Choreo-Wise...instrumental track with vocal harmony by Julie Wilson. There will be three called tracks (easy, Mainstream and A-2). The music features an ocarina in the intro and outro

Choreo-WiseVolume 5, Issue 2

February, 2002

Hi There!

What strange weather we have here in NSW – for three weeks in December and January we havemassive bushfires and then a week after that we have torrential rain and hail-storms followed byserious flooding. I hope that you have managed to survive these disasters with as few problems aspossible. I also hope that the start of the Square Dance year goes well for you. We have had goodnumbers here at Medowie and a 10% increase in numbers at the Bonny Hills dance.

Next month sees our second annual A-Okay weekend here at Medowie. With a month to go we arealready fully booked and have been turning down people who have applied to register. It is certainly anice situation to be in and we hope that it continues. Our plans for 2003 include a 5-day callers’school, run by Al Stevens, four weekends (Mainstream, Plus and two A-level weekends) plus anAustralia Day Dance

It is too early to see how sales of ‘Home Among The Gum Trees’ on CD compared with sales of thevinyl version but I am looking forward with interest to seeing the state of the market.

The next release will be on CD and in MP3 format – an Australian country song, originally performedby Lee Kernaghan, called ‘Cheaters’. The CD will feature the music in three keys, plus an additioninstrumental track with vocal harmony by Julie Wilson. There will be three called tracks (easy,Mainstream and A-2). The music features an ocarina in the intro and outro and also in the second andfourth figures. The second and fourth figures also feature a rhythm variation for the first 8 bars ofmusic. The closer features a triple tag, which I always find a dramatic way to finish a song. All in all,there are a lot of nice features in the music that make it stand out as being just a little bit different.

Our next learners’ class begins in March and we will be promoting in Medowie itself, for the first time.Previously we have run learners classes at Soldiers Point. There have been a lot of new peoplemoving into Medowie over the last 12 months. We have found that with our learners classes atSoldiers Point, the large majority of people coming to learn have been people who have just movedinto the area and who were looking for ways to meet people.

With some degree of sadness I must say that at this point in time I expect that this will probably be thefinal year that I publish Choreo-wise. It has been a great way to get to know a lot of square dancecallers better and I have learnt an enormous amount about choreography as a direct result of writingthe notes – but I have achieved my initial goal or sorting out the material that had been laying aroundand at this point in time the small number of subscribers doesn’t justify the amount of time that goesinto producing the notes each month. An influx of new subscribers may change this decision.

Kind regards until next time.

Glitches from Issues #41Still waiting to here from Bill – is this a good sign or what!

Abbreviations Often Used In Choreo-Wise:SS = Squared Set (or Static Square)L1p = Zero Line (i.e. Heads Lead Right and Circle To A Line)B1c = Zero Box (i.e. Heads Square Thru)W1c = Zero Wave (i.e. Heads Square Thru and Make a Wave)DYP = Do Your Part

Choreo-Wise 5.2 p.228 David Cox (2002)-


More FunRoutines

With three pages of Mainstreammaterial I will actually be looking atthree different themes this month –work with Backtrack, some interestingAllemande Lefts and some fungimmicks based upon an interestingcombination of choreography andclever comments.

The first routine is very simple, butjust a little different from whatdancers expect…

SSCircle LeftGo Single FileLadies BacktrackFind Corner – Allemande Left

SSCircle LeftGo Single FileMen BacktrackFind Partner – Do Paso

The half-sashay at the start of thisnext routine gives it a different feel…

SSFour Ladies ChainFour Ladies ChainHeads Half-sashayCircle RightSingle FileLadies Backtrack

Find Partner – Swing

I was quite surprised when ColinDandridge sent me the next idea – itwas something that I had never comeacross before. On the call Backtrack,by definition, dancers do a U-turn Backby stepping out and turning away fromthe centre of the set. Colin’s ideaworks like this…

L1pPass the OceanLadies TradeLadies RunCouples CirculateBend the LinePass ThruWheel & DealDouble Pass ThruLeaders BacktrackCentres InCentres Trade L1p

