3 Jun
2016
3 Jun
'16
1:17 a.m.
Have both ice water and cool but not iced water available—many folks can’t drink much ice
water at once. Have more pitchers in more places than usual. Don’t skimp on number or size
of cups. Frequently say (“for those of you who just came in…”) that there will be a little
extra time between every dance for people to get a drink of water.
A little ice wrapped in a bandana and that laid around one’s neck makes a dramatic
difference—but I’d only do it if you’ve got people who can prepare them for everyone. The
ice needs to be well wrapped and the ends secured (pieces of ice on the floor are a
serious hazard) and they shouldn’t be over-filled (drips on most floors are sticky rather
than slippery, but that’s a hazard too).
Unless you already know the electrical outlets are well positioned, folks should bring
extension cords as well as fans. Don’t assume windows should be open—inside may be cooler
than outside at first. But once it is cooler outside, box fans in the windows will be
good. (Is this a windowless room? Google image search suggests it might be. Oy.)
The Corvallis forecast has the temperature dropping fairly quickly—you might be able to
get away with more vigorous dances later in the program (if your room has windows) (but
maybe not—you’ll want options). And the organizers might consider starting later for the
same reason.
Read Weaver
Jamaica Plain, MA
http://lcfd.org
On Jun 2, 2016, at 3:31 PM, Lindsey Dono via Callers
<callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Hi Callers,
I’m booked to call a dance this Saturday; the temperature is predicted to be 98F. This is
an unusually high temperature for the area and time of year- this organization does not
hold summer dances.
I’ve emailed the organizers asking for their thoughts/contingency plans. My first
priority is keeping the dancers safe.
While I’m waiting to hear back from them, I’m brainstorming ideas for how to make a hot
weather dance a safe and fun experience (presuming it isn’t cancelled due to heat).
Here’s what I’ve come up with generally:
-Remind dancers to take time to hydrate/change shirts etc rather than rushing to maximize
the number of dances called.
-Offer ice/popsicles at the break.
And specifically as a caller:
-Run dances shorter.
-Moderate band tempo
-Select dances where ladies/gents/ones/twos/first corners/second corners get “solos.” The
hall tends to consist of two long lines, so I imagine that I might want to make shorter
lines if I call something uneven.
-Avoid butterfly whirls
-Walk all dances, but avoid unnecessarily long walk-throughs.
Other thoughts? Are there figures that tend to take less energy? I’m imaging that
sequential balances are less tiring than full heys, but I’m not certain of this.
Also, suggestions for interesting dances with more recovery time?
A dance that comes to mind is Tecumseh (Dylan Bustin).
Thanks!
Lindsey
(Tacoma, WA)
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