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!
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!
