Hands Four Productions is a (very small) home business run by callers Tony and Beth Parkes.
Here are 43 original square, circle, and contra dances by one of New England's most active callers and choreographers. Most routines are suitable for the average country dance group. Complete explanations show exactly how the steps fit the music. Included are such favorites as: Duck Through and Swing, Flirtation Reel, For Those Who Cared, Parisian Star, The Snowy Day, Spring Fever, Star Breakdown, and, of course, the classic Shadrack's Delight, with the complete story of how it got its name. Also included are teaching tips, history, and a glossary of terms.
1988, 46 pages. $6.00
Tony calls each of the dances in his Shadrack's Delight book at least twice. We find that listening is more effective than reading when we're trying to learn new calls. For this reason, the actual calls don't appear in the book, but only on this tape. Music is taken from the F&W records -- a different tune for each dance (learn how to pick tunes!). This tape is mostly not danceable, though a few squares are called as complete dances to illustrate the use of "breaks" or chorus figures.
1988, over 60 minutes. CD only. $10.00
Here are 42 more square, circle, and contra dances, ranging from very easy to fairly difficult. Some are variations on older routines, Tony's and other callers', that have been fine-tuned for smoother dancing. Others are completely new. Every dance has been tested with real people. Like the first volume, this book includes complete explanations, teaching tips, history, and a glossary of terms.
1993, 48 pages. $6.00
This is the first comprehensive entry-level book ever written on contra dance calling. Every aspect of the caller's work is dealt with clearly and thoroughly, including: how to get started as a caller; music as it relates to the dance; timing and phrasing; voice technique; fitting the calls to the music; dance notation; teaching and walkthroughs; choosing material; calling for special groups; working with live or recorded music; buying and using a sound system; and running a dance series. In addition, the book includes: an in-depth discussion of the basic movements; a selection of easy-to-call dances; a complete glossary of terms; an extensive list of resources; and information on how to use other dance books. In short, this is your guide to the entire world of contra dance calling, teaching, and organizing.
1992, 300 pages, quality paperbound, acid-free recycled paper. $price unknown until reprint
Write to us enclosing your check. Add postage and handling: $2.00 per order in U.S., $4.00 in Canada, $6.00 overseas. (Please: U.S. funds on a U.S. bank.) Massachusetts residents add 5% sales tax. Sorry, no credit cards (institutions in U.S. may submit purchase orders). Prices are subject to change without notice. Our Address: Hands Four Productions, P.O. Box 641, Bedford, MA 01730
Questions: Contact:
The best sources for contra dance items are:
The Country Dance and Song Society or Folk Arts Center of New England
This page last updated April 16, 2004.