hair was half gone from the bow but the fun was still left. There was gluhwein and lovely eats and good folks. Happy holidays.ME

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-49282554408205778232009-11-19T16:46:00.004-06:002009-11-20T11:39:30.898-06:00

A most interesting thing happened the other night. I called David Kirchner’s dance “Duck Soup”, which has, as one of its many charming features, the opening move “circle right”. I remember David calling it when he lived in St. Louis, and his admonition “to the right, to the right” rings in my ears any time I’m giving directions when I’m the navigator in a car (“Turn right at the next block. To

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-21431157927368541632009-08-26T18:37:00.000-05:002009-08-26T18:38:42.817-05:00

Does anyone have the instructions for the dance Mrs. Beveridge's Triumph? It was published in the CDSS News 196: May/June 2007 but on the website there are no archived newsletters--just some articles.

Chrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03759443126908605505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-18923672002611861112009-07-02T19:41:00.001-05:002009-07-10T15:32:21.936-05:00

I realized that I have not set down any specific guidelines on what we expect from the Hatchling callers at regular Childgrove events (not at the Saturday Caller’s Choice dances). I don’t like a lot of rules – but this should allow the callers to know what is expected and provide some consistency:Hatchling callers guest calling with one of our ‘regular’ callers:Proposed dances must be presented

macnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-8823239902569320982009-06-29T17:18:00.006-05:002009-07-10T15:31:37.039-05:00

You make no blog posts!So much has been happening that it's been hard to find the time to keep our faithful readers up to speed...We can work from the outside in:1. The High Tea and Whiskey Dance Weekend2. The new name for the Hatchling Dances3. The 4th of July dance4. Everything else - will have to waitHigh Tea and WhiskeyKay and Bob and Missy and John and I have wanted for some time to have a

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-11717499973636839122009-06-14T10:48:00.004-05:002009-06-14T10:50:27.880-05:00

So what's the real name of the square dance move Mac called last night? It sounded to me like "Dos Pasos" but I can't find a move of that name?Mac was feeling very brave (foolish? confident?) with the dances he called when there were so many first-timers there.

Dale Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-79340722097239714092009-06-04T20:52:00.003-05:002009-06-04T22:59:43.971-05:00

I have to admit, I was really thrilled when we walked through the double grand square yesterday. I was lucky, of course. There were exactly 16 people at the Calling Party. All but one of them knew already how to do a Grand Square. They even thought it would be fun. Everyone learns fast when they're having fun.Here's a picture that kind of begins to explain - the red couples are the heads, the

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-15581706411516822942009-06-04T07:27:00.004-05:002009-06-04T20:48:41.340-05:00

For those of you who missed the calling party last night -- it was a great one. In addition to celebrating Kay's birthday, there were 16 of us there so we had the honor of being Martha's live salt and pepper shakers as she tried out the Double Grand Square (or as I like to think of it Martha's Great Grandsquare) with live dancers.It works.

Dale Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-48067896006818705732009-05-18T14:03:00.002-05:002009-05-18T18:06:57.772-05:00

Wasn't that just a barrel of fun?Many contributors to this blog called dances at the Kimmswick Festival this weekend. Many fun dances. Lots of terrific bands to dance and call to. Dozens and dozens of good dancers to dance with. We even had a few Mother Nature difficulties to get through so we will always be able to pinpoint the occasion: "Remember the Kimmswick where we had a tornado watch, and

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-87676932563562169692009-05-18T13:09:00.004-05:002009-05-18T17:10:48.599-05:00

Greg Rohde posted a link on FaceBook the other day, highlighting a fantastic performance by the Great Bear Trio and caller Joseph Pimentel at Winter Warmup last December. I was disappointed that the video showed only the dancers and the musicians, but at least the calling was audible.And masterful calling it was, too. Joseph Pimentel is certainly one of the best callers I've ever had the pleasure

Kaynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-7737567299664818002009-05-10T17:45:00.001-05:002009-05-10T17:47:52.031-05:00

A couple months ago I suggested the Hatchling callers challenge themselves to improve their weaknesses. A few have done thatBilly called a square (quite successfully)David greatly increased his presence on stageMartha called without a cardKaren called a dance without practicing at a partyI am sure there are othersI hope to see more of this type of improvement. Do not be satisfied calling the

macnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-51697338286843003682009-04-29T15:07:00.004-05:002009-04-30T17:59:35.828-05:00

Wonderful calling party last night! We've been really having good ones, lately. I wish I knew what magic it is that always brings the perfect number of people - somewhere between 12 and 16 folks - AND that it's almost always nearly perfectly gender-balanced. Since we're all pretty good at dancing both parts, the gender balance isn't really necessary, but what are the odds, with such a small,

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-56639295183734701602009-04-21T18:03:00.002-05:002009-04-26T10:26:59.890-05:00

Congratulations to David, Karen and Billy for a very successful program. Things went pretty well and when they didn’t – you kept your head and recovered nicely.A couple comments:Billy – nice job on the square. You started by saying “the first move is..” and then caught yourself and realized you can make the first move anything you want – and then you did. You can have a lot of fun with squares

macnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-84659892338340587382009-04-20T19:23:00.003-05:002009-04-20T19:53:55.421-05:00

