Kopman's Class Notes

All choreographic animations and call definitions are courtesy of Brad Christy, the designer of Taminations. Call definitions are consistent with current CALLERLAB documentation.

We started with 6X2 Acey Deucy. No problem here...

So we moved onto Clover & ...... No issues with that new call. And then I realized EVERY TIME I teach a new call I always say "Heads step in and face your corner". Pair Off is not a scheduled call until #44 on the A1 list. But, I'm thinking...... I direct this a hundred times a night...... How about just teach the actual call, even though it means skipping a bunch. And we did. And everyone did great.

As I looked down the list for what to teach next there were a LOT of "weenie" calls. Quarter in/out, Partner Tag, Horseshoe turn.... Calls that just don't have a lot of "umph" to them. They don't have the sizzle of Chain Reaction or Cast a Shadow. So I did some more skipping and decided to teach Transfer the Column. OK, the call was written by my dad but it has excitement to the call. So, the "weenie" calls were limited to two: 6x2 acey deucy and Clover &...... (Somehow I don't consider Pair Off a "weenie" call. Obviously this is open to interpretation.

Cast a Shadow was one of dad’s most popular calls written. I explained the origin of the call and how it evolved from a starting Promenade position to 2 faces lines. We even took a moment towards the end of the evening to experience Cast a Shadow from a starting Promenade position. Also, a fun story on how the call changed over the years. You’re not going to get that history lesson from ANY other caller who teaches advance.

Another call call taught was Brace Thru. Personally, I HATE the call. It’s a “weenie” call for callers to “normalize” dancers so the boys end up on the left side of a couple. I’d much rather find creative ways to normalize dancers that might have messed up. (or callers for that reason).

We slowed it down just a tad after last week’s FOUR call night. We reviewed Chain Reaction, Turn & Deal, Pass In, Mix & Lock It.

Remember I shared in week 1, we’re NOT under the gun for when we complete the Advanced list. We move at your pace. But after a week of having to learn 4 calls it made sense to catch your breath with one simple new call.

We added Roll Right to a Wave to your vocabulary. And it blends wonderfully into calls like Lockit. Super night ALL!!!!

We found a perfect blend of reviewing Chain Reaction and Grand Follow Your Neighbor. And somehow had plenty of time to show everyone Turn & Deal from 2 faces lines AND lines facing out. Same call, but it sure feels different depending on what type of line you start in. We emphasized you do this BY YOURSELF and focus on “rolling” towards the center of the line. It took no time for everyone to get into the swing of the call.

Next up was Pass In. This is a call that actually entertains the caller. It’s hilarious to watch center dancers, when in the middle, sometimes turn 360° to remember where the center of the square is. I shared with all this was the kind of call you could do right 57 times and screw up the 58th . Many proved me wrong by messing up waaaaaaaaaaaaaay before 57 times. But that was part of the fun.

We followed that with two Lee Kopman calls: Mix & Lock It with explanations on why dad felt the need to write these 2 calls.