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Ask The Caller
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October 1, 2006 ©1998-2004 Canadian Square & Round Dance Society. All rights reserved |
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Square Dance Etiquette Dancer Tips Behind The Mike/What The Caller Sees
Dancing Aids and Hints
The Round Dance Room
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9) NEW DANCERS - why your first year
is so important! What is that new language I'm
learning? Sure I've heard of a 'dosado' and 'allemande left' before,
but 'right & left thru'; 'swing thru'; 'Alamo rings'.... What the
heck are they? How do I remember what to do when I hear those strange
words? Do you recognize any of these questions? Are you thinking the same? Folks that are "new" to modern Square Dancing don't always realize just how important that very first year is to them not only for 'now' but for many years to come. What you learn in your first year is the very foundation of all your square dancing experience, whether you dance for 2 years or 22 years. Your first year is your MOST important! Why? - because you're learning on several levels. 1) A new 'language' - not only combinations of words from English, French & German, but the words that the Callers -use to 'link' the moves together. Along with that is the difference in the ways different callers deliver the 'same' commands (calls). Did you know that this 'language' of square dancing is the only one that's used universally throughout the world to all dancers in all countries? Learn it well in your first year! To do that, you need to dance at least once a week, more if possible. The more you dance, the more callers you hear, the faster you learn & understand the language. And the better you understand the language, the better you can dance the moves!! 2) Learning to listen ----- to the Caller! Sure, we learned to listen when we were back in grade school, but over the years we've developed the ability to 'quasi -listen'... that is, listening a bit to what's going on around us, but thinking of other things at the same time. Oh, did I miss something?... no mind, I'll catch it later. Sorry, that doesn't work on a square dance floor. You have to stay focused' on what the caller is saying at all times. Miss a word & you miss a move & your square... well, let's just say you'll find yourself somewhat out of place! So, yes you've got to "stay tuned" to the caller at all times, which takes practice! Hey, this is one time that you have to forget about the dishes, laundry, gardening - so that isn't so bad eh? 3) It's a building process! Like any new building, the foundation is the most important part of a strong structure. Well, your first year is the foundation for years to come & it needs to be built properly. When you came to your first open house you learned the first group of moves in what we call the 'Basic' program... or the 'foundation' program. Now for each successive week following, you will be learning at least 2 new moves until you complete the full Basic program. Each week builds on the previous by reviewing what you've learned to date & then adding new moves (building blocks) as we progress. So, as you can see, it's very important not to miss a "block'...you need to be here each & every week if at all possible. If only one of you (in a couple) cannot make it, then the other should attend and then fill in (& help) their partner with the new stuff. For your first year, plan on attending each & every week but if you are going to be away for more than I week, then speak to your caller about how you can catch up upon your return before you go. 4) Learning to work with your partner. Each square has 8 people in pairs of 2 that work as a partnership. Most 'partnerships' are 'couples' - i.e. married etc. but some are partnerships created by solo dancers for either a single tip or for the evening. Whichever yours is, learning to work with a partner also requires practise. Most moves involve direct partner 'inter'-action (eg: partner trade etc) and each must know 'their' part well. Again, practise makes perfect either on the dance floor or at home! 5) Learning to work with 7 other dancers. Although you'll hear it said 'dance your own dance' - you are dancing with 7 other dancers & if you all work together & execute well, then the end result is great to see. So, right away introduce yourself to the other dancers in your square, that helps you to relax, know 'who's where' in your square and in particular, who's your corner? And if things don't work out well at some point, then work together to either get home or get into lines so that you can get dancing again quickly! It's nobody's "fault" - work with each other & have fun! 6) Practise makes perfect! I cannot emphasize this strongly enough! Especially in your first year square dancing extra practise makes an immense difference in how quickly you become comfortable & proficient on the dance floor. The more you dance the faster you learn the language and the moves. You thus become more confident & relaxed on the dance floor. AND... you'll be meeting more new friends & getting more fun exercise at the same time. What a bargain! As many clubs in our area are teaching new dancers every year, you could dance 5 nights a week, however I would recommend at least 1 more or 2 if you can. Ask your Caller where the Clubs are that you could visit. All these clubs are more than glad to have new dancers dropping in. So why not give it a try - you won't be sorry!! 