Dance musician Michael Shapiro recently asked me a question about the music for squares: He said some callers tell him that the music for squares doesn't have to be "square" (32-bars, AABB), and wondered how this could be.I replied:It depends on the style of square dance.A New England square is basically a contra in a square formation: It fits perfectly in an AABB pattern, with the prompts

Swing Jerome!noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-50736754073184125402009-04-17T14:50:00.002-05:002009-04-17T15:01:28.135-05:00

Hatchlings are busy this weekend in St Louis!1. The Webster Groves English Country Dancers on Friday night at the Monday Club. Workshop at 7:00pm, Dance from 7:30-10:30pm. Music by the Hibernia Station band, calling from Hatchlings Bob Green, Kimberly Hall and Kay Tomlinson.2. The St Louis English Country Dancers on Saturday night at the First Congregational Church on Wydown in University City.

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-66784213348141772482009-04-06T18:51:00.006-05:002009-04-06T19:21:10.834-05:00

Well, this last Hatchling dance was really a challenge (that we met successfully, I'd say).A few minutes before starting time, a whole group of newcomers came in, all but one of whom were foreign students. So not only were most of them not dancers at all, but there were a few language problems, too! I think nearly all of the callers started sweating about then. I know I did. "Are my dances too

TwinkleTozehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837277257855467500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-70715909632884928552009-03-30T11:44:00.001-05:002009-03-30T11:44:31.420-05:00

Wow- when you look at al the Hatchlings have accomplished – it is very impressive. We have tried to make calling opportunities available for everyone to get their feet wet. Now it is time to raise the bar.Childgrove will try to set aside one dance each month for the further development of the hatchlings. These can be used in any format that makes sense at that time. You can schedule the

macnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-88019895179837708252009-03-29T16:39:00.002-05:002009-03-29T17:32:25.846-05:00

One of the ways to get to be good at something is to adopt the belief system of someone who's really good at it. Nils Fredland, who actually makes a living as a contra dance caller, an amazing fact in and of itself, knows that his continuing success relies heavily on his ability to quickly establish himself with a new crowd as someone likable and reliable. This gets easier, he admits, as word

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-52748530456171562442009-03-20T10:00:00.004-05:002009-03-21T02:02:51.791-05:00

Two Hatchlings (okay, one newish caller, and one of our folks who has been flying for years) called the second evening in the new Webster Groves English Country Dancers series of dances, and were wonderful, if I do say so myself.Chrystal started off the evening with four dances, one of which she choreographed.Then, our beloved mentor, Dr. John Ramsay, called four dances by Loretta Holtz, all

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-53791640917557863352009-03-12T09:31:00.002-05:002009-03-12T09:35:20.651-05:00

I mentioned in my facebook status that I had called a dance without a card. Of course I didn't explain that it was 'cause I forgot to bring my cards to the Hatchling party (oops).Jerome responded via email with a message I think may be of general interest so with his permission, I'm posting it here:Dale,Congratulations!Is calling without a card a movement among the hatchlings? If so, I welcome

Dale Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-21654829886190379462009-03-01T23:07:00.003-06:002009-03-01T23:22:20.540-06:00

Congratulations go to Wade for calling his first whole dance at Childgrove! It was a wonderful dance, with interesting dances, and very well called. He has now graduated from "Fledgling" to "Caller" and earned his golden megaphone.

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-62739738933857618552009-03-01T17:30:00.005-06:002009-03-01T18:15:47.337-06:00

We've had a passionate conversation going on at Childgrove Discussions, our local contra dance online discussion group, on the subject of Dangerous Dancing. The initial post suggested that when callers suggested making one long line instead of two shorter ones, the dancing was more dangerous. We have had several foot stompings lately, and it does seem as if crowding could be contributory.I

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-60976042151420452052009-02-21T01:29:00.002-06:002009-02-21T02:01:31.762-06:00

A big thanks goes out to everyone who helped make this night of the first Webster Groves English Country Dancers dance a big success:dancers - you came! I didn't know whether to expect you or not - but there you were, and dancing so well, too!callers - Bob and Kimberly and Kay were seriously on their game. There was wonderful contrast in the dances, too - some good fast romps and some gorgeous

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-60334183599231455022009-02-18T14:59:00.004-06:002009-02-18T15:18:51.435-06:00

Calling Party tonight! As usual, there is much to prepare for. The new dance series, the Webster Groves English Country Dancers, starts this Friday, and our very own Kay Tomlinson, Bob Green and Kimberly Hall will be calling this month (and next month, Missy Reisenleiter and Chrystal Gallacci - joined by Dr. John Ramsay).On Saturday, February 21, Kimberly Hall will be calling an English dance in

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-68433343735009633472009-02-16T14:15:00.007-06:002009-02-16T16:27:55.993-06:00

Last Wednesday Ted, Mac, and Judy shared some excellent tips for us hatchlings. I took some notes about what was discussed. The information was so helpful that I thought I'd post some of what I learned. Ted and Mac, I hope you don't mind; feel free to make any corrections/additions!Planning the evening:---Simple, familiar dances are often the best. The tried and true "Chestnuts" are your friends.

