Over the course of every month or two I find relevant things online; today's installation includes Celtic music fusing with electronica and some contra dance links to the mainstream -- be it through newspapers, new dancer outreach, or making sure our community stays a safe and fun place.
Music
An interview with Dave Martin about fusing together Celtic and electronica (hmm, sound like anyone we know about?); his Big Fat Electric Ceilidh sounds like a really neat project. (Also, I was particularly tickled by this video of ceilidh dancing in a club-scene-like setting.)
Mainstream
"Dance the Night Away" article in the Syracuse [NY] New Times -- article about contra dancing from the angle of the Van Norstrand clan and the Phylla Mae Fall Fest
Others Doing (Beginners') Contra Dance Lessons Via Online Videos -- From the Atlanta, GA community; one of the many series out there that encompasses the basics of contra dancing for new dancers, before one gets hooked and goes to find flourishes. I happened across it and find it to be particularly thorough. Video #8 has useful reminders for more advanced dancers as well.
...And if any of you haven't seen Penelope Weinberger's post on the "Stuff Contra Dancers Say..." community yet, go now. With both traditional and techno contra, it's really important that we keep the safe, fun atmosphere that helps to keep the community aspect strong. Unwelcome advances on the dance floor are profoundly NOT okay and we shouldn't have to put up with people not understanding the meaning of the word "no" (and while fortunately, it seems to be less common than in other spaces, unfortunately it still happens). Her post is a very succinct way of clarifying that point. Transcript is under the cut, since apparently you have to be logged into Facebook in order to see it (but it was apparently handed out on flyers at last Sunday's FSGW dance):
Others Doing (Beginners') Contra Dance Lessons Via Online Videos -- From the Atlanta, GA community; one of the many series out there that encompasses the basics of contra dancing for new dancers, before one gets hooked and goes to find flourishes. I happened across it and find it to be particularly thorough. Video #8 has useful reminders for more advanced dancers as well.
...And if any of you haven't seen Penelope Weinberger's post on the "Stuff Contra Dancers Say..." community yet, go now. With both traditional and techno contra, it's really important that we keep the safe, fun atmosphere that helps to keep the community aspect strong. Unwelcome advances on the dance floor are profoundly NOT okay and we shouldn't have to put up with people not understanding the meaning of the word "no" (and while fortunately, it seems to be less common than in other spaces, unfortunately it still happens). Her post is a very succinct way of clarifying that point. Transcript is under the cut, since apparently you have to be logged into Facebook in order to see it (but it was apparently handed out on flyers at last Sunday's FSGW dance):
"Ensuring a safe, comfortable dance atmosphere; an open message from the (FSGW) dance chair.
Dear dance community;
All the dancers in our community deserve to be safe and and deserve to dance in an environment free from the fear that they will be subjected to inappropriate behavior.
Certainly accidents happen --there was an injury at a recent dance-- but we can minimize the risk. We can also ensure a safe, comfortable dance environment.
If we implement these two guidelines we will have a safer, better, more welcoming dance community:
1. If someone is dancing in a manner that hurts you (too tight grip, arm wrenching, yanking, pushing, stomping, etc.), or in a manner that exposes you to inappropriate touching (too close holding, non-accidental or repetitive brushing against you inappropriately, un-invited “sleaze-dancing” grinding, etc.), please tell them or tell me. If you are not comfortable telling me, ask someone to tell me.
2. If I (or a member of my committee, under my direction) approach you to discuss your dancing or behavior, please hear me out. Alternatively, if a fellow dancer approaches you to discuss your dancing or behavior please hear them out. Even if you disagree, think about how you might modify your behavior to help others feel safer and more comfortable.
Thank you
Penelope Weinberger
FSGW Dance Chair"
Dear dance community;
All the dancers in our community deserve to be safe and and deserve to dance in an environment free from the fear that they will be subjected to inappropriate behavior.
Certainly accidents happen --there was an injury at a recent dance-- but we can minimize the risk. We can also ensure a safe, comfortable dance environment.
If we implement these two guidelines we will have a safer, better, more welcoming dance community:
1. If someone is dancing in a manner that hurts you (too tight grip, arm wrenching, yanking, pushing, stomping, etc.), or in a manner that exposes you to inappropriate touching (too close holding, non-accidental or repetitive brushing against you inappropriately, un-invited “sleaze-dancing” grinding, etc.), please tell them or tell me. If you are not comfortable telling me, ask someone to tell me.
2. If I (or a member of my committee, under my direction) approach you to discuss your dancing or behavior, please hear me out. Alternatively, if a fellow dancer approaches you to discuss your dancing or behavior please hear them out. Even if you disagree, think about how you might modify your behavior to help others feel safer and more comfortable.
Thank you
Penelope Weinberger
FSGW Dance Chair"