7) Meeting new people & making new friends. The main reason we square dance is to make new friends isn't it? You may be a stranger when you walk into the hall, but within a few minutes you will have met someone new and they may well become a close friend for the rest of your life. Yes, it's happened many times here at the Kickers, just ask around! Not only meeting new folks here but at other clubs as well. It's surprising (not to us now) just how welcoming every one is and how many new friends you will make in just your first year! 8) Becoming part of an 'extended family'. As has often been said, square dancing is the best-kept secret around! Well, there's another 'secret' that becomes known to you once you get involved and that's the new family that you will acquire.... your 'extended' family of square dance friends. And this is a genuine family, one that cares about you & will help out when needed without being asked! As we have found out this is not a superficial caring; but a strong family 'bond' of friendship that has each of us looking after each other! Talk to other club members & see what we mean and, oh yes, Welcome to the family! Source:
Eastern Ontario's Square Time Nov/Dec, 2004 Question 8: Lets first look at where Twirls
are 'generally' used. After a partner Swing, there are two ending
positions Many ladies enjoy twirling and encourage their partners to twirl them often. It adds style, grace & flair to the dance. However, many do not enjoy it & in some cases it's not healthy for them to do so (dizziness etc). Some may also be seen wearing "Do Not Swing" buttons. So GENTS, pay attention - not all ladies like/want to be twirled! LADIES - to stop someone from twirling you, the simplest answer lies in 'how' the twirl is executed. To start a twirl, the man must raise your right hand with his left hand over your head first. If you stop this action, you stop the twirl. To do that, don't allow your right hand to be raised, simply 'push down' and that sends the 'silent message "I don't want to be twirled". If necessary, include a simple & direct "I don't twirl" comment. You should only have to do this once. GENTS - be aware of ALL ladies in your square and whether or not they like to twirl and if in doubt, ask! Generally, your "clue" should come early in the tip by watching the interaction of all ladies with their 'regular' partner. Be considerate and don't assume! Source: Eastern Ontario's Square Time Jan/Feb, 2004 Nov/Dec, 2003 - No Questions Question 7: There are quite a number of "do's & don'ts" out there and while some clubs have their 'own' list, many are 'common' throughout the square dance community. Rather than write them myself, I've scoured the 'many' sources and assembled them below. This is not a conclusive list nor set of 'hard & fast rules' but certainly a list of 'good things' to keep in mind which should help you to enjoy your dancing even more. Please feel free to send along any that you think I may have missed. Keep in mind that Square Dancing is all about having FUN! The
fun of well executed calls; the fun of a good laugh if your square does
break down; the fun of a social activity in a friendly atmosphere of
mutual respect and cooperation. To keep square dancing FUN, we must all
consider some 'guidelines' … some "do's and don'ts". After all, square
dancing is a group activity and these courtesies are practised by
square dancers the world over! Question 6: Answer
6: Source:
Eastern Ontario's Square Time April/May, 2003 a)
"At a convention, what is 'proper dress’? b) What is the meaning of ‘prairie dress' for ladies? Answer
5a: What follows is excerpts taken from the CSRDS & Callerlab web sites: CSRDS - The current dress code commonly agreed upon in Canada seems to be:
Callerlab has attempted to find a compromise position by designating three classes of dress code:
Answer
5b: Question 4. It's More Than Just the Dancing! Have you ever thought, when mentally considering those with whom you dance, how many times you are impressed with more than just the individual's ability to dance well? Think about it. Aren't there times when a friendly, outgoing individual makes an impression on your mind as being an excellent dancer, more than anything else you are impressed by his/her courtesy, willingness to dance with anyone who is setting up a square, willingness to take on 'club' responsibilities and his/her general “up” nature? And aren't you impressed with the club member who is always on time for the first tip and who seldom, if ever, misses a dance night? These “little” points are equally as significant, in my way of thinking, as a person's ability to dance all of the square dance movements perfectly! Because this side of square dancing is so important and because it is so frequently placed somewhere behind an individual's ability to master the Basics, I'd thought it a good spot to place it Front & Center of this edition of Callers Corner. And coupled with this, here's some of the “good” and “not so good” square dance manners that you should be aware of!