Billy Boyernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-65609841426174620852009-02-12T09:28:00.002-06:002009-02-12T09:35:41.100-06:00

Last night's workshop at the calling party was great. Ted presented a comprehensive overview of calling: the art of calling the dance itself, choosing dances, interacting with dancers, and working with the band. Ted, I hope you'll let us post your notes for the talk. Mac chimed in with lots of tips, and Judy offered her insights from a dancer's perspective. The rest of us got to ask questions and

Kaynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-19217691592746379402009-02-09T09:07:00.005-06:002009-02-11T14:21:40.475-06:00

And, to wrap up a great weekend for the Hatchlings, Billy, Bob and Dale called a wonderful contra dance last night!Dale gave a very good workshop, Bob did a masterful job with the early dances, calling to Lots and Lots of New People in a very crowded hall, Billy wound up the crowd with interesting dances before and after the break (including a square!) , and Dale earned his wings (see picture) as

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-18545255885853570002009-02-05T17:42:00.004-06:002009-02-08T11:40:29.154-06:00

I'm happy to report that the dance was terrific! The new dances were very well received, the calling was good, the band played its heart out, the sound was good (thanks, Wade!), and the dancers were skilled and happy. This had to be the best of our dances so far.We even came one dollar closer to breaking even - just $11 down (last month it was $12). One count of the dancers at some point in the

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-64879370078728276082009-02-02T08:53:00.003-06:002009-02-02T12:01:07.570-06:00

Hatchling Dance this week!So far, the folks who have raised their hands to call this Saturday are1. Billy2. Bob3. Dale4. David5. Karen6. Kay7. Joe8. Martha9. Missy10. RobynDavid has asked to call two dances, which seems fair, and Robyn is a guest, so I think we might give her two dances as well, and each of the rest of us call one. I can easily bow out, since I'll be behind a fiddle anyway, if

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-37096157449141998592009-02-01T11:18:00.013-06:002009-02-01T13:58:29.095-06:00

I think this has got to be the first time in my life that February (February!) has seemed interesting and exciting, because there is so much to look forward to!There's a New English Dance in Town, the Webster Groves English Country Dancers.We Hatchlings have been learning to call English dances along with our contra dances, and we've called a few of the easier ones at our First Saturday Hatchling

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-42362014776291464282009-01-22T18:23:00.004-06:002009-01-22T18:29:04.928-06:00

We had a blast at the Inaugural Ball on Tuesday at the Monday Club. Ninety-plus people attended, many of whom had never danced before. Several of our own Hatchlings called--Bob, Missy, and Chrystal--and did a wonderful job teaching and prompting. A grand time was had by all.Here are links to a video by Dan Klarmann and a review on the blog at the Riverfront Times. English and American Country

Kaynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-29862412239352508202009-01-21T16:11:00.002-06:002009-01-21T17:12:46.797-06:00

Help celebrate a successful Inaugural Ball last night!Calling Party, my house, 7:00pm, directions here.Kimberly and Company will be calling the English Dance in Salem, MO this Saturday January 24th. Bob and I are going. Anyone want to join us?Anyone calling at STL ECD on Monday the 26th?We're also getting ready for January 27, when there's open calling at Dance Discovery -- and you're all invited

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-32087932211387754112009-01-09T17:18:00.009-06:002009-01-12T12:35:53.943-06:00

Well, I was indulging in my favorite vice, thinking too much, and decided to try to solidify some of my thinking about the double figure of 8. The goal is to find the quickest, most pleasant way to teach this beautiful and fun figure. The top drawing here, is a drawing of a double figure of 8, as seen from inside my head. You can see why I think of this as a "train set you got for Christmas".The

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-42125721594777661132009-01-07T20:10:00.001-06:002009-01-07T20:12:18.471-06:00

Hello!I was wondering does anyone have a copy of the Trip to Jubilee dance? I'm calling a dance in Jeff City in a couple weeks, and they were wanting to do it. :-\Hope everyone is well! See you soon.~Kimberly

Kimberlynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-61065230347114514222009-01-07T17:47:00.004-06:002009-01-08T15:04:10.657-06:00

Nice calling party tonight. It was one of those nights when only the callers came, so we didn't get much "real-world" experience, but we had fun trying out some more complicated dances. Probably the highlight of the evening was figuring out the John Tallis canon. It's both easier and harder than you might imagine.In a funny way, learning to call may make the Tallis canon easier - we're used to

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-73736414817316961422009-01-06T12:36:00.005-06:002009-01-06T12:42:05.735-06:00

Happy New Year!January is a “happening” month for Dance Discovery! Please read the information below, and come to one (or all) of our events!1.) Dance Discovery is hosting an *Inaugural Ball*, some of you may have received an invitation and information on this event from“MoveOn”. The Ball will be held on *Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Monday Club. * Dance Discovery will perform

Chrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03759443126908605505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-51916004237137765752009-01-02T08:22:00.002-06:002009-01-02T10:21:08.945-06:00

First off, congratulations to Dale, who did a superb job of herding everyone into an excellent program on New Year's Eve. And congratulations to all the callers, too. Walkthroughs were crisp, band communications were good, and it certainly looked from the stage as if everyone were having a great time! Mac reported that a few dancers said that there were too many dances where you had to think too

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-47230699005512210212008-12-30T10:36:00.010-06:002008-12-30T11:56:47.059-06:00

