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!
Fostering Intergenerational Community
These notes from a session at Youth Traditional Song Weekend 2015 list ways participants promote age inclusivity in their own communities.
Addressing Racism as a Dance Community
In this short overview, the organizers of Portland Intown Contra Dance acknowledge and explain some of the various Black and African influences on American folk dance traditions.
From the Portland Intown Contra Dance
Dance Weekend 101: Streamlining the organization of weekend dance events
Ever thought of organizing a dance weekend? Come explore the ins and outs of what it takes to streamline a successful event.
From Adam Broome & Jaige Trudel
Puttin’ On The Dance 2015
The Ins and Outs of Cooking for Dancers
An article by Sarah Pilzer with great advice for weekends and camps about cooking for dancers!
From the CDSS News
Putting on “Techno” Contra Dances
This article from Will Loving, with a note from Sue Songer around copyright issues, describes the details of putting on a techno contra including lighting and equipment recommendations.
From the CDSS News
An online discussion to support organizers of song groups
Two organizers offered firsthand experiences about keeping their song groups alive and well through the pandemic by hosting in-person and online singing events. Our third guest provided the latest COVID-19 news from her public health perspective, with suggestions especially pertinent for song group organizers. Q&A with all three guests included:
This resource provides a number of tips and considerations when looking for a new space to hold a dance or music event.
From CDSS
These downloadable Excel sheets are a great start for a sample dance budget and also for reporting income/expenses from a single event.
From Leda Shapiro Southwest Regional Organizers Conference 2014
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.