Question 3. "How come I seem to he always rushing
through the Singing Call? I don't seem to have enough time to complete
everything?" After giving it some thought, I came up with a number of points that not only answers a very good question, but also provides some insight into what a new dancer needs to consider : 1 . Square Dancing is a LEARNED SKILL that does require practise! Try & get out and dance MORE THAN ONCE PER WEEK! You will learn faster & become more 'comfortable' if you dance more than one night per week. Why not visit one of the other clubs in the area you won't regret it! Dance IN TIME with the MUSIC ! That means move your feet 'in time' with the music & execute the moves 'in time' with the music. You'll be amazed how much easier it is! 3. ASK THE CALLER if you're not sure about something. That's what he/she is there for! 4. RESPOND to the CALL when you hear it! BE LISTENING AT ALL TIMES and if you're not hearing the calls properly, then get into a square at the FRONT of the hall! 5. PROPER EXECUTION of the moves means that you're "ON TIME" (in the right place at the right time) for the next call given. ON TIME, means executing the move with the correct number of beats of music. For example:
7. If Square BREAKS DOWN? - DO SOMETHING other than standing around wondering 'what happened' & 'who caused it'. (see the Dancer Tips for more on this) 8. HELP YOURSELF by your reviewing all the moves you've learned by going over them in your Basic/Mainstream book, especially after you've just learned a 'new' one! Looking them over 'in advance' is ok, but it may be confusing to you. Source:
Square Time Jan/Feb, 2003 Question 2. "I now have a "Please Don't Swing Me'
button but what should I do instead of swinging & how do I get the
gents to 'not' swing me? Let me answer this question in 2 ways, first to explain why the 'Don't Swing' button & then what you should do to ensure that your wishes are respected. "DON'T SWING ME" button means exactly that, as the wearer either experiences dizziness, or has a physical problem that prevents them doing a normal 'swing'. What to do then when a 'swing' is called? A swing normally takes 6-8 beats of music, so you can either do a Dosado instead or, because Promenade often follows, just get into the Promenade position & then wait until the rest of the dancers in the square start to promenade, then just fall into step! Gents note also that 'Don't Swing' also applies to the 'twirls' that often accompany the beginning & end of promenades. So, for those that do the swinging, be considerate if not sure, then ask! So how do you 'stop' someone from swinging or twirling you? Well, experienced dancers will usually spot the button & respect your wishes, however, if a Gent attempts to swing you, then speak directly to him & just say "Sorry I don't Swing!", and that should be sufficient. Should that not work, then simply hold your ground, don't swing, don't make any contact other than turning around & getting into the promenade position & offering your hands for the promenade, and reminding your ' partner' that you do not swing. While on the topic of "Buttons", there's a couple of others that you may encounter at any time:
Source: Square Time Nov/Dec, 2002 Question
1. "What is the correct way to hold your hands when
dancing Swing thru? How many times have you been in an Ocean Wave (or any other formation) & you find your hand is being 'held' firmly (roughly) by another (ready to arm wrestle)? The Caller says …."Swing Thru" and someone starts going in the wrong direction ... and because you're being firmly held... fingers, a wrist, a shoulder... something gets wrenched... someone gets hurt!! Let's look at the 'total picture' of Not Hand HOLDS but Hand CONTACT - there is a huge difference! Quoting from portions of the Callerlab Caller/Teacher manual on Ocean Waves: "Dancers should use hands up position ... distance between dancers should be determined by the arm position of the dancer which is extended forward and bent slightly at the elbow ...... This set-up will be most comfortable if dancers have their hands up, palm to palm with the dancers on each side …. The palm to palm contact is comfortable if the palms are turned or angled clockwise slightly, but, in doing this, the contact should not become a grip or a hold -just a light pressure contact! In summary then, for Ocean Waves, it's 'palm to palm' contact with NO GRIPS! Just maintain slight pressure towards each other but do not close your hand over the other! Swing Thru from Ocean Waves is only one movement from which, with incorrect hand contact, injuries can result. 'Death grips" or two-handed arm turns; California twirls- left/right stars; allemande thars; and many more movements which, with incorrect “hand contact”, can result in potential injury to a dancer. It is important to ALWAYS make hand contact with the person you are dancing beside. Making the contact is not optional - how you do it, is. As soon as you're standing beside another dancer, male or female, hand contact is mandatory in order that you "confirm" that 'right now', I'm your partner. Take Hands! And always remember, it's hand contact, a gentle hand hold, just a small amount of pressure that says "I'm here". Note: In some areas of the USA & Canada, you may encounter Ocean Wave hand position as 'palms-down' at waist-high level. This is a known 'regional difference' to the Callerlab recommended method (discussed above). Should you be visiting one of those areas & encounter that variation, then "when in Rome.... " Source: Square