Hard to believe, but we're calling our SECOND New Year's Eve tomorrow night. Amazing, but true. And what a year 2008 was!Here are some of our accomplishments in 2008:1. Four dance writers came out of the Hatchling group, and we were able to call an entire (wonderful) evening of recent dances. This I never expected, but it makes sense that if you unleash creativity, you unleash creativity!2. We

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-80566220839476385642008-12-17T11:00:00.006-06:002008-12-17T11:09:51.337-06:00

Missy has just announced that Dance Discovery, the English Country Dance demonstration troupe, will be holding two special dance evenings for fun and recruitment of new members in January. Here's what she said:“'Open Mike' Nights in January 2009. Tuesday January 13 and Tuesday, January 27: We are taking a break, and dancing for fun! I am turning the calling over (OK, I do have a couple favs I

Kaynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-56690126009424784192008-12-14T08:01:00.003-06:002008-12-17T10:49:30.045-06:00

Yes!Calling Party this Wednesday December 17, 2008.My house, 7:00 pm. Directions here.As usual, much to do! Since I do not anticipate having a Calling Party on Christmas Eve (though we could, come to think of it!), this is the last chance to practice before our next three (count them, 3!) calling opportunities, New Year's Eve, the January 2 Youth Contra and the January 3 First Saturday Hatchling

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-81860498911265950472008-12-09T02:34:00.002-06:002008-12-09T02:50:55.835-06:00

Yes! There will be a Calling Party on Wednesday.My house, 7:00pm, directions here.And yes, we will drink a toast to the memory of my father, who died on Sunday. We're not particularly sad - we miss him, but then we've been missing him for several years as his Alzheimer's worsened. We're glad that he was spared the last stages of that awful disease, and glad that his death was swift. My brothers

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-11115075465789884842008-12-04T07:25:00.003-06:002008-12-04T07:49:05.462-06:00

Lovely Calling Party last night. We were able to call most of the dances that we'll be doing on Saturday, and they went quite well. Now the only wild card is how well we can bring along any newcomers. The program is pretty ambitious in places, but we are brave.Here's the lineup:David — Easier Than Pie — BBKaren — Got Nice Neighbors — BBDale — Mountain Ridge — BBKay — Chrystal Saylor — CGJBilly —

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-9977281502294986672008-11-29T08:29:00.002-06:002008-11-29T08:43:29.185-06:00

Well that was a lot of fun! It was family night at Youth Contra. Of course the Boyers are always there as a family, but some others of us had family home for the holidays. I got to show off my son, Peter, of whom I am most proud, and to meet Martha's offspring. I now have a face to go with the dance "Where's Alex?"On the hatchling front, Karen and I called (I don't think Larry is a

Dale Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-3311540547416569312008-11-26T15:02:00.003-06:002008-11-26T15:11:59.551-06:00

Reida has kindly invited us to her house for a Calling Party. Saturday night, 7:00pm.Bring CDs if you have them! I'll bring some for English, and a copy or two of Bob's, Billy's, Chrystal's, and Dales's dances.Here's a Google Map to her house.ME

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-3799995479806039662008-11-20T17:29:00.005-06:002008-11-20T17:34:03.388-06:00

Hey, all. The proceeds from Monday's St. Louis English Country Dance will go to benefit Focal Point. It would be great if all of us could attend and support this great resource for our music and dance community. Tell everyone you know, and bring friends! Location: Focal Point! Workshop at 7:00, dancing from 7:30 until 9:30. See you there!

Kaynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-51077559765954736262008-11-19T15:18:00.011-06:002008-11-19T23:26:52.344-06:00

Thanks to the 15 or so people who showed up to the Calling party tonight! We had a great practice session - so preparations for our two dances (the Chicklings calling this Sunday's Childgrove dance, and the Dec 6 First Saturday Hatchling Dance) are coming along nicely. But we do have our work cut out for us.Speaking of Chicklings, have you ever seen anything yellow and fuzzy look as tough and,

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-38529866551479701542008-11-18T20:38:00.004-06:002008-11-22T10:53:14.119-06:00

Hello Fellow Dancers!The Jovial Beggar English Country Ball is coming up This Weekend, Saturday the 22nd.It's in Rolla, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church. The address is:1701 Highway 72 East Rolla, 65401Come in period costume, or nice dress, remember however, to be modest.It is $5 per person. Only ages 12 and up allowed, please. ;-)A workshop begins at 5:45Ball begins 6:30 and we'll dance until

The Jovial Beggarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-75326087860126159082008-11-09T09:13:00.003-06:002008-11-09T09:29:24.528-06:00

After last night's dance I've been trying to decide what makes Adina Gordon such a great caller. Of course she had a wonderful band to work with. Celticladda played interesting music; the beat was strong; the timing was impeccable. That helps the caller a lot. But even given such powerful music, how did Adina manage to teach so well that many times she only walked us through the dance once,

Dale Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-75849832159913328362008-11-02T14:35:00.003-06:002008-11-02T14:39:12.454-06:00

Wow--wasn't it a wonderful dance last night?! And what a crowd--Martha said we nearly broke even, and would have if we hadn't had so many young folks--which is itself a blessing. And a challenge.... I thought everyone did very well, especially considering how many total beginners we had. Wonderful music, good calling, a friendly crowd, and CAKE--it doesn't get any better than that. Thanks to

Kaynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-12626655759113949332008-10-28T11:32:00.001-05:002008-10-28T11:34:44.524-05:00

Getting ready for the CELEBRATION! Dance this Saturday, November 1.Calling Party to get ready Wednesday October 29.My house, 7:00pm. Directions here.ME

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-46249312387819838422008-10-22T18:37:00.004-05:002008-10-31T18:02:49.684-05:00

Again, a wonderful party! Early on, we had a small-but-mighty group again, so we worked out a couple of tricky moves. Slightly later, more folks arrived and we had our requisite ten-plus dancers. Perfect. One of the problems we're facing is that everyone is getting so comfortable dancing English that even the double figure of eight in Bob's new dance didn't phase us, so we're not exactly

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-52891959763014129852008-10-17T10:20:00.002-05:002008-10-17T10:28:28.982-05:00

Hello!The next Jovial Beggar English Country dance is October 25th, in Salem, and I wondered if there were people who would like to car pool down there. We could take one, or two, cars down and up in one night. Chip in for gas as you like, and have a great time. We'd have to leave St. Louis by 3:30, and we wouldn't get back until midnight or so. The dance itself is $1 per person. There will

The Jovial Beggarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-6969040310099007002008-10-17T00:09:00.002-05:002008-10-17T00:19:18.078-05:00

Goodness. Look at all the dancing next week.Sunday, Childgrove contra dance. Monday, ECD at Focal Point. Wednesday, Calling Party. Friday, Youth Contra. Saturday, ECD in Salem, MO. And, for some of us, Gypsy Moon Ball. I'll be there - Indy on Friday and GMB on Saturday. The amazing Seth Tepfer will be giving a workshop in the afternoon on calling to children and other people who don't dance much

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-13767438299646497482008-10-14T01:02:00.003-05:002008-10-17T00:08:26.547-05:00

Come to call. Come to dance.We danced. We called. Then we watched the debate. ME

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-31529836772885080632008-10-11T00:28:00.003-05:002008-10-11T01:45:24.911-05:00

Tonight, I was there when history was made - there was dancing (dancing!) at Missouri Baptist College. It was English Country Dancing, which seems to be catching on among home-schooled kids and definitely caught on at the College Conservative Club at MoBap (who project themselves as non-partisan, who look at politics from a biblical perspective and who get funds from the Republican Party). I

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-42858511954120593922008-10-08T17:35:00.002-05:002008-10-09T11:14:23.005-05:00

Again, small but very mighty.Did I say the perfect number of people at a Calling Party is twelve? Well, seven is another kind of perfect. Three couples - you get one progression, or you dance triplets! Everyone there was bi-lingual so we did a lot of English (Larry, Billy, Kay, Kimberly, Bob, Wade, Martha, and Kent, towards the end). We discussed methods for teaching the Engish "cast", which is

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-45973914259286283082008-10-05T12:02:00.005-05:002008-10-05T16:20:42.479-05:00

Hey, good dance last night, folks! It was small (32 paid, about 40 in attendance) but mighty. Lots of good dancers enjoying an evening of contra and English. The band, too, was small but mighty - I don't usually like playing without another treble player to play harmonies with, but Kristin and Mike were a great backup, so it seemed to work out fine. I had two personal favorite moments - one was

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-61926063056472376892008-10-02T10:32:00.003-05:002008-10-02T10:53:34.811-05:00

Here's the list. Let me know if there are changes we should make!1. Karen – Air Pants........................7:30 2. Dale – Mundane Chain.....................7:43 3. Martha – Childgrove......................7:56 4. David - MN-NY Happy Returns..............8:08 5. Kimberly – The Physical Snob.............8:20 6. Karen – Rendezvous.......................8:32 Waltz...................................

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-71460995692360776902008-09-30T11:27:00.002-05:002008-09-30T11:31:27.392-05:00

Time marches on...October already!Calling party, my house, 7:00pm. Directions here.The First Saturday Hatchling Dance is this Saturday - we'll focus on the dances we're doing then. I'll print out all the dances you have told me you'd like to do, and we can organize them into a program.ME

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-52054431442335935652008-09-25T10:21:00.004-05:002008-09-25T10:28:15.347-05:00

Hi Everyone,I just wanted to let you know when the Jovial Beggars were having their next dances.October 25th, in Salem. Starting at 6:30, dance until 9:45. $1 per person. (if anyone would like to call a dance or two just let us know.)November 22nd is a ball, starting at 6:30, and dance until who knows when. I'm not sure where yet, but probably Rolla. $5 per person.If you are interested in either

The Jovial Beggarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-35347500937517858462008-09-24T07:47:00.003-05:002008-09-24T07:53:58.144-05:00

Today it's Billy's turn in the limelight! It turns out that he called nearly all of the Youth Contra last Friday. That, and organizing and playing the music and writing dances and...and...everything, has earned him his megaphone and official graduation from fledgling to (trumpets, please!) CALLER !!ME

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-65312503960225315002008-09-23T14:57:00.004-05:002008-09-23T15:12:56.826-05:00

"What does Kay have," you ask yourself, "that I don't have, other than good looks, loads of talent, and the love of all humankind?" Well, guess what, honeypies, she also has now earned her SECOND PhD, and HER WINGS! Yessir, in just three days, Kay passed her defense AND called many many dances at the ECD dance on Monday night. Note gold wings and the Doctor Doctor on her new button. That little

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-36450591493212953032008-09-21T22:59:00.004-05:002008-09-22T22:40:19.734-05:00

Martha asked if we had any stories about the dance last Friday night. So I figured I'd write a bit.I thought Billy did a great job running the dance. I was sorry he didn't dance more often. I know how it is to host dances, making sure everyone's happy, answering all questions, and being the main caller, but then to be playing the music, too? Wow. Also the dances he choreographed were great.