Changing the thread slightly…

SSHeads Right & Left ThruHead Ladies ChainHeads Half-sashayCircle LeftMen Pass ThruGo Right – Single FileFirst ‘round 2, Next ‘round 1Make a Line L1p

And…

SSHead Ladies ChainHeads Half-sashayCircle LeftLadies Pass ThruGo Left – Single FileFirst ‘round 2, Next ‘round 1Make a Line L1p


The routines on this page all have anunexpected Allemande Left – nothingdifficult, just a little bit different tocome as a surprise…

B1cTouch a QuarterLadies RunPass ThruTag the LineCentres InAllemande Left

Or…

B1cSlide ThruPass ThruTag the LineCentres InCast-off Three-quartersAllemande Left

The next routine I picked up fromSteve Turner at the recent CallersSchool. From any situation where youcan call ***Centres Square Thru Three-quarters to an Allemande Left, you cancall the following routine…

B1cSwing ThruMen RunCouples CirculateFerris WheelZoom***Double Pass ThruCentres InFace RightGo Single FileLadies BacktrackFind Corner – Allemande Left

L1pRight & Left ThruPass the OceanSwing ThruMen RunTag the Line – OutWheel & DealCentres Allemande Left

In the previous routine the counter-clockwise turning action of thecouples in the centre leads smoothlyinto the Allemande Left.

L1pPass the OceanSwing ThruHingeCentres TradeSwing ThruCentres RunTag the LineFace LeftFerris WheelCentres Allemande Left

L1pPass the OceanSwing ThruHingeCentres TradeSwing ThruCentres RunTag the LineFace LeftBend the LinePass ThruTag the LineFace OutWheel & DealCentres Allemande Left

B1cSwing ThruMen RunMen CirculateLadies TradeBend the LineRight & Left ThruHalf-sashayPass ThruTag the LineCloverleafCentres Allemande Left


And NowFor SomeHumour

The following material is quiteinteresting and has the potential tocreate a lot of fun due to thecomments that the caller can make atthe end of some of the modules. Muchof the material has come from BrianBrislane, and Brian advises to use thematerial in “very sparingly” and withcare.

SSAllemande LeftSwing PartnerPromenadeAll Four Couples Wheel AroundHeads Do It Twice L1p

L1pTouch a QuarterCirculate for 7 Seconds ExactlyStopMen RunAllemande LeftIt doesn’t have to be 7 seconds and itdoesn’t have to be exact – any amountof time will work.

L1pTouch a QuarterCirculate for 5 Seconds ExactlyStopLadies RunRight & Left Grand

B1cStar ThruStar ThruStar Thru

Star Thru B1cDon’t worry – deodorant test!


SSHeads Pass the OceanVery Centres TradeSwing ThruSides Face, Grand - - - Right &Left

SSJoin Hands – Circle ClockwiseAllemande LeftSwing

SSJoin Hands – Circle SouthAllemande LeftSwing

The next routines are mine – I wasreally surprised to see how muchtrouble dancers had after I added afew extra words…

SSWith the Girl on the Right –California TwirlWith the Girl on the Right –RollawayCircle Right – Sunny Side OutWith the Girl on the Right –California TwirlWith the Girl on the Right –RollawayWith the Girl on the Left – Allemande LeftSwing

And this one…

B1cWith the Girl in front –Star ThruWith the Girl in front –Pass ThruBend the LineWith the Girl in Front –Pass ThruWith the Girl on the Right –Allemande Left

Eight ChainThru

Along with Spin Chain Thru and Fanthe Top, Eight Chain Thru is now partof the Plus Program.

In the Mainstream Program CallerLabadvised against using Courtesy Turn inany situation other than normalcouples – in Plus the limitation hasbeen removed.

Steve Turner has sent in the followingroutines – they look pretty good tome.

