Program: English Dance Callers Course
In 2013 we will offer an English Dance Callers Course led by the incomparable Scott Higgs. The course is limited in enrollment, to ensure plenty of opportunity for active participation.
This course is designed for callers with at least two years of experience calling ECD or contra dance, who have a core repertoire of dances they call. The course will cover devising effective programs, teaching dances efficiently, collaborating with musicians, creating a welcoming atmosphere -- and dozens of additional ingredients for leading events that are happy and satisfying for all. You will practice calling with a musician, with coaching from Scott and feedback from peers.
You will spend the entire morning with Scott. After lunch you’re free to join the classes offered to the rest of camp, which include ECD workshops by Scott and Andrew, dance reconstruction, singing, couple dancing, and music workshops. The daily Open Mic provides you an opportunity to call at camp. Thursday night is Campers' Night, when the campers provide the music and calling for the evening's dance.
We hope this course will have a lasting, positive impact on your dance leading. Of course, what you get out of it will depend largely on what you put into it. These are the expectations:
Before camp:
Commit to memory a core repertoire of 20 (easy, standard) dances
Undertake some observation exercises at your local dance
Spend a couple of hours to learn basic music-reading (if you don't already read music)
At camp:
Tackle one homework exercise each night (probably 30 minutes)
Work with a 'buddy' to help each other practice
Participate actively in the Open Mic session as a caller and dancer
After camp:
Stay in touch with the group to share your experiences putting your new skills and ideas into practice
Application
To apply, submit: 1) a Hey Days registration form, 2) a Callers Course application, and 3) a deposit.
1) Go to the registration page for a PDF to print and mail or an online form, or use the registration form in the brochure. Check the box that indicates you are applying for the ECD Callers Course. If you need a scholarship, check the appropriate scholarship boxes on the Heys Days registration form. For more information on scholarships, click here.
2) Use the online Callers Course application or print a PDF Callers Course application, fill it out and mail it with your registration form.
3) Regardless of application method, make sure to send a deposit postmarked by March 5.
Beginning Callers Workshop
Callers not enrolled in Scott's course may take the Beginning Callers Workshop led by Sharon Green. This course is open to all and designed for people with little or no calling experience. Sharon will cover how to call ECD from the ground up. The workshop will include discussion and practice in class. All callers will have opportunities to call at Open Mic and Campers Night.