contra workshop series

Jonathan Sivier

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Dec 29, 2000, 2:29:05 PM12/29/00

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WORKSHOPS FOR URBANA COUNTRY DANCERS, SPRING 2001

For generations, community dancers have learned to dance in the
traditional way, by joining in with experienced dancers and
learning-by-doing. That's still the way we do things with the Urbana
Country Dancers - beginners are always welcome. But sometimes it's
also nice to have a chance to stop and analyze, to think about the
details, and maybe look at things from a new angle.

This Spring, February through April, each regular Urbana Country
Dance will be preceeded by a 1-hour workshop on a specific topic. If
you've been interested in coming to a dance, but unsure about how to
begin, these workshops will give you an introduction. If you've been
to a few dances, here's a chance to review and analyze what you've
been doing. And if you're an experienced dancer, you may discover
some new angles or different ways to think about how the dances work.

For dancers at every level, these workshops are offered as a way to
enhance your dance experience - and just plain make it more FUN!

This series of workshops is being taught be Martha Tyner, one of the midwests
finest callers and a great teacher of new dancers. They will be held prior
to the Urbana Country Dancers' regular contra dances at the Phillips
Recreation Center, 505 W. Stoughton, Urbana, IL. The workshops will be
from 7 to 8, followed by contra dances from 8 to 11. Admission to the
workshops is free.

Friday, February 2: "Walking In Space"

Have you looked in on a contra dance and wondered how those people
know where they're going? Or maybe you've been to a few dances, but
are not always sure which way you should be going? Here's a chance
to slow down and figure it out step-by-step. We'll get oriented on
the dance floor, including some tips on holding a set together, and
quick fixes to use if you do ever find yourself out of place.

Friday, February 16: "Throwing Your Weight Around"

The concept of "weight" is what puts the "zest" in zesty dances, but
explanations of it are often misleading. It is by "giving weight"
that you provide momentum to propel the dance. Once you have it,
you'll know it-this workshop will offer some ways to get it! Of
course, you don't really "throw" it around, but proper use of it can
save you from being thrown around by others.

Friday, March 2: "Contra Indications"

Here's a review of the "ABC's" of country dance figures. The
infinite variety of contra dances is based on a surprisingly small
number of different figures. We'll go through the list of standard
moves, and check out a few of the fine points (what IS the difference
between "pass thru", "star thru", and "right & left thru"?) We'll
de-mystify the "hey" and "contra corners", too...a couple of the more
complex figures that aren't called as often, so are trickier to
figure out.

Friday, March 23: "To Twirl or Not To Twirl-that is the question"

Are you confused by the dervishes out on the floor, constantly
spinning around as they move up and down the set? Extra twirls and
other flourishes can add great fun to a contra dance. There are
times when a twirl even makes the dance easier. But indisciminate
whirling around can also interfere with good dancing. Get some tips
on where to use a twirl (and some other snazzy tricks) - along with
some suggestions on times it may be better to forego the fancy stuff.

Friday, April 6: "Dare To Be Square"

Square dances provide the best opportunities for a small group of
dancers to coordinate together for a whoopin'-great time! Square
dances are NOT just contras done with 4 couples - they have different
"geography" from contras; they use a different idea of timing, a
different style of swinging and employ a whole host of unique
figures. See how dancing a square dance "like a square" can make
even the simplest figure great fun.

Friday, April 20: "Defensive Dancing"

You are not at the mercy of a merciless partner. Most problems with
dance floor injuries are cured by experience, but it IS a vigorous
activity. Sometimes dance floors are crowded; some dancers are
over-zealous; it is possible to get jostled or tripped. Here are
some tips on being a gracious dancer, being helpful rather than
hazardous, and protecting yourself from injury.

For further information check our web page at
http://www.prairienet.org/contra/

Phil Davidson

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Dec 30, 2000, 2:34:53 AM12/30/00

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In rec.folk-dancing, j-si...@uiuc.edu (Jonathan Sivier ) wrote:

Wow, what a great way to advance people's skills! Please report how
well these workshops were attended. Maybe other regions could use a
similar format.

-- Phil Davidson (SF Bay Area)

James C Bull

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Dec 30, 2000, 7:13:50 PM12/30/00

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In article <5C536.406$WF6....@vixen.cso.uiuc.edu>,

j-si...@uiuc.edu (Jonathan Sivier ) wrote:

>Friday, March 2: "Contra Indications"
>
>Here's a review of the "ABC's" of country dance figures. The
>infinite variety of contra dances is based on a surprisingly small
>number of different figures. We'll go through the list of standard
>moves, and check out a few of the fine points (what IS the difference
>between "pass thru", "star thru", and "right & left thru"?) We'll
>de-mystify the "hey" and "contra corners", too...a couple of the more
>complex figures that aren't called as often, so are trickier to
>figure out.

Sounds like a great idea.

FYI I thought I would pass on a nice exercise from a Scottish class, on
the hey (reel) for three, that the teacher called The Reel Game. Have
three people stand in a line with the ends facing in, and the middle
person facigt to the side. Start the music. At the begining of a
phrase the middle person starts the hay by turning to their left or
right, and giving either a left or right sholder to the person they
thry are now facing. The two end people then join whatever hay the
middle person lead with out knowing in advance what it would be. Have
each person lead from the middle two or three times. It is a good way
of getting people used to dancing the hey with out having to think about
what they are doing. Hope you find it useful.

Jim B