Look at the following routine…

L1pRight & Left ThruEnds Touch a QuarterSame Lady RunCenters Half Square ThruEight Chain TwoRight & Left Grand

L1pRight & Left ThruSlide ThruBox the GnatEight Chain FourRight & Left Grand

SSHeads Half Square ThruEverybody Square ThruOn the 3rd Hand Box the GnatEight Chain Three


Do PasoRoll Promenade

SSHeads Lead RightStar ThruPass ThruWheel & DealDouble Pass ThruLeaders TradeBox the GnatEight Chain TwoRight & Left Grand

SSHeads Half-Square ThruRight & Left ThruEight Chain FourRight & Left ThruHalf-sashayEight Chain ThreeDo PasoCourtesy Turn – You’re Home

The next couple of routines are mine…

L1pSlide ThruRight & Left ThruEnds Half-sashayEight Chain TwoTouch a QuarterCentres TradeMen Run L1p

L1pSlide ThruRight & Left ThruEnds Half-sashayEight Chain TwoSwing ThruSplit CirculateMen Run L1p

L1pSlide ThruRight & Left ThruEnds Half-sashayEight Chain ThreeCentres Left Square ThruEnds CloverleafLeft Touch a QuarterCentres TradeMen TradeReverse FlutterwheelSweep a QuarterVeer RightPromenade

L1pSlide ThruRight & Left ThruCentres Half-sashayEight Chain TwoSwing ThruCast-off Three-quartersMen TradeMen RunBend the Line L1p

Chaing the thread again, the followingis a nice way to set-up a Dixie Grandget-out…

SSHeads Pass ThruSeparate ‘round 1 to a LineTouch a QuarterSingle File Circulate TwiceMen RunDixie Grand

And…

B1cRight & Left ThruPass to the CentreEnds RollCentres Face InTouch a QuarterMen RunDixie GrandAllemande Left


This month’s record releases saw avery nice routine from Doug Bennett. Ihave built on Doug’s idea – I hope thatyou and those who dance to you enjoyit. It has great flow and is a littledifferent…

Singing Call – Corner Progression

Heads Promenade HalfwayHeads Pass the OceanExtendMen FoldLadies SpreadMen Squeeze InMen TradeEveryone Cast-off Three-quartersMen Walk – Ladies DodgeFollow Your NeighbourHalf-spreadSwing CornerPromenade

Heads Pass the OceanAll the Centres Same Sex TradeExtendHingeCentres TradeCentres RunCouples CirculateWheel & DealEight Chain TwoSwing CornerPromenade


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As CouplesIn the following routines only onecouple will be working as a couple –the other gender will work asindividuals – it gives a whole new feelto the choreography.

SSHeads Ladies Chain ¾’sLadies, as a couple, Half-sashayLines of Three Pass ThruLadies work as a couple,Trade with the man in your lineLadies, as a couple, Touch a QuarterLadies, as a couple, ExtendLadies work as a couple,One Quarter ThruMen Extend, with a Left HandMen HingeLadies Bend the Line& RollSix by Two Acey DeuceyFlip the DiamondMen, DYP, Cross-over Circulate

L1p

SSHead Ladies Chain ¾’sLadies, as a couple, Half-sashayLines of Three Pass ThruLadies, as a couple, Run RightLadies work as a couple,One Quarter ThruLadies work as a couple,Swing ThruLadies Bend the Line& RollMen Extend with a Left HandCouples CirculateBend the Line L1p

In this next routine, the Centres workas a couple while executing a Cast aShadow – the caller must specifywhether the Centres are dancing aCloverleaf to the Left or to the Right…

SSHeads Lead RightVeer LeftCouples CirculateCross-over CirculateMen Walk & DodgeMen work as a couple and goLeftCast a ShadowMen Pass the OceanCut the DiamondAll Eight CirculateExplode & L1p

In the next routine, having the Centresof a Tidal Wave Trade the Wave letsthe Men work as a couple during aGrand Swing Thru…

B1cTouch a QuarterFan the TopCentres Trade the WaveMen work as a coupleGrand Swing ThruMen Bend the Line& RollLadies LockitDiamond CirculateSix by Two Acey DeuceyDiamond CirculateCut the DiamondBend the LineHalf-breed ThruFlutterwheel L1p


Box CallsThe theme for this month’s A-2material is the two Box calls, BoxTransfer and Box Counter Rotate. Youwill find that you can use them withgreat variety of formation.

