Among other comments, caller Ted Hodapp mentioned that something he might add to future techno calling gigs would be to "...try and figure out a few dances that might specifically link up to medleys devised by our DJ."

This reminded me of Louis Dow in Miami, FL discussing writing dances to go with specific songs he spins. Another caller I talked to touched on an interesting concept that more modern lyrical content has been introducing to contra dance -- the infusion of content, especially having to do with lyrics and the dimension they can add a new layer of mood to the experience.

In a traditional contra, a caller will generally approach the band and say something like, "I want the first dance to be smooth and sultry,  the second one to have a lot of Petronella turns and balances, and the third one has a lot of energy," and the band agrees on tunes to play accordingly. In a contra that incorporates music with lyrics, it can go the other way -- a DJ can say, "these are the tunes and mixes I have" and the caller can plan a program to suit (or, a DJ/caller might align tunes and dances due to a confluence of names, or even write dances to the tunes).

It's a reversal of the normal work order for a contra dance, and it seems like it might open up some intriguing possibilities. I wonder if others have experimented with this as well...and whether or not dancers (besides me) notice such things. I welcome your thoughts! 

One of the recent Contra Sonic series installations was called by local (to Glen Echo) caller Ted Hodapp. As it was his Contra Sonic debut, I asked him about the experience.

"I was asked by Penelope [Weinberger]. [I'm] always up for a new challenge in calling contras," he says. 

"[dJ improper and I] had a few brief discussions in advance, but mostly addressed how things would flow just prior to the dance. This was mostly concerned with timing, how to 'read' his display to help in the event that dancers moved off the phrasing, and how transitions would work."

Given the preparation involved, I found it particularly interesting to hear what Ted thought were the surprises in the experience: "I think the biggest surprise is how well certain types of music work for this genre, and how well certain types fail. Rhythm is clearly the dominant structure for most pieces of music, but the melodic themes also make a huge difference in the energy of the dancers.... The biggest difference [between traditional and alternative contra] is that there is very much less phrasing information available to the dancers [in alternative contras]. Consequently, using dances with more basic moves helps a great deal. Besides, doing intricate dances can get in the way of enjoying the music.... [It's] all a part of the larger continuum of enjoying social dance. It's not for everyone, but it is a fun way to enjoy contra." 

Would he do it over again? "Absolutely. I would try and figure out a few dances that might specifically link up to medleys devised by our DJ."

Ted will get a chance to implement that when he and dJ improper put on a techno contra at the Tapestry Folkdance center in Minneapolis, MN on August 23, 2012. Many thanks to him for talking with Contra Syncretist!