Thoughts about calling dances

Included below are various handouts I use at calling workshops. Feel free to download, read, comment back. If you reuse, please give credit. They are living documents, so don't be surprised if you see changes over the years. I welcome your suggestions, ideas, and smart remarks.

Basically, though, they can be summed up in a very brief format. The secret to being a good caller:

• Keep the dances accessible to the majority of your dancers
• Keep the teaching and non-dancing talk short
• Smile and emanate joy

  Everything else is fine-tuning.

  Dance long, improper!
  

  Seth Tepfer

These handouts are in PDF format. Email me if you have trouble opening them. Typos, inaccuracies, and outright fabrications are guaranteed. If you find something you think ought to be corrected, please tell me!

• The Beginners Workshop
• Programming an evening
• Programming an evening, part 2
• Checklist for a gig
• Effective walkthrus
• Calling for Non Dancers
• The Big Picture
• What kind of caller are you?
• Take the online quiz!
  
  Some dances for you to start calling with
• Fun contra dances for a mixed crowd
• Interesting contra dances for Novice Callers
• Groovin' contras to end an evening
• No brainers - surefire dances to have in your back pocket in case of a busload of new dancers walk in, or after muffing a walkthrough
• Dances for NonDancers