B1cPass InPass ThruHalf-tagCentres Box Counter Rotate& SpreadCentres Box Counter RotateCentres Box CirculateMen TradeReverse Flutterwheel L1p

B1cPass the SeaLockitMen Walk & DodgeLadies RunLadies TradeEnds BendLadies Box Counter RotateLadies Box TransferMen Touch a QuarterCheckmate the ColumnMen TradeBend the LineHalf-breed Thru L1p

B1cPass InRight & Left ThruLadies CrossExtendSpin the Windmill – InMen Box Counter RotateMen Walk & DodgeLadies Touch a Quarter& SpreadMen RunAll Eight CirculateCycle & WheelCentres Pass ThruPass the OceanLockitExtendSwing Partner

The next routine I picked up whenvisiting Prague last year. It is a totalzero – it does nothing except changethe axis of the square…

L1pTouch a QuarterEveryone Box Counter RotateSingle File CirculateMen Run B1cOn the call everyone Box CounterRotate, everyone works in their ownconcentric box, the four centresworking in the centre and the fourends working around the outside.

B1cTouch a QuarterSplit TransferEnds Box Counter RotateCentres Box TransferCentres CrossCentres InEnds CirculateCentres Chase RightTag the LineHorseshoe TurnLadies Turn ThruMen Pass ThruSwing Partner


Wiggle Thru&

Wiggle theTop

I must be honest, I like calls with funnames – the dancers expect to havefun as soon as they hear what it is thatthey will be doing.

Wiggle Thru is danced from parallelocean waves – dancers Scoot Back andthen Hinge.

Wiggle the Top is also danced fromparallel ocean waves – dancers ScootBack and then Fan the Top.

When preceded by a Touch a Quarteror a Hinge, Wiggle Thru works as azero…

B1cTouch a QuarterWiggle Thru W1c

B1cTouch a QuarterWiggle the TopHingeSingle File Circulate TwiceMen RunCentres Pass ThruSwing ThruAll 8 Circulate Once And a HalfRight & Left Grand

L1pRight & Left ThruPass the OceanWiggle ThruMen Run L1p

L1pRight & Left ThruHalf-sashayPass the OceanWiggle the TopSpin the TopMen RunTag the LineFace LeftPromenade

Singing Calls – Corner Progression

Heads Lead RightCircle to a LineForward & BackRight & Left ThruPass the OceanHingeWiggle ThruExtendSwingPromenade

Heads Lead RightVeer LeftBend the LinePass the OceanWiggle the TopHingeMen RunSwing ThruTurn ThruSwingPromenade

Heads Pass the OceanVery Centres TradeExtendHingeWiggle ThruWiggle the TopHingeMen RunPass ThruSwing


Promenade


Open YourMouth &Use Your

Mic!If we wish to be successful it iscrucial that dancers can hear easilyand clearly as the caller is givingdirections.

It is fairly easy to improve theclarity of communication by usingour voice more effectively and byhaving a good microphonetechnique.

If you watch the mouths ofprofessional singers, in general, youwill notice that they open their mouthsfairly wide (some of them evenincredibly wide). There is a reason forthis. The wider your mouth the morecontrol you have over the variety ofsounds that come out. By openingyour mouth wide you are better able toarticulate clearly the various vowelsand consonants that you wish tocreate to get your message acrossclearly to the dancers.

A great way to practice singing (orcalling) at home is to call whilestanding directly in front of a mirror.Watch your mouth!

You should see a large round openingin front of you! If the opening isneither large, nor round, you will besurprised how much clearer and betteryou will sound just be concentratingon that one aspect of singing.

