[Organizers] Leading Contra Dances in non-english-speaking countries

[Scott Higgs via Organizers]

At 12:04 PM 3/3/2017, Rebecca wrote:
I am in Germany and am new to event organizing ...An issue I have had 
with my smaller workshops (and am worried about my larger event) is 
language. With the smaller workshops, I just kinda wing it depending 
on who is there. But for a larger event, winging it is probably not 
the best tactic.
...Do you stick to all English? or have the beginner lesson and/or 
walkthrus in the majority language? or everything except for the 
actual calling in the majority language?

My experience organizing and calling in France:
1)  I decided in advance what English terms to use, and kept the list 
short and consistent (e.g., skip the word "allemande", just use 
"turn"). A limited vocabulary is pretty easy for folks to digest -- 
not really much different than English speakers learning "hey for 4" 
or "petronella".
2)  During walk-throughs, I gave *explanations* in French, but used 
the English terms for the calls/prompts, so they would associate the 
terms from the start.
3)  I used my body (and other people I could guide) *a lot* to 
demonstrate, rather than get caught-up in too many words (in part, 
because my French was not-too-great, but this is generally good policy)

Overall theme; Keep the dances simple, and use the local language to 
set an easygoing mood in the room. It's most important to help folks 
feel comfortable with mistakes, and not worry about getting things 
'right.' With language differences, some folks will be rather anxious 
already about misunderstanding, or doing the wrong thing -- reassure 
them that getting things right is not the point ...

If you have a caller who does not speak the majority language,  it 
can still work.
I have attended a workshop in Argentine tango like this.
A translator was beside the teacher, and checked-in to translate 
questions and answers as needed.

Good for you getting dancing going in Karlsruhe !


Take care,

Scott

--------------------------------------------
Scott at ScottHiggs.com


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