Time Sept/Oct, 2002 1. BE ON TIME. In square dancing, one late (or leaving early) couple or person may mean that three other couples or seven people must sit out. In planning an evening's program, the caller leans heavily on the first and last tips to pace his/her dance. By leaving the dance before it's over, you may be telling the other dancers and caller that you did not have a good time. The "wind-down" tip is just as important as the first or middle tips. Plan to spend the complete evening when you come. 2. DO FORM SQUARES QUICKLY - As soon as the music starts, get on the floor and start forming squares. In most clubs, for each new tip dancers form new sets by squaring up randomly. So first of all, a universal rule of square dancing is to join the VERY FIRST SQUARE you come to. It's considered rude, unfriendly and discourteous to pass by a forming square to look for "greener pastures. Which also means that you can't pick your corner, opposite, etc. You CAN pick your partner by asking someone to dance before you approach the square. If your square is not full, raise your hand with as many fingers extended as couples are needed. Note though: If two or three couples are squared up and do not have a hand up, it indicates that they are waiting for someone who has promised to dance with them. Do not try to square up with them without asking. It is also considered bad manners to walk through the middle of one square to get to another. STAY PUT! - Once in a square, under no circumstances abandon it. (Exception is a medical emergency). 3. BE A FRIENDLY DANCER - "Friendship is square dancing's greatest reward". Do not arrange squares more than once in an evening. In fact, it is best not arrange a square at all. Make it a point to dance with as many different dancers as possible each evening. It has been said that "Square dancing is friendship set to music so, take the opportunity to get acquainted with others. Friendliness is part of good manners. Square dancing promotes friendliness since it offers endless opportunities for more friendships to develop. If you are not continually making new friends you are not getting the most from square dancing. Friendliness comes from within yourself and can best be described as your interest in others. So, don't start re-arranging the square to fit in your friends or favourites. Take a chance and dance with new people ... you never know who you'll meet across the square. And somewhere else it reads: "Thou shalt strive to dance in different squares, that those with two left hands or less experience shalt benefit from thy talent and thy help.".. think about it! 4. BE A COURTEOUS DANCER - Once the square is formed and before the calling starts, take a look at the other seven people. Acknowledge friends if you haven't seen them prior to this particular square: you can nod, smile, wave, or give them a hug (when in a square, it's called a "yellow rock"). And... if you see someone that you don't know, always introduce yourself and your partner! Be sure to thank everyone for dancing with you after the tip. Refrain from using those extra twirls and kicks that interfere with others in your square, especially when dancing with new dancers. 5. BE A GOOD LISTENER - Once a tip is underway, refrain from talking. Sometimes it is difficult to hear and your talking may very well prevent someone else from hearing a call. Listen to the caller. Do not talk when the caller is talking or calling. Not only is it rude, but all dancers may need the information offered. Talking during the course of square dancing is distracting to you and especially others. It makes it difficult for others in the square to "catch" the instructions and hear the music. Remember there is room for only one teacher at a time. You can help others best by being in the correct place at the correct time. Pointing or a hand motion is always the better way to direct someone that is going in the wrong direction! Listen quietly during all instructions from the caller. If you know the call being explained, resist the temptation to explain it to others in your square. Let your fellow dancer hear all the professional instruction that they have come to hear It is also extremely rude to talk while announcements are being made. Try to quiet anyone speaking to you. Give the speaker the same consideration you would want if you were speaking! 6. BE A CONSIDERATE DANCER - an 'ANGEL' not a devil! - There is no acceptable excuse for rough handling of fellow dancers ... period! No one steps into a square to make a fool of themselves, so figure that mistakes really are just that - mistakes and not intentional attempts to break down a square. You experienced dancers out there: remember your first dance and how scared you were that someone would yell at you? Allow others the space to make the same kind of goofs you did. Not every square has to be step-for-step perfect to be fun. Grabbing people to put them in the correct position is unacceptable and it's an unusual dancer who likes to be pushed around. If a dancer appears not to know where he or she should be going then point to the correct position or whisper in their ear (NO yelling, pushing, pulling, grabbing!). And if they don't get there, if the square breaks down, have a laugh about it. Remember that the next mistake may be your own, so do NOT be critical of others. This can ruin everyone's fun and WE ALL make mistakes... right? If more help is required, talk to your Caller! 