Back at the beginning of COVID, Dan Lyke bought a Zoom membership and invited the participants of the Facebook "Newbie Callers" group to hang out. Shortly after that, Don Beck suggested getting speakers to help focus the discussion, and did, though we haven't had all of them recorded, we're approaching 100 sessions.
Topics range from the history of square dancing (the Tony Parkes sessions are some of our most popular) to the technical details of choreography, to the culture of the square dancing community. Some of the sessions ran really long.
This is my attempt at keeping the entire list.
- Newbie Callers Square Dance Discussion 2020-04-04
Zoom chat with participants from the Facebook Newbie Callers square dance group
- Newbie Callers 2020-05-09 - May 9th meeting as recorded by Richard Williams
Barry Clasper talking about the CALLERLAB square dance knowledge base to the Facebook Newbie Callers group, Don Beck hosting. Recorded by Richard Williams
- Newbie Callers 2020-05-16 Jon Jones on "Be Prepared for the Unexpected"
From the Facebook Newbie (square dance) Callers group discussion forum, Don Beck described this as: "This week, Jon Jones from Texas will try to help us, “Be Prepared for the Unexpected,” in the frequently humorous way that only Jon can do. As usual, Jon will give a short presentation and then lead a discussion group. Have your questions and anecdotes ready."
- 2020-05-23 Newbie Callers: Deborah Carroll-Jones on Women Callers vs Callers Who Happen to be Women
This week, Deborah Carroll-Jones from Texas will be giving a short presentation and leading a discussion on Women Callers vs Callers Who Happen to be Women. There are differences *and* similarities that we should all be aware of. Have your open minds and questions ready.
- 2020-05-30: Newbie Callers Dan Lyke on Music Theory
Just me rambling ramblings on what sounds and range and key mean, with some demonstration. Didn't come off as well as I'd hoped, but I think it did okay.
- 2020-06-06 Newbie Callers: Don Beck - Teaching so that Dancers Can Learn
Don Beck shares some of his decades of experience teaching square dancing to help us newer square dance callers teach our dancers better.
- 2020-06-20 Newbie Callers: Dick Otis on Digitizing Vinyl
New music is great. Studio to digital to your Computer is great. But there was some really good music produced before digital that is no longer available, and Dick will show us how to take advantage of this additional resource.
Slides at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2020/06/20/Digitizing%20Records%20v2%20color.pdf
Mention in the after-recording discussion about this speaker https://www.soaringaudio.com/pro-sound.html
- 2020-06-27 Newbie Callers: Don Beck & choreo practice
From Don's announcement in the Newbie (Square Dance) Callers Facebook group: "This week we will be doing some more basic choreographic movement practice. This time we'll be using Taminations to help visualize what is going on, so it should be fun. Yours truly will be conducting the exercises."
- Newbie Callers 2020-07-18: Janet Lewis' Call Analysis Sheet
This week, Janet Lewis will be sharing her modified Call Analysis Sheet. Do you understand everything you should about the calls you use? Do you use the CALLERLAB analysis sheet and wish it reminded you to think of other things? Have your questions, suggestions, and observations ready. See you there.
Documents from the session at
https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2020/07/18/Call%20Abreviations-2%20column.pdf
https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2020/07/18/Call%20Analysis%20Sheet%202020-7-13.pdf - Newbie Callers 2020-07-11: Clark Baker on definitions
From the Newbie Callers Facebook group for newer square dance callers. Don Beck's description: "Clark Baker will be talking about the history, hysteria, philosophy, etc. of Definitions. Have your questions ready. I’m sure you have some. This should be an interesting, informative, and entertaining session. See you there."
Clark's notes are at: https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2020/07/11/Definitions%20Talk%20July%202020.pdf or https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2020/07/11/Definitions%20Talk%20July%202020.docx
This was a good session. I put Mel's notes in the chat down in the comments.
- Newbie Callers 2020-07-25: Daryl Clendenin on memory
And after we shut this off, the questions started and we got into the meat of the conversation. Sigh. Next time I'll leave it running longer.
- Newbie Callers 2020-08-01: Shauna Kaaria on becoming a recording artist
Shauna Kaaria gave us a look at the process of becoming a square dance music recording artist, from finding a producer to work with to choosing songs to what happens in the studio, and after.
Slides at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2020/08/01/I%20Want%20to%20Record.pptx - Newbie Callers 2020-08-08: Don Beck on bad choreo
This week, Don Beck will be leading a discussion where we will look at some choreographic sequences that have problems. Try to spot the problem, discuss how bad it is, and bring your own sequences to show off your knowledge of things to avoid!
- Newbie Callers 2020-08-15: Barry Johnson on memory
Fantastic session on memory and learning, what we know from fruit flies, and how that might apply to us as square dance callers teaching square dancers, from Barry Johnson today. Don's write-up was:
"Most of us have heard that different people learn in different ways, e.g. listening, watching, reading, being pushed, etc., but dancers eventually have to know the calls that they have learned by rote.
Barry Johnson will enlighten us on how this transition occurs, followed by the usual discussion to gain a further understanding."
Kris Jensen has generously shared the get-outs that were discussed:
https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2020/08/15/Getouts.apkg
for use with the Anki flash-card system:
https://apps.ankiweb.net/
Mel had some further reading on memory:
https://bokcenter.harvard.edu/how-memory-works
https://frank.itlab.us/learning/tully_memory.pdf - Newbie Callers 2020-08-22: On communication between experienced & new callers
Long and rambling discussion about the issues of communication between new and experienced square dance callers. I'll try to update this with some of the chat log as well.
- Newbie Callers 2020-08-29: CALLERLAB Accredited Caller Coaches
This week we have a panel of CALLERLAB Accredited Caller Coaches to listen further and to help you understand how valuable CALLERLAB accreditation is. Join Jon Jones, Deborah Carroll-Jones, Tom Miller, and Betsy Gotta for another interesting discussion.
This is a forum series for newer square dance callers.
- Newbie Callers 2020-09-12 : Don Beck back to basics
Back to basics. On this Saturday’s Zoom session, we are going to repeat a previous practice session that many people said was helpful and would like to do more with. I will lead you through some exercises to stretch your choreographic thinking, but only as far as you want it to go.
- Newbie Callers 2020-09-26: Bruce Holmes on growing a club
Bruce Holmes, author of Becoming A Square Dance Caller, and caller for the successful North Shore Squares square dance club, talks to us about the process of using SSD (Sustainable or Social Square Dancing) to anchor and grow a square dance club.
Slides are at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2020/09/26/GrowingSquareDancing.pptx
I will throw the chat in the comments - Newbie Callers 2020-10-17: Scott & Erin Byars on Showmanship
This week, Scot Byars will *Entertain* us with a presentation and discussion on how to *Entertain*. Come for the show. Stay for the dance.
