made up dances
When I started calling I made up all my own dances as I couldn't understand the notation. Double duple longways improper - still not sure what that is. Left and right hand star - try putting both hands in as that implies. Our first do was a charity event that I had originally been reluctant to do, but we knew 10 morris tunes so I wrote 10 dances - mostly cobbled together bits of other dances. We were booked again for the following year - so I think it must have been OK. It was quite a surprise when we found people were willing to pay us. I have the advantage of a good band.
My favourite way of learning a dance is to see it danced, then I write it down in my own notation to remember it. Both the tune and the dance need to be in my head before I call it, as I like to keep an eye on what the dancers are doing, not concentrating on chords or calling cards.
Becky - sory about being anglocentric. I like the Canadian way of singing the squares - but haven't got into that yet.
Wisiwig - I do try to warn people about the level of energy needed. I know some people just come to listen to the band - but I do try to do a few slow and easy. ( St bernards waltz etc) so everybody can do at least one.
Bert - thanks to you and others for the list. If I can find them on you tube I'll give them a go with the dance club. I plan to print out all the suggestions. I've been asked to do several of these dance club events, - about once every 8 weeks, so I have time inbetween to get a tune sorted and the dance in my head.
Tomorrow will be the second one - so Im still finding my way. I've sorted out 4 challenging dances - which I think is enough in 2 hours. The core dances will be the more fun relaxing ones inbetween.
Thanks all
FloraG