7. BE THANKFUL - When you applaud at the end of a tip, you are thanking the Caller and the other dancers in your square as well as applauding yourself also for a good job well done.. However, in addition to the "applause" you should personally speak to and thank the Caller before leaving the dance. If you are visitor you should also make a point of speaking with a club officer (executive run clubs). 8. BE CONSIDERATE OF YOURSELF - For some, square dancing can be a strenuous exercise. If you feel you are unable to dance, sit out. Sometimes it's best to remove yourself from the dance area and return after the tip has started. Often you can learn a great deal just by watching and listening. Be considerate. If another dancer is watching and listening, don't insist upon talking. 9. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS #1 Personal cleanliness is important in square dancing. Always shower or bathe before attending. Use your deodorant, cologne or perfume and, don't forget to use something to sweeten your breath (mouth wash, chewing gum, etc.) Avoid eating garlic or other offenders before attending a dance. Key word is CONSIDERATE of others at all times - including how 'much' cologue/perfume that you use, if at all. 10. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS #2 Don't come dancing if you have been drinking or under the influence of drugs, be they legal or not. Square Dancing requires your best mental and physical alertness. Your coordination must be at its very best. Should you be suspected of being "under the influence" you will probably be asked to leave. 11. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS #3 Male dancers please wear long sleeves. No one will deny they are warm; however, most will admit they don't enjoy grabbing a sweaty arm. Ladies should avoid wearing excessive jewellery.... It can hurt! Also, ALL should be mindful that it is 'hand contact' ... ie: NO SQUEEZING but firm palm to palm contact, with no thumbs or fingers held or intertwined! 12. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS #4 Wear your club badge so that your name and your club will be well known to all! 13. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS #5 Don't dance over your own level of dance, unless invited. If you attempt to dance over your head without being invited you will only embarrass yourself and may upset the remainder of the square. If you haven't completed a Mainstream lesson then don't expect to dance with those who have unless you are explicitly invited. If you've not learned to dance the 'announced' level, then sit out that tip. 14. ENJOY
YOURSELF--HAVE FUN: Come to the dance expecting to have a good time
and you'll have it!
American
SquareDance
Dancing is a full contact sport! See you in a square. American
SquareDance, July 2003 Dancer
Tips/ What The Caller Sees!
A message to all Our Experienced Dancers! YOU CAN BEST HELP OUR NEWEST DANCERS BY LEADING BY EXAMPLE! BY THAT I MEAN.-
Never Forget that you were once a beginner too!" AND SMILE, IT'S CONTAGEOUS! CALLER says "4 Boys make a Right Hand Star" and the four boys step into the middle and with their right hands they make a star of some kind? Well, just what kind of 'star' they do make can & does vary often ifs a "contest" to see which wins out! Generally when it comes to 'stars' etc, we don't have this problem with the Gals, so why is that? Well, "Stars" come in a number of 'flavours' such as Right/Left Hand stars; Star Promenades; 4 ladies Chain; Thar Family; etc. So, what is the correct hand positions for the various moves? For illustration I'll only use moves in the Basic, Mainstream, Plus programs that involve "Stars". Let's look at just 'what' is used 'when' and by whom? Star Family: - For Right & Left Hand Stars, the inside hands should be joined in a "Palm Star" with the palms of the hands touching at about eye level comfortable for the 'shortest' dancers. This applies to all dancers forming the stars regardless of gender. Star Promenade: - Men's inside hands joined the same as in RH/LH Star - a "Palm Star" 4 Ladies Chain: - Ladies use the hands up "Palm Star" Thar Family: - When the Men are in the center backing up (highest usage), their Right Hands will form a 'Packsaddle or Box ' star taking the wrist of the man in front of him. When the Ladies star, they will simply 'touch hands' in the center. All 8 Spin the Top: - the 'star' portion uses the standard "Palm Star" - applies to both genders. Teacup Chain: - the 'star' portion in the center also uses the standard 'Palm Star' So, as you can see, it's pretty straight forward for the Ladies, you'll use a Palm Star. However, for the Gents, you need to 'be aware' of when you will use a "Palm Star" and when you use a "Box" Star. Oh yes, remember guys, when using the "Box" star, unlike the picture shown above, you do NOT grab the wrist of the forearm, just rest easy on it! Please! Source:
Eastern Ontario's Square Time Jan/Feb, 2004 Not
long ago, I was asked "point blank" (including very strong, glaring,
angry stare) by a dancer that I just happened to be sharing a square
with.... 'Why does the Caller call Yellow Rock?.... I HATE IT".