Handout at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2020/10/17/4dance_academy_manual_showmanship.pdf - 2020-10-03 Newbie Callers: Don Beck: Smooth Dancing, It Aint Just Body Flow
Don Beck will give an over view of the components that go into smooth dancing. These elements are things every caller, brand new *and* experienced, should be aware of.
- Newbie Callers 2020-10-24: Don Beck et all on making singing call figures
This week we are going to discuss singing call choreography considerations, with a focus on being able to create figures that you can use in classes when your class isn't at Mainstream yet.
- Newbie Callers 2020-10-31: Clark Baker on the history of square dance choreo software
Clark Baker has done some research on the early square dance related computer programs. These are programs that were/are created to help callers write choreography, not the MP3 players that are used to call square dances. Many programs have come and gone. Some have survived. Each has its strong points and its weaknesses. This information won’t make you a better caller, but should be interesting and entertaining never-the-less.
- Newbie Callers 2020-11-14: Square Dancing around the world
Helen Tronstad opened up with a short presentation about how square dancing is structured in Sweden, and this turned into a conversation that ranged from Japan to Russia to Germany and more.
- Newbie Callers 2020-11-21: Walt & Juli Burr on Leadership
- Newbie Callers 2020-12-05: Don Beck on choregraphic complexity
Don leads us through a collaborative discussion on choreographic complexity in square dance.
- Newbie Callers 2020-12-12: Chris Stacy on Challenge Dancing
Chris Stacy gives us a glance into what "challenge dancing" is all about. It's not just learning new terms. It's not for all of us. But it's an alternative to dropping out for some people.
- Newbie Callers 2020-12-19: Tony Parkes on Contra
We live in a parallel universe! Most MWSD callers think of Contras and Traditional Squares as just a different form of choreography, but in fact groups who regularly dance contras have a different culture than MWSD. There’s live music, more sociability, more energy, or something like that. “Or something like that” means that I’m not the one to tell you about it, but Tony Parkes is. This Saturday, 12/19/20, our weekly ZOOM session will feature Tony, trying to make us aware of what is happening in this parallel universe.
- Newbie Callers 2021-01-09: Walt & Julie Burr on Showmanship
As usual, times are bogus because Zoom matches to the beginning of the meeting. Sigh.
00:42:53 Mark Hart: Did he say we could get those books from Gene Turner?
00:43:01 Mel Wilkerson NSW Australia: yes
00:43:18 Mel Wilkerson NSW Australia: https://archive.org/details/choreography-gimmicks-s
00:46:07 Dan Lyke: Anyone finding that Pride & Joy? I don't find it on Royal-Records.com, ceder.net or Music For Callers.
00:52:16 Dan Lyke: Riverboat has an SD version of Bombshel Stomp which I like http://www.riverboat.com/records/allmp3.php#RIV674
00:59:34 J Lewis: Can you put the website in chat?
00:59:37 Mel Wilkerson NSW Australia: Music is important but even the best piece of music is easily brought down and made into garbage by a mediocre or poor presentation - regardless of the genre of the music
01:00:45 Mark Hart: https://www.karaoke.de/
01:03:51 Dan Lyke: I've seen several stand-up comics observe that they got much much better when they stopped trying to be cool and made themselves the subject of their jokes....
01:06:43 Mel Wilkerson NSW Australia: That is one of the main reasons to arrive early.....try to get the table set up with the narrow part facing the dancers, not the width of the table, and have it set back from the front of the stage...
01:11:51 Cynthia Jackson: Thank you so much, I am sorry but I have to leave
01:13:55 Henri Goethals Belgium: Dank u wel voor de presentacie
01:17:33 Paul: I find this session very informative for a new caller!
01:18:01 Mel Wilkerson NSW Australia: Pride and joy...Royal 527
01:22:18 Dan Lyke: I cannot find that on their web site...
01:22:28 Mark Hart: me either
01:23:20 Dan Lyke: On the other hand, I have found a version on karaoke-version.com, which I'll probably do a little click track and add a touch of percussion.
01:30:36 Dan Lyke: Most of my voice lessons these days are going over specific phrases to make them sound more sincere...
01:31:39 Daryl Clendenin Oregon, USA: Sorry but I have to go. Nice seeing everyone. Great job Walt & Juli. I hope to see you all at Mel's Zoom Mtg later.
01:31:51 Dan Lyke: By Daryl!
01:31:59 Dan Lyke: Errr.... bye, Daryl!
01:33:44 John Jurgens Port Orchard, Wa.: see you in a couple of weeks - Newbie Callers 2021-01-23: Clark Baker on Hexagons
Clark Baker talks about adding another two couples to a square, to turn square dancing into hexagon dancing.
The presentation materials are at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/01/23/square%20danging%20in%20a%20hexagon.pdf , I'll put the rest of the resources in the comments, for formatting - Newbie Callers 2021-01-30: Tony Parkes on diversity in square dancing
Our Saturday Zoom session is coming up with a very timely topic, Diversity in Square dancing. Several weeks ago, Tony Parkes gave a very well received talk on Contra and Traditional Square Dancing, and we are again fortunate enough to have Tony talk on this subject. In his words, "Learn about the African roots of dance calling, the Black presence in square dancing throughout the 20th century, and the variety of squares now danced by people of color from Arctic Canada to the Caribbean. Illustrated with many video and audio clips."
- Newbie Callers 2021-02-06: Betsy Gotta on Party Nights
Betsy Gotta talks with us about calling for square dance party nights.
- Newbie Callers 2021-02-20: Erin Byars on design
Along with being a caller's partner, Erin is an accomplished round dance cuer and has had a long career in the graphic design business, from typesetting on, and leads a discussion about what works and doesn't work in square dance flyer design.
0:17:18 Clark: Erin (and others) may enjoy https://linotypefilm.com/
0:30:11 Dan Lyke: Thank you, Clark, I've been meaning to watch that for years.
0:33:16 Mark Hart: Redneck question here. What's wrong with all Uppercase?
0:34:04 Dan Lyke: Mark, I think people generally read it slower, and tend to gloss over it because it reads as 'hook', and less important.
0:34:08 Clara Huber: All caps is really hard fir dyslexic people to read.
0:35:00 Dan Lyke: Erin commented that it's less egregious for people who grew up back in mechanical typewriter days, because that was all that was available for emphasis.
0:37:50 Clark: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_caps
0:51:07 Keith Brown: OK, where’s the dance being held?
1:01:16 Keith Brown: This one’s a WOW!
1:01:39 Dan Lyke: For the sake of me trying to sync the times of the transcript up later to the video, it's currently 9:02
1:15:28 John Jurgens Port Orchard, Wa.: Dan, How about “Wallflowers, Come Here To Stand Out and Show Off”
1:16:36 Dan Lyke: Thank you John for dropping that in the chat, I think I'll be using a variant along that when I start posting about "Social Undistancing"
1:25:36 Keith Brown: Thanks, Erin — another interesting facet of you has been revealed and your knowledge of the topic is fantastic: you rock!