Another aspect of singing that canlead to big improvement in your vocalpresentation is to concentrate ontrying to sound smooth. By smooth, Imean try to have little variations involume. You still need to havevariation in pitch and rhythm. Byhaving a consistent volume comingout of your mouth the overall vocalpresentation will sound moreprofessional than if there aresignificant variations. It is notnecessarily comfortable for dancers ifthey are straining to hear at one timeand then feel that the voice is vergingon deafening.

Microphones also work best when thevolume level being fed into themicrophone is more consistent.

If you whisper into a microphone itwon’t pick up the sound as well as ifyou speak clearly. If you should into amicrophone it is possible that you willoverload the microphone and theresult will be a certain amount ofdistortion.

If you watch some of the top callers inaction (e.g. Jet Roberts, TonyOxendine, Steve Turner, Paul Bristow)you will notice that when they are notcalling they tend to move themicrophone away from their mouths.They only move the microphone intoposition when they are actually sayingsomething. This allows them to breathwith the noise of breathing in comingacross the sound system – it makesthem sound smoother and moreprofessional.

I try to work close to my microphone.By working close to the mic I can havethe amplifier volume lower which willreduce the chance of feedback andhum.


Microphones will reproduce basssounds better when placed close toyour mouth and reproduce highfrequency sounds better when furtheraway.


New Releases – February ‘02By David Cox

Rocking All Over The WorldSting 803 / James Wyatt

As you can guess from the title, this istraditional Rock ‘N’ Roll. The tune is well-known and has a strong melody line. Thisbright and bouncy tune has plenty ofupbeat. The instrumentation featurespiano, harmonica, fiddle and the usualinstruments you would expect with a rockband. There is a key change going into thecloser.HEADS PROMENADE HALFWAY – SIDES RIGHT &LEFT THRU – SIDES SQUARE THRU – DOSADO –EIGHT CHAIN FOUR – SWING & PROMENADE

God Must Be A CowboyTarheel 118 / Vaughn Parrish

Nice, bright music with a smooth feel –and dandy lyrics. Vaughn’s routine issimple yet quite different.HEADS RIGHT & LEFT THRU – EVERYONE HALF-SASHAY – HEADS SQUARE THRU – SQURE THRUTHREE-QUARTERS – DO PASO – TAKE CORNER &PROMENADE

BucketsMountain 49 CD / Mark Clausing

This is a rerelease of a record which is nolonger available. The music is a medley ofBucket to the South and I’ll Fly Away.There are harmony vocals through much ofthe record – it is quite different.SIDES FACE, GRAND SQUARE – HEADS SQUARETHRU – DOSADO – SWING THRU – MEN TRADE –TURN THRU – ALLEMANDE LEFT – WEAVE –SWING & PROMENADE

Sentimental JourneyChaparral 317 CD / Gary Shoemake

This is a re-release of a blues-style singingcall. There is a melody change in the

middle break and closer. The CD also has ahoedown (Smooth & Easy) included.HEADS SQUARE THRU – RIGHT HAND STAR –HEADS STAR LEFT – SINGLE CIRCLE – STAR THRU– ROLL – SINGLE CIRCLE – STAR THRU – ROLL –SWING & PROMENADE

Fitz-giddious / Dime-a-nightSting 510

Paul Bristow has been bringing out somefabulous hoedown music since taking overthe Sting & Snow labels. As with the otherreleases the music is quite different to yourusual hoedown music. A large part of thedifference is the actual instruments that areused. Fitz-giddious is rather smooth, withstrong phrasing and an almost baroquefeel. Dime-a-night has a faster feel and astronger melody.