Additional comments that followed included things such as: Wow!!....so what do the rest of you think? First, just a quick explanation of "Yellow Rock" for those that may not be familiar with it. WHAT'S
A "YELLOW ROCK" I do call "Yellow Rock" on the odd occasion, but always preface it with "If you want to" - thinking that I'm giving dancers the 'option' to do, or not do? However, maybe that (option) is not the case? So, I would like to hear from you, the "Dance Community" out there as to "What's YOUR Opinion of the use of Yellow Rock"? Be honest & candid & let me know just what you think! I'll collect the feedback & publish the results (no names) in a future column. This is YOUR chance to let us (Callers & Dancers) know what you think! E-mail to: askthecaller@squaresandrounds.com Front or Back? - A message to all NEW Dancers! Do you take the front seat or the back seat at Church? How about on the bus? What about the Square Dance floor? Do you square up at the front of the hall or the back? And why? Do you want to 'hide' from the Caller so your mistakes can't be seen? Are you concerned that your Caller may see you 'goof'? Are you hearing the calls clearly? DON'T
BE SHY!! Oh,
yes ... and SMILE often!! The needle goes down, the Caller says "Square Up" and the dancers start forming squares. But wait a minute, those same 4 couples danced together in the last tip didn't they? And the one before that & the one before that... in fact, they've been dancing together with each other all night long! How often have you seen that happen? What's going on here... and why? Referred to as 'square gridlock', it's also known as 'stacked squares', 're-arranged squares' or 'pre-set squares'. Call it what you will, but you also need to know that it is seriously 'frowned upon' by the other dancers in the hall - regardless of the reason! If the Caller sees 'gridlock' happening, we'll deliberately break it up by some means or other (such as heads pass thru & promenade to a different square). But, the more squares on the floor, the less likely the Caller will notice it. However, be assured that the other dancers WILL! Sure I understand the desire and the right to dance with anyone you wish, and that we all like to have success in our squares but that's NOT what it's all about now really is it? (also see #3 above). Even in workshops where your 'focus' is learning something new, don't lose focus on what square dancing is all about... Fun & Friendship! I'm suggesting that for the good of the activity, yourselves & your club that you limit pre-set squares to I or 2 tips at the most. How
is square gridlock seen by the other dancers? Not kindly at
all! Remarks such as: "not very friendly people are they?"; "what a
cliquish group ",- "what's the rest of their club like... the same?" "I
guess we're not with the in-crowd?"; "I wouldn't want to dance with them"
and more. Well folks, this certainly does not 'add'
to anyone's enjoyment of this great activity does it? So, HOW DO
YOU WANT YOURSELF & YOUR CLUB TO BE SEEN BY OTHER DANCERS? THINK
ABOUT IT! I’M usually not one to "harp" on things. HOWEVER, in the past month or so I've had a number of dancers come to me to 'complain' about their hands and/or shoulder being "hurt" yes, HURT, by other dancers! The prime problem has been the 'gripping' & 'holding' during Ocean Waves & the ensuing Swing Thrus, but also with Arm Turns (all) & even Courtesy Turns! SO, WHAT’S GOING ON? The first issue of Callers Corner dealt with 'hand contact' to some degree, but I guess it NEEDS REPEATING, so here's some 'excerpts from that first column. .. handposition ... will be most comfortable if dancers have their hands up, palm to palm with the dancers on each side. The palm to palm contact is comfortable if the palms are turned or angled clockwise slightly, but, in doing this, the contact should not become a grip or a hold - just a light pressure contact'. .... for Ocean Waves, it's palm to palm, contact with NO GRIPS! Just maintain slight pressure towards each other but do not close your hand over the other! Swing Thru from Ocean Waves is only one movement from which, with incorrect hand contact, injuries can result. "Death grips" or two-handed arm turns; California twirls; left/right stars; allemande thars; and many more movements with incorrect "hand contact", can result in potential injury to a dancer. