Working and Communicating with the Band
A list of nine tips by Nan Evans and Fred Nussbaum for working with bands for English country dance.
From the CDSS News
Positional Calling Workshop for Contra Dance Callers
Louise Siddons’s introductory workshop to help contra callers discover how the calling skills they have already cultivated can be enhanced by positional thinking, teaching, and calling. It also teaches how to use those skills to create a more welcoming, inclusive atmosphere at dances.
From Friends of Cecil Sharp House
Positional Calling Workshop for English Country Dance Callers
The video of this introductory workshop by Louise Siddons will help ECD callers discover how the calling skills they have already cultivated can be enhanced by positional thinking, teaching, and calling. It also teaches how to use those skills to create a more welcoming, inclusive atmosphere at dances.
From Friends of Cecil Sharp House
Get Into Position for Social Dancing
Louise Siddons explains how she uses positional calling for Playford and contra dances—and that positional calling has the potential to make dancing more fun for everyone. Includes choreography for three positionally-called dances.
From EFDSS
In these three resources, John provides tips on good technique for swinging, allemands, connection, and more. There is a focus on how to improve dancing skills and prevent injuries.
From John Sweeney
Watch a contra dance beginner lesson in action (YouTube video). These videos are both helpful to callers wanting to learn how to teach beginners AND to beginners wanting to learn how to contra dance.
From Jim Crawford
Contra Dance Introductory Session
Watch a video of George Marshall teaching an introductory session before an evening contra begins.
From Ray Sebold
Six experienced English dance leaders present programming and hall management suggestions for a crowded hall.
This resource is free for CDSS members and is available for purchase through the CDSS Online Store.
Country Dance & Contra Dance Formations
This website provides images and sample dances for over 100 different formations. Check it out as one way to move beyond longways sets and squares!
From John Sweeney
Notes on Choreography for Duple Minor Improper Contra Dances
These notes are about the choreography of duple minor (two couple minor sets), improper contra dances, i.e. modern contra dances. For potential and practicing choreographers and callers, assuming they have a working knowledge of contra dancing.
From Cary Ravitz
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.