The Jovial Beggarnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-18914306551515430352008-09-20T20:19:00.003-05:002008-09-26T22:06:12.298-05:00

Here are the times and places we have been asked to call this weekend, and the names of people who have indicated they would be there (if you told me you would be there and I forgot to put you here, let me know, and please come anyway!):Saturday September 27, 10-11am at the Arch Martha, Bob, Dale, Wade, DavidSaturday September 27, 1-2pm at Grand CenterKaren, Bob, Dale, Wade, Martha, DavidSunday

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-59750752852723534442008-09-19T15:06:00.003-05:002008-09-19T15:23:50.215-05:00

I'M JUST PUTTING OUT FEELERS TO SEE IF THE HATCHLINGS ARE INTERESTED...November 8th. 8-10pmI was approached by a friend who wanted me to call a square dance for a whole group of beginners. LOL! (I cant call squares!) After telling her I didnt know how to call a square to save my life, she said they would be interested in doing any type of "Barn Dance" because she knew I called. I told her I didnt

Chrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03759443126908605505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-83939231568955586272008-09-17T12:05:00.003-05:002008-09-19T09:33:50.902-05:00

Good party! Lots of folks, and Billy brought a good new dance. Kay got us through Haymakers, and I did call Elizabeth (see below for pre-party thoughts). It went okay, though it pointed up how much more space we need to dance English. I won't remember everyone who called, so correct me if I leave you out, but here's at least part of the list: Karen, Bob, Wade, Billy, Kay, Martha, Chrystal...Bob

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-34611977587158664272008-09-16T08:43:00.001-05:002008-09-16T08:44:24.361-05:00

In an attempt to sign into my own blog, I stumbled across, and was surprised to see, that the Jovial Beggars have a blog already. Little did I guess that this was not the Jovial Beggars blog at all, but a much larger cooperative affair in which Kimberly had become involved. Thanks to Martha’s kindness, I will go ahead and post what I was going to say last week about my recent calling

The Jovial Beggarnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-28457681560838434952008-09-15T09:36:00.004-05:002008-09-15T14:50:56.652-05:00

I had an opportunity to lead the workshop for new dancers at Saturday's contra dance. Actually, as I walked in the door Mac said that he'd been trying to get in touch with me because I'd been bugging him (er...asking him politely) about leading a workshop. He thought this was a good opportunity.I've been watching or participating in workshops for the last month or so and noticing how the other

Dale Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-57654132729275988612008-09-09T15:21:00.004-05:002008-09-11T17:07:47.209-05:00

During this small (very small) lull in the calling action I had an opportunity to try something I'd been wanting to try. Two things, in fact. I know you're not supposed to choose dances by their names, but it's hard to resist calling one actually named for one of your children. And I couldn't pass up the chance to learn one with my other child's name, too. Luckily, they're both good dances, if a

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-87706330450699000922008-09-08T16:11:00.006-05:002008-09-08T19:56:58.295-05:00

Thanks to the generosity of Judy, who let me call part of her evening, I now have my fledgling wings! Even though it may seem pretty silly, I have to admit that I'm really proud of my little gold wings. I'm also thankful that the Calling Gods were kind to me and kept me from making any horrible mistakes - just little ones, which good-natured dancers were happy to ignore. It was rather different

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-10567483167062683202008-09-07T11:44:00.003-05:002008-09-07T13:06:18.645-05:00

Last nights dance sure was a success! Everyone's dance went well, we nearly broke even financially, and people were laughing and smiling all night. Contra people enjoyed the English Country Dancing, and ECD people enjoyed the contras. We're definitely on the right path.Many kudos to all of you who did such a terrific job of preparing for the dance. A curious sidelight: before the dance, I made a

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-49293084490949609212008-09-04T20:59:00.002-05:002008-09-04T21:08:33.029-05:00

Oh my goodness...I just came across the funniest--but good--site! http://rivkinetic.org/flash/ecdflash.htmlIt's an animated(I think flash) perspective of some ECD moves. There are 9 moves illustrated. The Hay for 4 leaves something to be desired but overall the presentation is short but neat. BTW our calling calendar is starting to look like a bag of Skittles!

Chrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03759443126908605505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-88372390373890256832008-09-03T23:22:00.004-05:002008-09-03T23:40:07.263-05:00

Good practice tonight - there were a few rough spots, but on the whole, I think the Hatchling Dance on Saturday looks interesting and fun.Here's the current lineup:1. Bob - Jefferson and Liberty2. Karen - Scout House Reel3. Martha - Auretti's Dutch Skipper4. Bill - Carey's Demo Dance5. David - Beckett Reel6. Kay - Yellow StockingsWaltzBreak1. Billy - Little Kate's Contra2. Dale - Angular Motion3.