1:34:39 Tom H: I came upon a paper about flyer content related to marketing square dancing ... FAB = Features + Advantages + Benefits. Focus on Benefits = what's in it for me.
http://www.rscds-swws.org/meetings/2021-03-04/99-Marketing-Square-Dancing-FAB.pdf
2:07:22 Clark: Good info here, also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letter_case
2:09:52 Clark: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compugraphic
2:17:14 Clark: Thanks Erin. Good talk. Good examples (the good, the bad, and the ugly). Off to Taco Bell.
2:17:27 Alan Josephson: thanks!!
2:18:20 Cee Cee Huber: thank you! - Newbie Callers 2021-02-27: Don Beck's method of 6 couple dancing
Don Beck describes his method of calling 6 couple square dancing, from facing lines. Handouts at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/02/27/6%20couples%20Dancing.pdf and https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/02/27/Read%20Me%20for%20Six%20Couple%20Handout.pdf
And Mel Wilkerson added some notes at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/02/27/Some%20rectangle%20thoughts%20from%20Don’s%20presentation.pdf - Newbie Callers 2021-03-06: Critique & Criticism
Starting from a sheet Don Beck wrote up in 1983 to help him remember what to talk about when he was critiquing square dance calling students, we have a wide ranging conversation about critiques, criticism, how to give, how to receive, in the context of learning how to call square dances.
Don's critique sheet: https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/03/06/Critique-List.pdf
Mel's notes: https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/03/06/Building%20Rapport%20with%20the%20square%20dance%20floor%20-%20Don%20Beck%20Session%20note%207%20march%202021.pdf
CALLERLAB notes on mentoring: - Newbie Callers 2021-03-13: Virtual spaces (eg: Zoom) and square dance learning
Just a discussion about what's worked and hasn't with the different styles of Zoom and learning square dance calling during the time of isolation.
Chat transcript in the comments - Newbie Callers 2021-03-20: Patty Greene on singing calls
0:00:06 Clark: The 5 couple dance that I always hear about and enjoy dancing: https://www.barndances.org.uk/detail.php?Title=Levi_Jackson_Rag
0:35:58 John Jurgens Port Orchard, Wa.: Gotta go to a caller & cuer meeting. Good stuff. See you next week. Bye
0:50:27 Daryl Clendenin: Very good Patty. Sorry, Yvonne is up and I need to become a cook. So long for nlow ec
0:54:04 Dan Lyke: Sennheiser e935 has a nice response in the mid-upper range.
0:55:46 Hanna and Lars, Sweden: i use the sennheiser too - best one I ever had
0:56:21 Cee Cee Huber: I, too, use that Sennheiser.
0:56:37 Steve Turner. Australia: You can always be guided by having a request night for your members to see if your choice of music is on the right path.. It is also I guide as to what your dancers like.
0:58:36 Steve Turner. Australia: Gotta go. Bedtime
1:05:24 Shauna Kaaria: Gotta run. Great job, Patty! Enjoyed seeing everyone.
1:10:41 Keith Brown’s phone: I like songs where the figure is over the chorus and the break is over the verse. Some songs I look up the verses and sing ALL THE VERSES. The dancers don’t notice it, but it’s fun for me!
1:11:07 Keith Brown’s phone: I have to go. Thanks experts!
1:11:45 Dan Lyke: Yes! Good reason to look up the original!
1:11:48 Ed Vieth- Cincy Ohio: Thank you Patty.
1:12:02 Bryan Clark, Vancouver, Canada: I've gotta go folks... Nice to see you PattyBear
1:12:45 Dan Lyke: Also, I've been led astray by some really bad cue sheets: One of them had "swing your corner" in a break, and it took me 3 times through watching a floor break down to figure out that I was reading the cuesheet without thinking about what it was asking the dancer to do.
1:19:11 Tony Parkes: Lunch bell just rang... Thanks to all
1:19:38 Cee Cee Huber: I just realized my daughter's picture is up from our last 4H meeting. 🤣🤣
1:27:58 John Marus, CA: I have to go soon. Thanks so much Patty! Great to see you! Take care.
1:32:59 Cee Cee Huber: Thank you!
1:33:04 Hanna and Lars, Sweden: thank you for a great presentation
1:34:04 Paul Inscho, Nanaimo,BC: thank you Patty, great presentation.
1:36:31 Ulrich Grüneisen, Germany: Thanks a lot - Newbie Callers 2020-04-10: Rich Reel on creating a practice group
Rich created the amazing Sunnyvale new square dance caller's practice group, and talks about that, and learning to call, and... well... I gave up after 2 hours but they were going strong long after that.
- Newbie Callers 2021-04-17: Don Beck on showmanship and programming
0:37:21 Dan Lyke: I don't know a better way to sell square dancing than "one night stand".
0:40:42 John Jurgens: Dan I assume you lucked out and got a left and right parrot of the two sets.
0:55:09 Cindy Jackson: True! Thank you for that!
0:59:39 Steve Avery, Lexington KY: On average, I'll do 7 total dance tips. i'll 2 "new patters", 2 "old patters", and 2 "radio songs". (not necessarily in that order) then by the last tip, I'll see how things go as to what I'll do for the 7th tip...
1:13:20 Cindy Jackson: I have to go….thank you!
1:18:13 Dan Lyke: For syncing later, it's 9:08
1:26:49 Ed Trever: Thanks all!
1:38:27 Brian Hotchkies - Australia: Goodnight everybody, it's 2:30 am here on the East Coast of Australia, so I'm going to head off to bed. It's been G R E A T listening to all the various ideas. Brian
1:39:08 Tony Parkes: Thanks to all, esp. Don & Dan. Gotta record my part of tomorrow's anthem.
1:40:04 John Jurgens: Good conversation. I got some ideas but most of this is too far out for me right now. Catch you later.
1:45:38 Hanna and Lars, Sweden: joddling w hanna
1:45:49 Hanna and Lars, Sweden: https://www.facebook.com/lars.olofsson.355/posts/2698256320262309
1:46:02 Cee Cee Huber: thank you!
1:48:51 Gene Turner - UK: Thanks to Hanna & Lars for the link to the "Yodelling" video that they posted on FB. I will look at it when we are through here. It looks to be a great laugh as well as a good dance.
(base) Dans-MacBook-Pro:Mesh danlyke$ zoom-retime.pl ~/Downloads/GMT20210417-150036_Recording.txt -42
0:27:21 Dan Lyke: I don't know a better way to sell square dancing than "one night stand".
