[Callers] Shadow Swing Disclaimers?

[James Saxe via Callers]

Back in September, we discussed a topic raised by Maia McCormick:

> ...
> 
> There do exist some really fabulous shadow-swing dances that I would love to be able to call, as long as I could do so without putting anyone in an uncomfortable position. Do folks have ideas for ways to mitigate the potential harms of shadow swing dances?

[See below for Maia's full message.]

I've had an idea that I don't think anyone mentioned.  First, a
disclaimer:  I don't imagine that what I'm about to say will
sway any of you who are dead-set against shadow swings in any
circumstances.  However, if you feel compelled to reiterate your
opposition, I hope you'll have the courtesy to respect Maia's
original request and do so under a different "Subject" line.

Anyway, my idea is:  Use the occasion as a "teachable moment".

When you get to the shadow swing during the walk-through, or
perhaps during the second walk-through, point out to the
dancers that they'll be swinging the same person every time,
and give them a chance to discuss what is or isn't comfortable
for them.  You might give examples: "Please don't dig you're
thumb into my neck", "My arm is not a pump handle', "Not too
fast", "Not so close", etc.  Or you could make general remarks
about believing you shadow if they say something hurts, or
about how the person whose less interested in being flirty is
the one who gets to decide, etc.  And remind people to that
they can make additional adjustments during the dance.
Exactly what points you (the caller) want to mention, what
words you choose, whether to employ humor, etc., will depend
on what fits your personality, what you see as the likely
issues in the particular community, how much time you feel
you can spend before moving along with the dance, etc.

Note that this idea can be applied to shadow interactions
other than swings.

For example, if a dance has an allemande with shadows, you
might let women and men (or dancers in those roles) take turns
showing each other their preferred hand holds, strength of
connection, etc.  You might encourage them, if they have
different preferences, to give each other's suggestions a
fair try, but with the very important proviso (better stated
sooner than later) that nobody should be pressured into
doing something they think may be painful.

If the action with shadows is a chain or a right and left
through, you could give dancers a chance to talk about their
preferences regarding twirls or about making the courtesy
turns feel comfortably connected without being *too*
comfy cosy for anyone's comfort.

You could also occasionally invite people (and give them
some time) to have such discussions with their partners.

Just a thought.

--Jim

> On Sep 8, 2015, at 8:06 AM, Maia McCormick via Callers <callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> 
> Hey all,
> 
> First, a disclaimer: Some people on this listserv thing shadow swings are problematic. Some don't see any issue with them. This is NOT the conversation I want to have in this thread; I ask that you respond to the question I'm asking and do not debate my premise--at least not in this particular thread. This should help keep this thread on track and hopefully reduce excess noise and go-nowhere discussions on this listserv. Thanks!
> 
> Anyway, the actual question I wanted to ask (whew!)--
> 
> There do exist some really fabulous shadow-swing dances that I would love to be able to call, as long as I could do so without putting anyone in an uncomfortable position. Do folks have ideas for ways to mitigate the potential harms of shadow swing dances? I was considering, at the beginning of the dance, having dancers identify their shadow and mentioning, "this will be a shadow swing dance, so if you need to make any changes, do so now" (or something like that)--haven't gotten the wording down-pat, but the idea is giving dancers advance warning of a shadow swing so they can move (thereby changing their shadow) if they need to. Any thoughts on this method? Suggestions of others?
> 
> Cheers.
> Maia
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