Re: [Callers] Highlights of 2009 ...

<snip> <chuckle> What a great story Jerome! And a good idea for a discussion. Thanks for sharing it. I'm looking forward to reading the outcome. My favorite dance calling memory of the year .....Hmmm... For those of you on FaceBook see my note called "Finding My Way Out of The Woods" for the full <very long> story. The short version is: I was hired to be the staff caller at "The Woods Music and Dance Camp" in Northern Ontario in August. It was my first event that was longer than a weekend and I'd never been to the camp. I had been warned that the focus wasn't on dancing, that most of the dancers would be newbies, and that I'd have a hard time pleasing the crowd. I was also very nervous about whether I'd be able to deliver on the same level as the musical talent that had been hired. The third dance night was a milestone for me, and also the camp. I had trouble teaching the first dance of the night. I'd walked it through twice. But I couldn't seem to teach it without confusing the dancers. I was ready to bail on it. In fact, I told them that and threw the card down into my box of dances. They all shouted "NO!!!" That took me aback! They were determined to get it. And, gawd love 'em, I walked it again, and they did it! I had 4 squares on the dance floor that night, which was just about half the camp. People kept telling me over and over again how they'd never seen so many people dancing at The Woods before. I think that's when it finally began to sink in that I was, in fact, delivering at the same level as the other staff. It was a personal triumph that I really needed. I'll never forget that week for so many reasons. And I was just delighted when they called me in October to ask me to come back in 2010! Happy New Year everyone. May this new year bring you lots of calling adventures! Bev