[Callers] Rolling Starts?

[Woody Lane via Callers]

Hi Maia,

I may have a slightly different approach than others. When I work with a 
band that likes to do rolling starts, we enjoy doing it when things 
"work right" musically. I tell the band that they are free to do a 
rolling start whenever they want, and it will be up to me to proceed or 
wave them off. Of course, this is for only once or twice during an 
evening. We don't want to overdo such a memorable technique.

Generally the musicians may be vamping, or they may be just tuning up. 
Either way, I hear that there is music behind me as I teach. Our default 
is to continue unless I give a signal to stop. From my role, if I hear 
the band roll into something that can work as a rolling start, I'll 
modify the teaching and my voice on the fly, while at the same time 
(with the hand that is not holding the mic) giving the band the signal 
to continue or to stop. I watch the dancers, listen to the music, know 
the dance that I'm teaching, and weigh the pros and cons of continuing.

IMO, this works well for the spontaneity and excitement, and I feel 
comfortable flowing with it and supporting the band, especially when the 
musicians are really into a tune. It depends on their musicianship and 
musical preferences. Sometimes the musicians will vamp with the entire 
band, sometimes only one or two of the musicians will be playing. With 
at least one band that I work with, the rolling start sometimes consists 
of a hand-drum or Quebecois feet.

Woody

On 10/2/2015 8:53 AM, Maia McCormick via Callers wrote:
> I think that rolling starts (seamless transition from walkthrough into
> the dance, as the band just starts playing music during the
> walkthrough) are super neat if done properly! But I'm still not quite
> sure how to do them properly. So I ask you all:
> 1) tips on how to execute a rolling start well, making sure all the
> dancers are on board etc.?
> 2) thoughts on what dances/tunes will/won't work well with a rolling
> start?
>
> Cheers,
> Maia