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-14438260360220063892008-09-02T20:16:00.003-05:002008-09-03T23:20:16.956-05:00

Several events this weekend! We have the SWGNA Flash Dance at the Pool Pavilion in Tower Grove Park right before the First Saturday Hatchling Dance. By the way, fellow Hatchling Lyndon Blaylock called a really wonderful Workshop at the Morris Ale in Colorado that Lyndon and Gitry and Charles and Rin and Bob and I went to over the weekend. Some of the dances at the Ale were definitely in unusual

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-75514355621557603182008-08-27T11:03:00.002-05:002008-08-27T13:06:33.563-05:00

I only called Saturday night at Sugar Hill. I could have signed up to call when I arrived Friday, but I was more concerned with setting up my tent and eating, and by the time that was done it was dance time and who knows where the sign-up sheet was anyway. While Martha's post mentioned that the other Hatchling callers had early calling times as a result of early lottery drawings, I think my draw

contrawadenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-84554938968527026162008-08-27T09:16:00.003-05:002008-09-05T10:46:21.654-05:00

Much to do! Much to do!This was another of those evenings with twenty people in attendance. Even though only about ten to twelve people can dance at a time in our family room, no one really seemed to mind sitting out, since there was a small feast in the kitchen and lots of conversation to be had.We ran the dances a little short tonight so that we could fit in more callers (isn't this wonderful?

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-638495797266002602008-08-25T17:15:00.017-05:002008-08-27T23:20:48.482-05:00

This was the best Sugar Hill since the old days. The music and the dancing was as hot as the traditionally hot August weather. There were so many good bands - and so many young people in so many good bands - that I became quite sure that the future of contradancing in the Midwest is finally safe. Sugar Hill 2008 photo by Dan KlarmannThere were about ten of the Hatchlings there, and four of us (

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-14016750812673906002008-08-21T13:08:00.003-05:002008-08-21T13:13:00.473-05:00

Thanks so much for your wonderful infusion of energy into our dance community, Martha! It is a deligthful joy to read your posts of every sort! It's great to have so many on board, eager to learn, share, expand they way they participate in the organization of the contra and English country dance groups.I appreciate your invite to the blog and look forward to being a more active participant as

Eileen Kinsellanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-5656839584988596902008-08-18T15:55:00.003-05:002008-08-27T09:03:38.096-05:00

Much to prepare for! There's a Flash Dance we've been asked to call for at the Pool Pavilion in Tower Grove Park on Saturday September 6 in ADDITION to the Hatchling Dance at the Monday Club that night! The Tower Grove Park dance is from 6-7pm and the Hatchling Dance is from 7:30-10:30pm. We'll need to plan carefully so people don't have to drive too fast from one to the other!And, on Sat/Sun

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-79426834568350627972008-08-14T09:28:00.002-05:002008-08-14T09:49:37.374-05:00

Bless Missy for giving us a chance to call some English Dances at a Dance Discovery rehearsal on Tuesday. I called Elverton Grove and Key to the Cellar, and Bob called Mage on a Cree. Missy called several dances (really well, too), let's see...Fenterlarick, and Fandango, and Lillibulero and another one or two) Mark, Missy's husband, called Winter Solstice, which contains a grand square done with

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-1883716579410477542008-08-11T14:56:00.002-05:002008-08-11T16:15:00.586-05:00

Interesting calling experience yesterday.Several of us called dances yesterday at the Flash Dance at the Missouri Botanical Garden under somewhat less than ideal circumstances - our sound systems were not really happy working under battery power, and we had many brand new dancers, not exactly the situation we had imagined. But the callers, notably Karen, David and Billy, did well, everything

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-67679492936102062382008-08-10T08:12:00.002-05:002008-08-10T08:27:46.913-05:00

I don't usually report on our fine St. Louis callers, but last night, Deborah Hyland called one dance that will live in my memory as one of my very favorites. Fueled by the fabulous music making of Matt Turino and Ben Smith, who played an unexpectedly delicate, cool, smooth tune for the last dance of the evening, Deborah made her voice match that incredible music - seductive and liquid, softly

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-90988813150011290992008-08-08T15:13:00.002-05:002008-08-08T15:46:31.694-05:00

Before I lose the piece of paper I wrote the names on, here is the list of people who would like to call at the Season Opening First Saturday Hatchling Dance:Bill CBob GChrystal GDale WDavid KJoe FKaren JKay TMartha EIf there is anyone who wasn't at the Calling Party on Wednesday who would like to call, email me at meedwards@westendweb.com.I seem to have collected a ton of easy dances, so I'd be

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-63529197783704612892008-08-05T14:17:00.003-05:002008-08-07T14:53:28.089-05:00

Great party last night! Wow. We have three (3!) choreographers in our midst - two of them brought dances to try out, and one of them wrote a dance just sitting there while we snacked and dished.Through the amazing process of Self Selection, we ended up with Nearly Perfect gender balance right from the start - not that it particularly matters, but it makes teaching a difficult dance easier when

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-1031660057650240372008-08-04T15:28:00.003-05:002008-08-04T15:49:37.321-05:00

