[Callers] Solutions for callers for dealing with problem dancers

[Bob Isaacs via Callers]

Here's a good anti-creep tactic for beginner sessions.  Sorry to generalize, the usual suspect is an older unattached man who comes early and makes himself all too available to the prettiest new dancer.  Before you know it, he's running his own 1-on-1 workshop.  I let him go for a while, but when it appears the behavior is predatory I get them in a circle and teach them how to allemande.  Then I say "With this partner allemande R 1 1/2, then move on to the next and allemande L 1 1/2, then to the next and allemande R 1 1/2, etc." until creep and prey are far apart, and then " take this one as your new partner for some more."  This also breaks up those newbie couples who came joined at the hip.  Of course, at the same time they're learning a progression and how to adjust to each neighbor, so it's seems like real teaching.
 
This circle technique also works well to safely teach swings.  Now those "gentlemen" who forced me to learn this no longer come early when I'm calling - 
 
Bob

 
Date: Wed, 9 Sep 2015 14:30:30 -0700
To: pshaf at yahoo.com
CC: callers at sharedweight.net
Subject: Re: [Callers] Solutions for callers for dealing with problem dancers
From: callers at lists.sharedweight.net

As a caller I try to include something in my beginners' sessions that tells people how to quickly refuse a dance without giving a reason. 
Seattle-area caller, LauraMé Smith often demonstrates how NOT to gypsy (so that the other person is always trying to get away from you), and she does it early in the evening, on the floor, with a chosen accomplice, and with humor. 
-Amy Wimmer


On Sep 9, 2015, at 2:08 PM, Perry Shafran via Callers <callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

OK, I think we have talked at each other for awhile now, arguing whether or not harassment is rampant at our dances.  I think it would be nice if we could now discuss solutions we as CALLERS (remember, this is a callers' list, not an organizers' list) can and should do with respect to this.  If anyone has any ideas, some positive solutions, I am open and receptive to hearing them.  

Perry
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