New Old Songs: Writing Within the Tradition
Alex Sturbaum shares tips for writing new songs within folk traditions and touches on writing with less-often-mentioned themes in mind.
From the CDSS News
Colin Hume gives his detailed thoughts and tips on composing dance music.
From Colin Hume
Contra Dance Choreography: A Reflection of Social Change
This book (available free online) is based upon Mary McNab Dart’s research into the changing choreography of contra dance, including how dances are composed, what aesthetic principles underlie their composition, and how the evolution of the choreography reflects changes in the preferences and priorities of the people who dance them.
Tom’s Contra Page – Choreography
Tom Lehmann’s thoughts on composing contra dances.
Cary Ravitz’s Rules on Choreography
Cary Ravitz provides a list of the rules he follows when writing a dance.
Writing Dances: A Conversation with Erik Hoffman
Evo Bluestein interviews Erik Hoffman about how Erik started writing dances and his process. Some of Erik’s dances are featured in the article.
From the CDSS News
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.