What a Week!I'm back from the Cumberland Dance Week, tired but happy. The week was just brimming with good folks, fine musicians, experienced dancers, and wonderful callers. On the calling staff we had Bill Litchman, Bob Dahlsemer, Chris Bischoff, Diane Silver, Susan Taylor, and Bob Tomlinson - and among the attendees were other good callers, Michael Barraclough, for example, and Kappy Laning,

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-33902501687173028602008-07-31T19:52:00.002-05:002008-07-31T19:58:05.239-05:00

Martha Kelly - our caller this Sunday - is interested in getting together with local folks to have dinner and talk about caller stuff. She would be available around 4:00 Sunday. I am open to suggestions - but a good "St Louis" place is Blue Berry Hill.It would be nice to have some kind of idea of the number of people - so email me - even if you can't come so I know how many people have read

macnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-45948774972126295452008-07-28T16:23:00.001-05:002008-07-28T16:28:20.015-05:00

With Martha and Bob off enjoying a week of dance at Cumberland Dance Camp there's nobody to congratulate the Guest Callers at last night's Childgrove Dance, so I guess I'll do it.It wasn't a typical Childgrove dance. We always get new dancers, but last night there were so many dancers in the beginners' workshop that Mac actually formed two contra lines. This is most certainly a good thing, but it

Dale Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-38521086848603023772008-07-20T10:09:00.002-05:002008-07-20T11:25:22.213-05:00

Woo hoo! Karen joins the Hatchlings, calling two dances at Reida's last night. Great job, too. Dan caught one of them on pixels and put it up on YouTube. Didn't we just have fun?Dale called his latest revision of Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss, then called the one just before the last one (he called it n minus 1). We pronounced n-1 a keeper.Can't tell you how proud I am that we Hatchlings are

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-51913919873080736882008-07-17T14:00:00.006-05:002008-07-18T22:21:19.575-05:00

As those of you who were at the hatchling party last night found out, I've tried my hand at writing a dance. Martha suggested that I post the dance here so people could comment.First of all, thanks to the guinea pigs (er.. I mean willing volunteers) who helped me try it out. Your feedback (lots of it!) was helpful. Based on that feedback, I made some adjustments to produce this version that

Dale Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-42132697760969677862008-07-15T10:59:00.002-05:002008-07-15T11:06:52.445-05:00

Here's a terrific way to deal with (us) callers who take too long in the walkthrough: Notes on the Three Minute Rule (by Gene Hubert, commented by Dot Kent).

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-44312094378065285292008-07-12T11:47:00.008-05:002008-07-17T17:31:26.719-05:00

I knew there was a reason we are doing this. I used to think I wanted to learn to call dances so that if I was ever on a deserted island with eleven other people, we could contra dance. Now I realize that you don't need the deserted island for calling opportunities to just pop up. A Flash Dance does just as well.And, of course, just as our Flash Dances are carefully planned spontaneous events,

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-77173019752584398492008-07-09T17:14:00.006-05:002008-07-09T23:15:44.354-05:00

No (sniff!) there is no calling party this week (July 9, 2008).Next week! And the week after that! Yes!ME

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-74414320282462381822008-06-30T22:22:00.003-05:002008-07-12T14:12:12.514-05:00

See you on Wednesday!ME

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-55077971742262392802008-06-30T07:23:00.004-05:002008-07-12T14:09:47.288-05:00

Since Martha hasn't blogged about it yet, I'd like to report:There wasn't an "official" caller at the flash dance last night. And since (wo)man does not live by waltz alone, the hatchlings stepped up (literally.) Each of us called a dance or two (I called the only one I know.) Martha pulled off The Levi Jackson Rag in spite of the claim by someone who shall remain unnamed that "that dance

Dale Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-84807792567885255892008-06-24T09:14:00.004-05:002008-06-30T22:21:39.577-05:00

We didn't have a regular Calling Party on June 25 - Dale and Billy and I got together just to go over the basics. Since they're both musicians, figuring out where "1" and "5" are was easy-peasy, so we moved on to figuring out just where we might say what in order to get the dancers moving in time with the music. We used Gene Hubert's "The Nice Combination" for the project, writing down the moves

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-59011840453299715392008-06-24T08:11:00.002-05:002008-06-24T08:15:56.328-05:00

I really enjoyed the dance Sunday night. The dances went smoothly and the new dancers did well, too, so your instructions worked! (Sorry, Bob, I missed your dance.) Here's to the Hatchlings!

Bonnienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-13561552254159987602008-06-11T16:52:00.005-05:002008-06-19T13:30:46.778-05:00

We've had some terrific parties here these last few weeks. Enough of our wonderful dancer friends have been showing up each week to give us more than enough folks to fill the room (Note to self: make room bigger!), and we've had some fine wining, dining, dancing and conversation.The universe continues to conspire not to let me do any English dancing, but I did have the pleasure of playing for

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7912357178392432282.post-60096268778755900252008-06-09T21:58:00.004-05:002008-06-09T22:11:30.796-05:00

Paula McFarling, one of our good caller friends from Columbia, MO, told me a couple of tales from the time she spent learning to call, and I thought they were well worth passing along to the rest of us. Here's the first: "I have been reading the hatchling blog periodically and really enjoy reading about all of you growing as callers. It was so scary for me at first! For several years our local

Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09107345454522496390noreply@blogger.com0