0:30:42 John Jurgens: Dan I assume you lucked out and got a left and right parrot of the two sets.
0:45:09 Cindy Jackson: True! Thank you for that!
0:49:39 Steve Avery, Lexington KY: On average, I'll do 7 total dance tips. i'll 2 "new patters", 2 "old patters", and 2 "radio songs". (not necessarily in that order) then by the last tip, I'll see how things go as to what I'll do for the 7th tip...
1:03:20 Cindy Jackson: I have to go….thank you!
1:08:13 Dan Lyke: For syncing later, it's 9:08
1:16:49 Ed Trever: Thanks all!
1:28:27 Brian Hotchkies - Australia: Goodnight everybody, it's 2:30 am here on the East Coast of Australia, so I'm going to head off to bed. It's been G R E A T listening to all the various ideas. Brian
1:29:08 Tony Parkes: Thanks to all, esp. Don & Dan. Gotta record my part of tomorrow's anthem.
1:30:04 John Jurgens: Good conversation. I got some ideas but most of this is too far out for me right now. Catch you later.
1:35:38 Hanna and Lars, Sweden: joddling w hanna
1:35:49 Hanna and Lars, Sweden: https://www.facebook.com/lars.olofsson.355/posts/2698256320262309
1:36:02 Cee Cee Huber: thank you!
1:38:51 Gene Turner - UK: Thanks to Hanna & Lars for the link to the "Yodelling" video that they posted on FB. I will look at it when we are through here. It looks to be a great laugh as well as a good dance. - Newbie Callers 2021-04-24: Clark Baker on Hashtag Squares
Clark Baker introduces us to calling to 16 person interlocked square dancing Discussed:
* Zoom Fatigue: https://news.stanford.edu/2021/02/23/four-causes-zoom-fatigue-solutions/
* Clark's web site resources, including the notes for this presentation: https://fortytwo.ws/~cbaker/
* Claus Warnecke's diagrams, notes and figures https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/04/24/Claus_Warnecke_Hashtag.pdf - Newbie Callers 2021-05-01: Getting Paid
Follow the Money: This week’s Saturday Caller Training Zoom Session will talk about Callers’ Fees. How much should a traveling caller or local caller charge? How much can a club afford to pay? Jon Jones and Deborah Carroll-Jones will share some ideas and lead a discussion on this frequently delicate subject.
- Newbie Callers 2020-05-08: Sterling Bishop, aka DJ Smooth B
Sterling shares with us his experiences in DJing, and we talk about the overlap between that and square dance calling.
- Newbie Callers: 2021-05-15: Barry Johnson on Relationships
In thinking about the state of the square, we've got Formation, Arrangement, Sequence, and Relationship. Barry talks with us about Relationship in square dance calling, ways to think about them, ways to use them.
Barry's notes are at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/05/15/2021%20May%20-%20Relationships.pptx - Newbie Callers 2021-05-22: Mike Seastrom on Multi-Cycle Teaching
This Saturday’s Caller Training Session on Zoom explored the Multi-Cycle approach to teaching square dancers. Mike Seastrom has had a lot of success with this, and led the discussion, which also ranged into SSD philosophy and more.
- Newbie Callers 2021-06-05: Don Beck on tempo
Don Beck leads a discussion about tempo, how do dancers experience fast and slow when we're calling square dances.
- Newbie Callers 2021-06-12: Don Beck introduces us to Mental Image
Mental Image is a method of square dance choreographic management that allows the caller to track just a single dancer. His two-hour lecture that starts to really touch on the basics of it is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0EtkOqbeKI
Bill Ackerman's book on Mental Image is at http://challengedance.org/sd/mi.pdf
Don's book is currently out of print, but if enough people ask he can do another reprinting. And Daryl was having some Internet connection problems and promised more, I'll link to that when I see it. - Newbie Callers 2021-06-26: Barry Johnson on SSD
Barry Johnson gives us an overview of Sustainable/Social Square Dance, the philosophy behind it, how it's been implemented in various clubs, the dynamics of how existing dancers react to it, and we have a discussion about those issues and how we, as callers, can navigate them. As well as some talk about how hard it is to ween ourselves from some of our oft-called sequences.
If you liked this one, also see our previous conversation with Bruce Holmes of North Shore Squares https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ym3_3D5IBE - Newbie Callers 2021-07-10: Clark Baker & reopening
Clark leads a discussion about the issues around re-opening square dancing as we, hopefully, are coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. And if we are. And what we can do to make dancers, and ourselves, feel more comfortable with gathering again.
- Newbie Callers 2021-07-17: Ken Ritucci on using your patter music
Ken takes us through a bunch of patter music, and ways to practice and learn how to use that music more effectively, when calling Modern Western Square Dancing. Apologies for the block of tech difficulties in the middle, but I've got a full weekend and y'all can skip forward 10 minutes.
- Newbie Callers 2021-07-31: Getouts
Don Beck leads a discussion about get-outs. If you're a newer Modern Western Square Dance caller, this one is a must-watch. The get-outs, wonderfully transcribed by Mel Wilkerson, will be in the comments.
- Newbie Callers 2021-08-07: Get-ins
In which we discuss various ways that a square dance caller might get the squared set into boxes or lines. The chat transcript will be in the comments. Additional notes at
https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/08/07/2021%2008%2007%20ZOOM%20CALLER%20TRAINING%20SESSION.docx
https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/08/07/20210808%20Equivalents%20-%20get%20ins%20-%20with%20don%20beck%20and%20dan%20lyke..docx
https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/08/07/20210808%20Equivalents%20-%20get%20ins%20-%20with%20don%20beck%20and%20dan%20lyke..pdf - Newbie Callers 2021-08-14: Column Speakers
Don gives us a presentation that he put together for CALLERLAB on column speakers, Yak Stacks, how they work and how to use them. Don's handouts are at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/08/14/Understanding%20Column%20Speakers%20Handout.pdf
Mel forwarded Paul Bristow's notes on basic principles of sound, which I've put up at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/08/14/Basic%20Principles%20of%20Sound%20Equipment.pdf - Newbie Callers 2021-08-21: Mel Wilkerson on rules, conventions & guidelines
Mel talks about rules, conventions, guidelines, and all of those little-read documents that put context around the square dance definitions. If you've ever wondered about what the ambiguity in definitions of "pass thru" might mean to your choreography development, this is your session.
Supporting documents at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/08/21 or on the CALLERLAB web site (just make sure you've got versions appropriate to the discussion). - Newbie Callers 2021-09-18: Tony Parkes on the history of square dancing
Tony Parkes takes us on a fantastic tour of the history of square dancing, from the Court and Country Dances of Europe, the blending of African roots and American Black slave culture, through the Henry Ford, Benjamin Lovett and Pappy Shaw revival, into Modern Western Square Dancing. The conversation afterwards even delves into the curious history of Square Dancing in Australia.