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS! Do YOU use ‘palm to palm' contact, or do You close your hand over others? Do you grab thumbs" On arm turns, do you grip the other arm or maintain gentle pressure? Are you aware of what kind of contact that you're using? Are you gentle or rough? Think about it the next time you're dancing … Please !! AND THERE WILL BE MANY A DANCER OUT THERE MOST GRATEFUL THAT YOU DID! If you have
any questions or comments you can send them directly to me by email at:
askthecaller@squaresandrounds.com or by "snail mail” to the Square
Times Editor, who'll pass it along. All questions will be
answered and those that would interest to all will be published in this
column, with anonymity ensured unless you request otherwise.
TO ALL NEW DANCERS - you've been taught well by your Callers & met loads of new friends & had a great time in the process, but don't take the whole summer off and forget what you've learned by the time Sept arrives! Dance as much as you can during the summer so you'll 'reinforce' your 'new-found' dancing skills. In the Ottawa area you'll be able to dance weekly for 12 weeks from May thru to end of July which only leaves about 6 weeks to the start of the new dance season. If you're travelling, find the closest square dance club & contact them to see when & where they're dancing. You won't regret it, you'll meet new friends & get in some more dancing! ABOVE ALL,
CONTINUE TO HAVE FUN!! Are You Ready? What next then?
If you are 'thinking' about taking a Workshop & trying something new don't just “jump in” & hope for the best, prepare yourself & ask the tough question: - “Am I ready ... how do I know?” ASK YOUR
CALLER whether or not you're ready and be guided by the answer you get!
GRAND
SQUARE - "shortcuts" taken by 'experienced` dancers! Do you take the full 32 beats to do a Grand Square? or... do you cut corners? ... slide sideways going into the middle?.. swing 1/2 way through? New Dancers are taught to take a full 32 beats, to turn smartly on each 4th beat and to 'reverse' at the 16th beat point in the pattern. So, no wonder they're somewhat 'confused' when some of these 'other' moves are introduced into their squares by experienced dancers! Is it part of the move? Did I miss something? Did my caller not teach it? ... they do ask! Hey there 'experienced' dancers ... help our new dancers learn the move 'correctly' first before exposing them to "the extras"! Never Forget
that "you were once a beginner too! "
What if someone 'faints' or 'falls' while dancing -what do you do? Everyone in the
square immediately stop dancing and someone assist the person that has
fallen down. If the person is 'ok' then everyone set-up in the
appropriate position so that you can restart dancing. If the situation
is more serious, again 1 or 2 provide the appropriate assistance (First
Aid, CPR, Call to 911 etc), then the rest will form a circle around the
affected dancer. This does 2 things, (1) protects the affected person
& their helpers & (2) alerts the Caller & all others that
'there is a problem' and someone requires help! In the latter case, be
sure that the Dance Organizers or Club Caller is- advised of the
details & circumstances surrounding the incident.
Promenades - Some people stop short some don't - what's going on? When "Promenade"
is called, you generally have up to 16 beats (steps) of music to get
from 'where you are' to 'home'. So, lets say you're 2 steps past home
when you hear 'Promenade', then you'll use 14 of the available 16 to
get there - no problem! But, if you're 6 steps from home & stop
there, then you're standing doing nothing for 10 more beats of music.
