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.
Anti-Racism and the Folk Revival
This article focuses on racism within our traditions, in particular relating to the work of Cecil Sharp and his contemporaries, and on how our history informs our present and should influence our future.
From Ezra Fisher
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
Shared Weight: Dance Musicians Discussion List
This mailing list welcomes dance musicians and those interested in dance music for 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, bal folk, and more. Dance musicians ask/answer questions, discuss issues that come up for them, and share helpful resources. This is a great way to talk to dance musicians from throughout North America and beyond. Join the discussion!
Jeremy Child explores positional calling as a way to expand the boundaries of choreography.
How to Play Contra Dance Percussion
Melissa Kacalanos explains how to play percussion for reels and jigs, using Middle Eastern rhythm notation.
How to make your own footboard, including a piezo contact microphone, from Jeff Kaufman.
In this blog post, Jeff Kaufman (Free Raisins) gives research-based suggestions for how to mic a mandolin.
In this blog post, Jeff Kaufman (Free Raisins) explains and gives audio examples of percussive mandolin playing for contra dances.
A series of videos from Jeff Kaufman (Free Raisins) about how he plays mandolin for contra dances.
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.