Best Sellers from January1. One World

Down Under 1032. Where’d You Learn To Love Like That

Global 2123. Sealed With A Kiss

????? 4. Dance With Me

ESP 10625. Home Among The Gum Trees

7CS102CD

Best Sellers from December1. Next Door To Alice

Royal 1382. When A Child Is Born

Down Under 1073. Little Black Book

?????4. Celito Lindo

?????5. Tell It To Your Teddy Bear

C-Bar-C 807

Best Sellers Information supplied by:Nev & Bev McLachlan - Maverick’s:Dance Supplies, Records & Tape ServiceP.O. Box 248Buderim 4556 QueenslandPh – 07 5445 1540Fax – 07 5476 5648Mobile – 0417 092928Email – [email protected]


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The Professional Tape & Record ServiceFor Callers, Cuers & Dancers

Brian & Lorraine8 K a to C l o s e

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AustraliaPhone/FAX: 02/4392-0336 (International: +61+2+4392-0336). Email: [email protected]

HOME AMONG THE GUM TREES7C’s-202CD / Ian Mitchem / MS - Plus

A classic Australiana song that I predict will nowbecome a very popular Square Dance –especially with Aussie Callers. The CD featuresthe instrumental in three keys, and three vocals:One by David Cox at the old “Basic” level, theother two by Ian at M/S and Plus levels. Allchoreography is straightforward. The M/S versionof this dance is also to soon be released on vinyl(7C’c-119). I was privileged when I was given asample copy of the instrumental late last year.Since then I’ve used it many times, and have hadan excellent response from Dancers, both here (inAustralia), & in New Zealand. Instrumental hasbeen arranged so as to capture the mood of theoriginal pop version, It is a joy to call, and inspiresthe Dancers to “sing-a-long”. There is a keymodulation at the beginning of the fourth figure. Ifyou like the song, just go ahead and order thisone!#10 On our December 2001 tape.

FIGURE (M/S): Heads Square Thru, Do-Sa-Do,Swing Thru, Spin The Top, R & L Thru,Square Thru ¾, Corner Swing, Prom.

N E X T D O O R T O A L I C ERoy-138 / Jerry Story / Mainstream

This is a well-known song, beautifully producedhere as an up-tempo square dance and brilliantlycalled by Jerry. The instrumental has vocalresponses that add character to the dance, butshould not cause difficulty for Callers wanting tochange the choreo. Major fig. is interesting andjust a little out-of-the-ordinary, which may catch afew Dancers.#09 On our December 2001 tape.

FIGURE: Heads Prom. ½, Pass the O/W,Recycle, Reverse Flutterwheel, Veer Right,Flutterwheel, Centres Veer Right, Veer Left,Corner Swing, Prom.

GONNA LOSE MY BLUES TONIGHTC-C-808 / David Cox / Mainstream

This has to be one of the best releases to havecome out of the C-bar-C stable. It has goodinstrumentation, interesting choreography (which,although being restricted to the old “Basic”program, may require a walk-thru with somedance groups), and a well-recorded vocal byDavid. Two variations of the major figure arecalled, but only one is printed on the suppliedchoreo sheet – I’ll print both for this review.Instrumental has a nice rolling rhythm, andfeatures a key modulation at the beginning of thecloser. Don’t let this one slip by without checking itout.#01 On our December 2001 tape.

FIGURE: Heads Square Thru, Swing Thru,Boys Run, Couples Circulate, Bend the Line,Reverse Flutter Wheel, ½ Sashay, Star Thru,Trade By, Corner Swing, Prom.

FIGURE: Heads Square Thru, Swing Thru,Boys Run, Couples Circulate, Bend the Line,Reverse ½ Sashay, Pass The O/W, Swing Thru,Eight Circulate, Corner Swing, Prom.

MANSION IN THE SKYQ-932 / Shane Greer / Mainstream

This is a nice up-tempo dance with a religiousovertone. Instrumental is of the type which willgenerate lots of foot tappin’ by those sitting on theside. For the flip, Shane has recorded a vocal thatis a joy to listen to. Fidelity on both sides issuperb. Choreo is standard with no tricks, andshould not cause problems with any Mainstreamgroup.#08 On our December 2001 tape.

FIGURE: Heads Square Thru, Star Right,Heads Star Left, Touch ¼, Scootback, Boys Run,Square Thru ¾, Corner Swing, Prom.


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Documents

Choreo-Wise...instrumental track with vocal harmony by Julie Wilson. There will be three called tracks (easy, Mainstream and A-2). The music features an ocarina in the intro and outro