A Google map with many local dances in the US and Canada. Also searchable by zip code, for special events, and for dances using non-gendered calling. Created by Jeff Kaufman.
Shared Weight: Positional Calling Discussion List
This list is for anyone interested in exploring positional calling within traditional dance (contra, squares, ECD, community, family dance, Irish ceili, Scottish ceilidh, etc).
Our goal is to support each other by discussing topics of interest to callers specifically in relation to positional calling. We encourage callers to also join some of the other Shared Weight lists as those communities are valuable resources for other aspects of calling.
Shared Weight: Dance Organizers Discussion List
This mailing list welcomes organizers and those interested in organizing any form of traditional social dance. This includes contra, English country, traditional squares (e.g., Appalachian, New England, Quebecois, Cape Breton, etc), community/family/barn, ceili, Balfolk, and more!
In this blog post, Jeff explores how to choose shoes for dancing.
From Jeff Kaufman
Miriam Newman explains the movement towards asking people about their pronouns.
From the CDSS News
Contra Syncretist Flourish Videos
A video archive of over 100 video showing how to do various contra dance flourishes.
From Contra Syncretist
Tips on Being a Better Contra Dancer
A number of tips exploring a wide range of aspects in how to become a better contra dancer.
From Cary Ravitz
This website contains an extensive list of topics for dancers of various levels. This includes everything from awareness and consideration as a dancer to how to enjoy dancing more. Useful both for teachers of dance and dancers.
From Colin Hume
10 Tips for Contra Dancing With Kids
Miriam reflects on how dancers can be more supportive of children and youth within the contra dance context. Some helpful considerations for dancing with children. While the context of the article is contra dancing, the ideas also apply to many other forms of dance.
From Miriam Axel-Lute
Technique for Swinging, Connection and Allemandes
John Sweeney provides some excellent descriptions and images of techniques for swinging, connection, and allemandes. There is a focus on how to improve dancing skills and prevent injuries.
From John Sweeney
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.