You might insert a couple of extra waltzes into the program. Like after every two contras. I've done this in very hot weather, working with the band of course, and it seems to work very nicely.

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)