What would you rather do, stand or dance? Now the 'general' rule of
thumb is simply this - if you're 'more than half-way' (ie: 8 steps)
from home, then Promenade home - if less, then 'keep going' all the way
around. There's one more caveat to consider, especially if your
square has broken down since the last promenade and you 'may' not be in
your normal position. If the #1 man stops at 'his home', then the rest
of the square assumes whatever position you're now in - whether it's
head or side! That's it!
So when your square breaks down, what do you do? The “rule” is very simple folks! In both cases, do it quickly so that you can get back to dancing, and it doesn't really matter who's dancing with who, as long as you're dancing and not standing around trying to sort out each other! OK, if your square breaks down during a 'Patter' call, form two facing lines of 4 (ie: B,G,B,G), parallel to one wall, and wait for the caller to "pick you up". Callers will quickly spot a square that's broken down, but can't do anything to help you until you're in lines. Once there, the caller will 'adjust' the dancing to bring the whole floor to "lines of four", whereupon you can start dancing again! Similarly, with Singing
calls, square your set up quickly, and wait until you hear an
Allemande left, or Promenade, or any call that can be done from a
squared set. In both cases, the key is to quickly move
into position and get ready to start dancing again - after all, isn't
that what you'd rather be doing? From Behind the Mike
Introduction Hello all, I have been wanting to pass along some thought that I have had for some time, but never found the right time to express them. During the dance season I find we are so busy just dancing some of these things just keep getting put off, so I figured that I would put them down on paper, this will allow you to read them at your leisure. I hope you will find some of this information valuable. My feeling is there is more to square dancing than moving to the music. If you look back to it's beginnings square dancing has evolved from simple movements to what we do now which is much more intricate and challenging. Even though today we have many different levels and complex choreography, we must not forget that we got to where we are today because of the social interaction and not just the movements we can do or the level we dance. I, like most people do not like too many rules but I feel that the following pages are very important to everyone but especially to new dancers. I have noticed that in the last few years that there has been little mention of square dance etiquette and I feel that the lack of the finer points of the dance is eroding what square dancing is all about. I did not make up any of the following rules or tips, they have been printed many different ways in numerous publications for the past 50 years however I feel they are just as important today as they were so years ago. If anyone ever has any questions on any aspect of our activity please feel free to talk to me. Helpful tips to make your dancing experience more pleasurable
Editor's Note: What to do if you find someone holding your hand too tight? A simple mention to that person that their grip on your hand is hurting you is likely to result in a loosening of their handhold. This may result in others benefiting as well. It may be that they do not realize their grip is too tight. Mar. 1/03
Square dancers pride themselves on being friendly, courteous and honest on and off the dance floor. Here's some items to remember when attending any Square Dance:
Have you ever noticed that some dancers are wearing extra ribbons or buttons? Well, these have specific purposes & the wearer will be especially grateful if you'll 'heed' what they mean! Here's a few examples that I can think of just off-hand:
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By: Tom & Jo-Ann Edwards Geoff’s column has been such a success and is now syndicated across Canada & GUESS WHAT? He is getting Round Dance queries. We have decided that we will try to answer your questions. If you like this idea, please let us know - we are here to help you. Today, we are only going to touch on two questions, and please remember, there are no silly questions. We all had to learn somehow! For those of you who have danced many years, remember when you too asked these questions. Source
for the following: Eastern Ontario's Square Time April/May,
2003 Answer
Question
Answer
If a dance has been choreographed with all phase II moves, it becomes a Phase II danceStill, there are many more Phase III moves to learn in that rhythm. Thus, making the Choreography an easy phase III dance vs one that contains all Phase III moves This same procedure is used throughout the phases. Once three moves from the next level have been put into a dance, the level of the dance moves up to that level. We have one other
exception. When a dance is choreographed with one move from two levels
up (eg. All phase II moves, but one Phase IV move) - that dance
immediately becomes a Phase III dance. Source for the following: Eastern
Ontario's Square Time , March 2003 Answer
Question
(from a Phase IV/V Dancer): Answer
Remember, when you attend a Convention, you may not learn a dance which will be danced in your home area, but how can you help but learn perhaps a new step or some new styling. Tying this into a vacation and visiting a new area can be a wonderful experience. This year the
URDC Convention will be held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, July
16-19, 2003 (Not too far from Ottawa). For more
information telephone Tom & Jo-Ann at (613) 721-7097. |