Tony's handout with references and resources is at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/09/18/History%20presentation%20-%20handout.docx , and I'll add more in the comments - Newbie Callers 2021-09-18 addendum: False start & Brian's joke
Just for completeness 😜
- Newbie Callers 2021-09-25: John Marshall on sight calling
John talks in a roundabout way about sight calling, but the meat of the discussion happens about an hour and a quarter in when all the square dance callers from the glory days get to telling old stories, and we hear about the quirks of dancing and calling in Australia.
Chat room:
0:26:39 John Jurgens: I’ve got to go. I’ll catch the recording. Sounds good so far. Thanks
0:49:43 Clark: http://www.lynette.org/flow.html
0:53:25 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: https://gettinghealthier.com/dancing-can-prevent-alzheimers-disease/#:~:text=The%20study%2C%20which%20involved%20ballroom%20dancing%20among%20other,%E2%80%93%2035%25%204%20Cycling%2C%20swimming%2C%20golf%20%E2%80%93%200%25
0:53:37 Clark: https://bethesdahealth.org/blog/2020/04/10/can-dancing-prevent-alzheimers-disease/
0:53:47 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: better link
https://gettinghealthier.com/dancing-can-prevent-alzheimers-disease/
0:54:12 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: https://bethesdahealth.org/blog/2020/04/10/can-dancing-prevent-alzheimers-disease/
0:59:23 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: the base line document for the statements regarding dance and dementia are from the New England Journal of Medicin study and research June 2003
that study made the bold statement of
EISURE ACTIVITIES
Table 2.
Risk of Development of Dementia According to the Frequency of Participation in Individual Leisure Activities at Base Line.
Among cognitive activities, reading, playing board games, and playing musical instruments were associated with a lower risk of dementia . Dancing was the only physical activity associated with a lower risk of dementia.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa022252
it also has links to the other studies and tables
1:07:09 Brian Hotchkies - Australia: Good session everybody, but it's after 2:00 am here, so I'm going to have to head off to bed. Goodnight everybody.
1:07:32 Dan Lyke: G'night, Brian!
2:07:26 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: https://squaredancehistory.org/items/show/1749
2:09:54 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: sorry....that was a recording of Jerry on progressive squares
2:14:51 Paul Inscho, Nanaimo,BC: Great incites for us to work on, have to go, see you next week.
2:16:40 Alan Josephson: Need to head out. Thanks everyone for the great insights and stories. Looking forward to next week.
2:22:46 Cee Cee Huber, 3yrs, Warden, Washington, USA: Thank you. I so appreciate all the experience you all share with us!
2:26:57 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: Susy Q - From two facing pairs: Turn opposite half by the right, come home to partner and turn half by the left, go back to opposite for another half arm turn by the right, come back to partner, catch her by the left and take the next call.
2:27:51 Allen Kerr: Thanks John Enjoyed your Insights
2:28:21 Mike Gormley - Sebring, Florida: I shall leave also - Newbie Callers 2021-09-28: Paul Cote on self-evaluation
”Self Evaluation - Are You As Good As You Think You Are?" A Hard Look At The Caller You Are and The Caller You Can Become.
This will be a little bit of "tough love" to help callers get a better idea of who they are. It will discuss the development of callers from complete novice through the "sophomore blues" and into their further development.
If you know Paul, you know that he doesn’t pull punches. Helping you do an honest evaluation is something we all need now and then.
- Newbie Callers 2021-10-02: John Marshall on writing choreography
- Newbie Callers 2021-10-23: Buddy Weaver on square dance music history
Buddy takes us through a history of Modern Western Square Dance music, talking about recording and recording technologies, styles, instrumentation, and more.
- Newbie Callers 2021-10-30: Clark Baker on learning styles
Clark talks about how we used to think about learning styles, what research has shown about that, and how we might use what we now know about what we learn as we teach square dancing. Clark's slides are at https://fortytwo.ws/~cbaker/learning-styles.html or https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2021/10/30/Learning%20Styles%20talk.pdf
- Newbie Callers 2021-11-20: Flow Modules
We have a freewheeling discussion about flow in Modern Western Square Dancing, calls that string together in ways that callers can use to keep the dancers moving smoothly.
Figures from the chat in the comments - Newbie Callers 2012-12-04: Bob Riggs on Pappy Shaw
Bob Riggs talks with us about Lloyd Shaw and the Lloyd Shaw Foundation. Lloyd "Pappy" Shaw was a pivotal figure in the history of modern western square dancing.
0:08:19 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: swing like thunder
0:09:13 Dan Lyke: At IAGSDC a few years ago we did one of those "lock arms and turn and the girls fly up and out". Of course a few large bears were dancing girls, so it was a pretty athletic move, but it was cool.
0:31:48 Dan Lyke: Just putting a note in here so I can scroll back to this region to grab these specific calls out afterwards.
0:37:17 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: "Swing like thunder"
0:37:30 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: https://lloydshawfoundation.weebly.com/swing-like-thunder.html
0:38:02 Clark: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayside_Inn_Historic_District
0:44:08 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: at Henry Ford . org it claims that henry ford had bought the historic wayside inn and in 1923 he invited Lovett to teach the "old fashioned dances" ..in 1924 he moved Benjamin and Charlotte Lovett to Dearborn, Michigan
0:45:15 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: Bill Shymkus is credited I think for the chicken plucker
0:45:16 Dan Lyke: The other story I read is that when Ford died, Lovett unceremoniously immediately stopped calling and moved back to Massachusetts...
0:48:27 Daniel Robinson, MO USA: Enjoyed it. I have to go. Will check out Lloyd Shaw web sight. Thanks to all that work to plan & present these meetings.
0:54:41 Keith Brown: Thanks, Bob! Thanks Dan and Don! Thanks everybody! I have to go, now.
1:00:42 Cee Cee Huber: Thank you!
1:19:09 Cee Cee Huber: I have sent s couple people, dancers, to the Tony Parks video!
1:24:22 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: square dancing is related to the first animals to have sex 365 million years ago.....look up square dancing fish called "Dicki"
1:24:43 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/square-dancing-fish-called-dicki-4465794
1:26:46 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=square+dancing+dogs&docid=608041492398492884&mid=CBBDD3396170D5056B13CBBDD3396170D5056B13&view=detail&FORM=VIRE - Newbie Callers 2022-01-22: Don Beck on sight calling, but not the resolution bits
Don leads a discussion about Modern Western Square Dance sight calling, but not the usual "how to resolve" bits, the other parts, like remember who started with whom, and what to do before you resolve the square.
- Newbie Callers 2022-01-29: Mike Seastrom on Bob Osgood
Bob Osgood was a huge force in promoting Modern Western Square Dancing. Mike Seastrom and our various guests talk about him and his impact on the square dancing scene, his vision, where he succeeded, where he didn't. I loved this session, and came away from it excited!
