A Figure By Any Other Name: Exploring Alternatives to Gypsy
This article by Katy German, Sue Stanton, and Jeff Kaufman explores the use of the term “gypsy” in calling and presents a range of alternative options.
From the CDSS News
Response to: “A Figure by Any Other Name: Exploring Alternatives to Gypsy”
Dragan Gill’s exploration of the term gypsy, both in terms of how it is used in dance as well as in the broader cultural context.
From the CDSS News
Larks and Ravens: A Report from the Field
Dela Murphy and Dugan Murphy make a case for gender-free calling and describe how communities can transition to using gender-free terms.
From the CDSS News
5 Things… Inside the Dancing Mind of…Global Terminology/Positional Calling with Brooke Friendly
Darlene Hamilton’s discussion with Brooke Friendly focused on teaching with global terminology and positional calling—something Brooke has been doing for years but which is particularly relevant to the current interest in teaching without reference to gender roles.
FromThe Historical Tea and Dance Society
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
5 Benefits of Positional Calling (and one challenge)
Video of a workshop with Louise Siddons, moderated by Brooke Friendly, at Fall Frolick 2021.
From the Bay Area Country Dance Society
Gender-free calling: why does it matter?
Lisa Heywood discusses the importance of gender-free calling and offers some practical tips on how to get started.
From EFDSS
Lisa Heywood’s Gender-Free Dance Page
Lisa offers a variety of resources on gender-free and positional calling and dancing.
From Lisa Heywood
Breaking Down the Legacy of Race in Traditional Music in America
This NPR radio piece and the associated article explore the intersection between racism and traditional music & song. Both Jake Blount and the Youth Traditional Song Weekend are featured.
From National Public Radio
2015, Putting on the Dance 2
Sophia Donforth and Julia Bennett
Notes from a workshop given at POTD2: Who are your dancers? Who is missing from your dance floor, and why? We’ll examine ways to reach out to more diverse populations and how to make a more welcoming dance community for everyone. Bring an anecdote to share about a magic moment, or something you’d do differently. Participants will leave with a list of ways to reach new dancers, and make an inclusive dance “commons” that brings them back a second time!
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.