[Callers] dance in transition

To: organizers(a)sharedweight.net. CC: BCC: Subject:Dance in transition Hi Dance venue in transition Qs? Just curious as to longevity of dance series. How do you handle organizer burnout? I know an organizer who has been at it for 12 years and wishes to turn the series over to a new 'generation'. How do you generate support and bring new people in to the organization of dances? (dancers scatter when there is mention of organizing!) There is a small loyal group of dancers. The problem is no one wishes to take up the duties of organizer. This is compounded by the fact that the main organizer needs to be a resident of the town where the dance is held. (I do what I can. I organized a dance and found it was not my calling. esp. as the sole organizer, dancers want to dance not organize!) History: Dance started in 1996 In a beautiful medium size hall. First 2 years averaged 65-70 dancers In the third year there was a problem with parking at the hall. Number of dancers dropped off. Parking problem was resolved but the numbers did not rebound. Year 3 A "Flashier" dance series, 50 miles away, was created for the same wknd. This siphoned off more dancers. Over the next 8 years attendance fluctuated between 20-40. which is the sustaining level for this dance. In the past year attendance levels have dropped to 10-30 The dance is having problems hiring the "Name" talent that brings in dancers from more than an hour away (Though Randy Miller from western NH is a fan of this dance and plays for the take of the door)callers and musicians ask for guarantee sums The organizer just does not want the hassle of it anymore. There are several of us who help when we can. Some of the reasons the dance is struggling (along with the above) Very few local dancers. Lack of flashy talent (dance can not provide the pay out) It's a community dance that welcomes beginners/families At one time there was a rowdy teenage group who frequented the dance, they were very energetic, too much for some dancers. (they do not attend the dance anymore, but the stigma is still there) It's to far off the beaten path (Where is ----------- anyway?) [ I choose not to include the name of the dance without permission of the organizer] Its to long of a drive! There are better dances closer by... Is that dance still happening? It is a shame to see the demise of this dance series due to lack of interest, attrition gas prices, an aging dance community, apathy. Perhaps it is time for this 'community' dance to close it's doors. I wonder how many other smaller dances are experiencing the same problems. Here is in southern NH dance venues (new dance halls) are becoming increasingly hard to find and it would be a shame to see this one fall from use. Hope to start a dialogue and get some ideas for keeping this series viable Thanks in advance Gale Wood -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com - Microsoft(r) Exchange solutions from a leading provider - http://link.mail2web.com/Business/Exchange