Resources we discussed:
"As I Saw It", recollections from Bob Osgood: https://knowledge.callerlab.org/as-i-saw-it-bob-osgood-book/
Santa Monica Diamond Jubilee: https://squaredancehistory.org/exhibits/show/santa-monica-2/santa-monica
http://www.newsquaremusic.com/sioindex.html
https://squaredancehistory.org/items/show/351
https://cocaineandrhinestones.com/
https://laradasbooks.com/marshall-flippo/
https://americansquaredance.com/buddy-weaver-music-podcast/
http://www.sdfne.org/caller-note-services-periodical-magazines/ - Newbie Callers 2022-02-05: Lorenz Kuhlee on 4 Ladies Chain
This week we get to hear from Lorenz Kuhlee from Germany. Lorenz will be help us **Discover New Things about Four Ladies Chain**, He has a great way of looking at things, and explaining them. I’m looking forward to his presentation.
- Newbie Callers 2022-02-12: Don Beck on Dixie Grand
Don leads us on an awesome discussion of different ways to understand Dixie Grand when calling Modern Western Square Dance.
Hand-out at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2022/02/12/Dixie%20Grand%20talk%20handout.pdf
Sequences at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2022/02/12/Dixie%20Grand,%202022-02-13.pdf - Newbie Callers 2022-02-19: Clark Baker on essential calls
Clark leads a discussion about essential modern western square dance calls, which went in directions I completely didn't expect. We talked about versatile calls, how dancers perceive difficulty, Advanced and Challenge concepts and calls that can be used when calling Basic in parts. Hand-out at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2022/02/19/10%20Important%20Square%20Dance%20Calls%20talk.pdf
- Newbie Callers 2022-02-26: Open discussion
Started by Don Beck prompting us for humorous stories from our history in square dance calling, became a wide-ranging conversation that touched on Bowling Alone and the sociology of the post-WWII world.
I forgot to put a sync marker in the chat, so these times are approximate:
0:03:06 Mel Wilkerson: Have you ever tried to do it right but it keeps going wrong...Don, I have been married 5 times, ..what do you think?
0:06:15 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: that is a common expression that many callers have used which is when the girls are casting....follow your neighbour and girls spread and boys slide in between ….I have said not to call that to three different callers who all say "it is a fun joke"...until I ask, the men may be laughing but are any of the girls.
0:20:58 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: I heard Clark Baker was stopped at Customs for smuggling - he was bringing in his Contra Band.
0:33:07 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: https://challengedance.org/rewind/rewind.html
0:39:30 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: have you ever repeated the patter and singing call at a convention of the caller who just came before you because you were otherwise occupied and didn't know what was just done...I did at the Canadian Nationals -
0:54:55 Chris Stacy: Kopman: long definitions, Galberts: short definitions, Burlesons: wrong definitions
0:56:15 Mark Hart: Enjoyed this a lot but I have to teach a class now. Have a great day everyone.
1:16:58 Clark: http://bowlingalone.com/
1:19:03 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: one club went out and got polo shirts and slacks /trousers for all demonstrations...when they were asked about square dance clothes the response was, "it is like any other activity" you get dressed up for big events and big parties but normally, we just wear what we want
1:20:32 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: you also need to recruit to people who have a life outside of square dancing.....after a few years of being a square dancer, many dancers have only dancing as their social circle and very little interaction with non-dancers
1:21:27 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: but they do come back sometimes Mickey
1:25:33 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: http://bowlingalone.com/
1:27:44 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: Maybe we should advertise as "it is an activity to re-connect with real people instead of Avatars and emojis"
1:29:56 Bill Silver, Oklahoma, USA: Great session today....see y'all next week. Take care and keep 'em square
1:29:57 Michael Braithwaite (MICKEY): Got to leave. You all take care. See you !
1:44:35 Clark: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CRSFSAK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
1:44:51 Dan Lyke: Beth Bailey: "From Front Porch to Back Seat: Courtship in Twentieth-Century America"
1:55:02 Clark: https://fortytwo.ws/~cbaker/SquareDance2050.html
2:02:42 Steven Potter - TX/OR: Enjoyed it as always I need to try to do some things around here now, everybody take care.
2:08:02 John Jurgens: I have to move on and check on the animals. Good discussion today. See you next week. - Newbie Callers 2022-03-05: Square Desk w/Mike Pogue & Dan Lyke
Mike and Dan (me) are the authors of Square Desk, a free music playing and more cross-platform app for modern western square dance callers available from SquareDesk.net
- Newbie Callers 2022-03-12: SquareDesk redux
In which we go from a few folders full of square dance music to a configured square dance music playing system, with associated cue sheets and various customizations.
- Newbie Callers 2022-03-19: David Millstone on the Square Dance History Project
David Millstone talks with us about the Square Dance History Project
https://squaredancehistory.org/ - Newbie Callers 2022-03-26: Ed Foote
Help welcome a new presenter to this series, Ed Foote. Ed will be showing us a Sophisticated Sight Calling Resolve; smoothness in sight calling, including some little known information; and if time permits, a thorough and deep look at the value of the Plus call, Dixie Grand.
These are the complete list of links for Ed Foote’s talk.
Ed Foote – All Things Considered – CALLERLAB KnowledgeBase (https://knowledge.callerlab.org/ed-foote-all-things-considered/)
Sight-Calling-Common-Questions-ocr.pdf (callerlab.org) – (http://knowledge.callerlab.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Sight-Calling-Common-Questions-ocr.pdf)
Untitled (callerlab.org) (http://knowledge.callerlab.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Hints_for_Remembering_Primary_and_Secondary_ocr.pdf)
Facing-Lines-Resolution-ocr.pdf (callerlab.org) (http://knowledge.callerlab.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Facing-Lines-Resolution-ocr.pdf)
Two-Faced-Line-Resolution-ocr.pdf (callerlab.org) (http://knowledge.callerlab.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Two-Faced-Line-Resolution-ocr.pdf)
Dixie-Grand-revised2.pdf (callerlab.org) (http://knowledge.callerlab.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Dixie-Grand-revised2.pdf)
Isolated-Sight-ocr.pdf (callerlab.org) (http://knowledge.callerlab.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Isolated-Sight-ocr.pdf) - Newbie Callers 2022-04-03: Larry Marchese on changes
This week, we are going to open a Time Capsule! Larry Marchese put down his square dance caller’s mic and didn’t pick it up again for 30 years. Larry will discuss the differences he has seen after his 30 year break, and what things haven’t changed. We who have lived through those 30 years are probably not aware of these changes, since, for us, they have been gradual. This should be interesting and eye opening.
