Advancing in Dancing – Mary and Fred Collette
This is a lengthy syllabus describing some 400 dances, along with occasional commentary. It appears to represent a program presented by the Collettes, Ralph Page, and Don Armstrong at a Dixie Folk Institute. In addition to a complete alphabetical index of all dances, the authors also provide an index that divides the collection into major categories with a difficulty rating for each dance: easy, intermediate, advanced:
Grand Circles (mixers and non-mixers)
Appalachian squares
Other Two-Couple figures
Polka
Schottische
Tango
Two Step
Varsouviana
Waltz
Miscellaneous
Squares (including many singing squares)
Contras
There are special sections as well, including "Programs with a Christmas Flavor" and several pages describing "Five Means of Changing Partners in Squares, " "Five Breaks Often Overlooked in Squares," and "Five Means of Mixing in Squares (changing individuals from square to square."
Mary Collette contributes an essay questioning the use of pantalettes: "This, in itself, may seem to be a matter of small consequence, but not to those of us who have been convinced that unbecoming, uncomfortable costumes have in certain instances definitely retarrded the promotion of smooth, pretty dancing which gives genuine pleasure."
Finally, there is a reprint of an article from American Squares (1951) arguing against narrow extremes in dance programs (apparently aimed at the proliferation of callers focusing only on the new interest in western squares:
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"To those who are asking how we can make this a vital, permanent part of Americ:m life, rather than a flimsy fad that would sink into oblivion, it is suggested that we acknowledge and overcome those weaknesses that prompt so many to go to various extremes, remembering that in this field our main objective is FUN, which can be achieved only through the moderation and balance that give full, satisfying enjoyment. Certainly there never has been a more urgent need for this wholesome, carefree form of recreation than at present when so many people are beset by fear, anxiety – even grief and despair."
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There are added comments from 1952 and 1953 indicating the authors' belief that the tide is turning in a good direction. They conclude with a lengthy appreciation of the grand square figure and explain why they think dancers respond so positively to this figure.
Tags: Dixie Folk, Don Armstrong, Fred Collette, Mary Collette, Ralph Page, syllabus
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| This Item | is related to | Item: Dixie Folk syllabus - 1951 |
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This is a lengthy syllabus describing some 400 dances, along with occasional commentary. It appears to represent a program presented by the Collettes, Ralph Page, and Don Armstrong at a Dixie Folk Institute. In addition to a complete alphabetical index of all dances, the authors also provide an index that divides the collection into major categories with a difficulty rating for each dance: easy, intermediate, advanced:
Grand Circles (mixers and non-mixers)
Appalachian squares
Other Two-Couple figures
Polka
Schottische
Tango
Two Step
Varsouviana
Waltz
Miscellaneous
Squares (including many singing squares)
Contras
There are special sections as well, including "Programs with a Christmas Flavor" and several pages describing "Five Means of Changing Partners in Squares, " "Five Breaks Often Overlooked in Squares," and "Five Means of Mixing in Squares (changing individuals from square to square."
Mary Collette contributes an essay questioning the use of pantalettes: "This, in itself, may seem to be a matter of small consequence, but not to those of us who have been convinced that unbecoming, uncomfortable costumes have in certain instances definitely retarrded the promotion of smooth, pretty dancing which gives genuine pleasure."
Finally, there is a reprint of an article from American Squares (1951) arguing against narrow extremes in dance programs (apparently aimed at the proliferation of callers focusing only on the new interest in western squares:
===
"To those who are asking how we can make this a vital, permanent part of Americ:m life, rather than a flimsy fad that would sink into oblivion, it is suggested that we acknowledge and overcome those weaknesses that prompt so many to go to various extremes, remembering that in this field our main objective is FUN, which can be achieved only through the moderation and balance that give full, satisfying enjoyment. Certainly there never has been a more urgent need for this wholesome, carefree form of recreation than at present when so many people are beset by fear, anxiety – even grief and despair."
===
There are added comments from 1952 and 1953 indicating the authors' belief that the tide is turning in a good direction. They conclude with a lengthy appreciation of the grand square figure and explain why they think dancers respond so positively to this figure.