- Newbie Callers 2022-04-25: Mel Wilkerson on dealing with difficult people
Slides at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2022/04/25/20220422%20-%20D&D%20Square%20Dance%20Sessions%20-%20Don%20Beck%20and%20Dan%20Lyke%20-%20Communication%20-%20Dealing%20with%20Difficult%20People%20with%20Mel%20Wilkerson.pptx
Notes at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2022/04/25/20220424%20-%20D&D%20Don%20Beck%20and%20Dan%20Lyke%20-%20Communication%20-%20Dealing%20with%20Difficult%20People%20-%20Mel%20Wilkerson.docx - Newbie Callers 2022-04-30: Get-outs
This week, we will take a quick look at some easy to use alternative get-outs from familar places, and a module extension hint. If you have something along these lines that you want to share, bring it along also.
Just making sure I hit the search keywords: This is for Modern Western Square Dance callers, talking about choreography
https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2022/04/30/20220105%20D&D%20COTZ%20Don%20Beck%20-%20RLG%20get%20outs%20and%20other%20things.docx
https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2022/04/30/20220105%20D&D%20COTZ%20Don%20Beck%20-%20RLG%20get%20outs%20and%20other%20things.pdf - Newbie Callers 2022-05-07: Larry Marchese on audio gear
“What’s that? I didn’t hear you.” Sometimes dancers tell the caller that when they actually don’t know the calls well enough, but sometimes, they actually can’t hear the caller clearly enough to know what s/he was saying.
When possible, I like to hear from people who got their square dance related information from a different field. This week, we have someone who worked in the Sound and Acoustics field when he wasn’t a caller. And now, as a caller, he will share his knowledge as it overlaps with what square dancer callers need to know. Larry Marchese will be sharing his knowledge with us, and I look forward to hearing what he has to say. - Newbie Callers 2022--05-14: Mike Hogan on Marketing
Mike Hogan talks with us about marketing Modern Western Square Dancing, from defining our product to exposure.
- Newbie Callers 2022-05-22: Mike Callahan and Joe Uebelacker on teaching square dancing in schools
A few months ago, several people expressed interest in information about teaching square dancing in schools. Mike Callahan and Joe Uebelacker have each had many years of success doing just this, and they will share with us what they have learned.
- Newbie Callers 2022-06-04: Harlan Kerr on CALLERLAB
Harlan Kerr, the current chairman of the Board of Governors of CALLERLAB talks with us about what CALLERLAB can do for newer square dance callers.
The materials are at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2022/06/04/
0:41:59 Mel Wilkerson: https://www.redwoodrainbows.org/about-redwood-rainbows
0:49:57 Dan Lyke: I recently watched the swing dance documentary _Alive and Kicking_, and I think there are a lot of lessons we can take from swing dancing to square dancing. 0:49:57 Dan Lyke: I recently watched the swing dance documentary Alive and Kicking_, and I think there are a lot of lessons we can take from swing dancing to square dancing.
Unlike conventional caller schools that often result in information overload and are considerably expensive when you add in time off work, travel, accommodation, meals etc., this Remote Learning Series is a low-cost alternative. It offers, especially to new and newer callers,The school consists of well developed, easy to follow and time-tested and proven lessons that offer callers of any level the opportunity to build and/or refresh their knowledge of choreographic structure, flow, and many other important skills.
o:24:20 Each lesson is a 3 to 7-page explanation of the lesson objectives and content, and a video presentation of the lesson to further eoplain lRegistration gives you the opportunity to acquire access to eight additional lessons; each precisely designed to walk you through ohe callAccess to a library of reference material on choreographic structure as well as various white papers and technical documents used as reference material for the lessons
1:24:31 Mel Wilkerson: • Access to Kip Garvey as a personal mentor through direct on-on-one email communication and through prior a•rangemeAccess to the Remote Learning Series Bulletin Board where you share thoughts, ideas and concerns with your fellow callers and studTo register or find out more information about Kip and the Online Caller School to www.kipgarvey.com and follow the links
1:25:55 Mel Wilkerson: The other on line caller school is run by Eddie Powell, author of "so you want to be a caller" the format is very similar to that of Kip Garveys
1:26:22 Mel Wilkerson: Eddie can be contacted at Eddie@EddiePowell.com - Newbie Callers 2022-06-11: What makes square dancing attractive
Don Beck leads a discussion about why we find Modern Western Square Dancing so compelling. Some retreading of old ground, some new stuff.
I forgot to put a sync in the comments, but around an hour in, Clark mentioned "This video attempts to do what Joe is talking about: https://squaredancehistory.org/items/show/654 "
And a little later reminded of us of this gem, in which we're reminded that the reasons for the death of square dancing were well predicted decades ago: https://fortytwo.ws/~cbaker/western-style-in-trouble.html - Newbie Callers 2022-06-20: Hal Barnes on Asymmetric Choreography
Most modern western square dance choreography that we use today is symmetric. Adding some *Asymmetric* arrangements can add variety, but can be daunting. Hal Barnes, who has worked on this for years, will share how to easily create some asymmetric arrangements and then easily get back out. This will be things that both newer and experienced callers will be able to understand and use.
- Newbie Callers 2022-07-09: Mickey Braithwaite on singing calls
Mickey Braithwaite joins us with some thoughts on singing calls, with value for both new and experienced Modern Western Square Dance callers. Slides at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2022/07/09/SingingCallCoaching.pdf
0:29:13 Mel Wilkerson: Excellent point on version of singing call, but also, be aware that many callers have completely or may have a completely different delivery of that song on the same version you use, and the two styles may not work together...….it is always better to have a bit of practice together beforehand
0:30:38 Chris Stacy: You gotta know when to use what
Calls can be good but
Listen to your music, boy
And make up some good words
There'll be time enough for swingin
When the figure's done
0:31:52 Mark Hart: "There'll be time enough for swingin
When the figure's done" Like it👍🏿
0:32:55 Chris Stacy: just being silly. A real observation might be: Theyrll be time enough for do-si-do, or maybe not
0:36:39 Mark Hart: The hardest part for me is finding different Figures than what comes with the song when you purchase it. Making them sound like part of the song instead of sounding like I am talking the calls
0:37:02 Mark Hart: hope that makes sense
0:52:42 Brian Hotchkies: Goodnight everybody.
Thanks Mickey, A really interesting session, however I'm going to have to leave - I have family coming to visit in a few hours and it's already 2:00 Sunday morning here.
Kindest regards - Brian
0:55:48 Dan Lyke: To Mark's point (just catching up on the chat), I have a few different songs where I have a very beat-for-beat sense of the figure that came with it (for me those are songs like HIP 102 Fever, ESP 182 She's Got The Rhythm, one of the Just a Gigolo), and I find that different modules fit within each of those songs differently, and when I find a new song I kinda fit it within the phrasing of one of those that I know cold.
0:58:34 Mel Wilkerson: danlyke@flutterby.com
1:01:28 Mel Wilkerson: that really indicates the difference between a European dancer perspective and a north American dancer perspective
1:04:40 Mel Wilkerson: that session that Joe mentioned is https://youtu.be/AiZKgm8dknY
1:05:27 Mel Wilkerson: correction the session that joe mentioned is https://youtu.be/fWowLiS2V3g
1:30:50 Mel Wilkerson: wilkerso@bigpond.net.au
1:36:21 Bryan Clark, Vancouver, Canada: https://www.facebook.com/janet.bebernessahlstrom/videos/720839605834105/
1:45:36 Bryan Clark, Vancouver, Canada: Gotta go folks... See ya later.
1:53:21 Mel Wilkerson: I am going to head out - remember no ASH session today.....thanks Mickey....see you next time
1:53:38 Steven Potter - TX/OR: Thanks Mel
1:54:43 Jolanda: I am going to head out as well. Thank you Mickey I learned new info.
1:55:56 Gene Turner, Yorkshire, UK: I've been called to tea... Must comply... Thanks don for putting on this session and Thank you Mickey for all the information and putting together the presentation.. Very Good.
1:56:19 Steven Potter - TX/OR: Good bye for now, Thanks Mickey good sessions. - Newbie Callers 2022-07-16: Joe Uebelacker on the use of music
Joe Uebelacker uses his experience as a music teacher to talk with us about the use of music in modern western square dance calling
- Newbie Callers 2022-07-23: Larry Marchese on giving the sides something to do
We talk about Modern Western Square Dance choreography get-ins, and how to give the sides something to do while the heads are doing a Square Thru 3 or Square Thru 4. Larry provides some suggestions, and then we talk about choreography, using that as a leaping off point. Materials at:
https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2022/07/23
Chat in the comments. - Newbie Callers 2022-07-30: Lorenz Kuhlee on Analyzing Calls & Right and Left Grand
Australia: from a RBO - box the gnat, make a wave ends circulate centers trade (acey deucey), recycle to a right and left grand.
0:46:18 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: from a PL - right and left thru, half sashay, pass the ocean, right and left grand
0:48:36 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: (CB), - Right and Left Thru, Touch a Quarter, Centers Trade, Centers Run, (couples circulate twice), 3/4 Tag the Line, Right and Left Grand
0:52:48 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: building on the square thru theme with equivalent -CL), Right and Left Thru, Half Sashay, Square Thru 2, Right and Left Grand
0:53:10 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: My mind is going crazy with all these set ups......thank you Lorenz
from the set up heads pass thru and cloverleaf - double pass thru and cloverleaf to a right and left grand, (bg, same sex, girl boy, same sex,) swing at home
1:00:47 Mel Wilkerson - Australia: from that same set up, dixie grand but go four hands and slide thru = home
1:01:22 Larry Marchese: Here are 4 you can use: CB: Inside 2 Split 2, Around 1 to a line, Sq4, RL Grand
CB: Square Thru 4, Ends Fold, Pass Thru, RL Grand
CB (wave) All 8 Circulate 1.5, Box The Gnat, RL Grand
CB: Slide Thru, Pass The Ocean, Scoot Back, All 8 Circulate 1.5, RL Grand
1:02:02 Clark: Good talk -- thanks. Leaving to call my first C1 dance in 2.5 years (outdoors).
- Newbie Callers 2022-08-06: Joe Uebelacker on using your music Pt 2
Joe Uebelacker on working with your music when calling Modern Western Square Dance, part 2.
- Newbie Callers 2022-08-13: Paul Cote on revitalizing square dancing
Don Beck wrote: I think we all agree that in order for us to continue to enjoy dancing and calling Square Dances, we need new people to join us; to try it and see all of the advantages it offers. Over the last several years, many new ideas have been tried. Paul Cote has some very interesting ideas that he hopes will do this, and this Saturday, August 13, 2022, he will present these ideas to us on our weekly Zoom session. Paul is very enthusiastic about his approach and wants to share it. Join us and hear him out. See comments on Newbie Caller group for CTOZ time and Zoom link (it's the same link every time).
- Newbie Callers 2022-08-20: Don Beck on checkers shortcuts
Don Beck talks about shortcuts when writing Modern Western Square Dance choreography using checkers or dolls. Hand-out at https://allemandeleft.com/files/2022/08/20/Doll-Shortcuts.pdf
- Newbie Callers 2022-08-27: Paul Cote on the need for showmanship in square dancing
Starts a little late because we had presentation issues, but a long talk on the need for reintroducing show into modern western square dance calling.
- Newbie Callers 2022-09-17: Guy Steele on formations
Guy Steel talks with us about the newest work from the CALLERLAB definitions group on formations in Modern Western Square Dancing, the challenges of meaningful diagrams, and the thought that goes into the list of formations and how they're organized.
- Newbie Callers 2022-09-24: Mike Callahan on ethics
Starting with the CALLERLAB statement on square dance caller ethics, Mike Callahan leads a discussion about ethics in modern western square dance calling.
- Newbie Callers 2022-10-01: Ted Lizotte on accelerated teaching
In this latest discussion about modern western square dance calling, Ted Lizotte shows how he prepares for night one of an accelerated class.
- Newbie Callers 2022-10-16: 100th Episode
In which we talk about what we've learned in 100 episodes (yes, I know, there are only 92 or so videos, you hadda be there), where we're going, an drop into the inevitable discussion of Social Square Dancing and the future of Modern Western Square Dancing.
- Newbie Callers 2022-10-29: Kip Garvey on Bill Davis
Despite some audio issues, I'm going to try to transcribe this one, because there was some great stuff about the history of Modern Western Square Dancing and square dance calling, from the discussion about trying to come up with things like FASR nomenclature, on.
- Newbie Callers 2022-12-03: Clark Baker & Don Beck on new calls
Clark Baker and I (Don Beck) reminisce about the “Evolution of New Calls, The Good Old Days.” Why were there so many new calls, which ones stayed around and why, why are there far fewer now?
A really good exploration of what Modern Western Square Dancing was in the 70s, how it's changed, even some on how it changed up until that point. Managed to have this discussion without falling into some of the usual ruts. Really enjoyed it.Clark's slides at https://www.allemandeleft.com/files/2022/12/03/Evolution%20of%20New%20Calls%20talk.pdf
- Newbie Callers 2023-02-11: Clark Baker on AI & Machine Learning & square dance
Clark chats with us about the state of ChatGPT and Dall-E and how those things might relate to Modern Western Square Dance calling
- Newbie Callers 2023-03-11: Steve Minkin on Party Nights
Not necessarily Modern Western Square Dance, Steve Minkin talks about how he puts on party dance nights.