Re: [Callers] Thanks and more

Hi Rickey, Starting a new dance series is always difficult, especially if there are a number of other dances nearby. Here are few of my (sometimes conflicting) thoughts. In general, I don't think there is a big problem if the dances are not on the same night. In fact, sometimes adding another dance can help both dances because they help to reinforce thoughts of dancing in the public's mind. There's a better chance of a nearby dance happening on the night someone wants to dance. If both dances attract the same crowd (families, modern, or old time, whatever dancers, etc.) they probably will attend both dances. Two dances a month is not to much for most people or most towns. If the dances attract different crowds, there will be no conflict either. You just need to find a way to attract the dancers. I know of one dance that was having trouble attracting dancer. Although they feared they might need to close, instead they added a second dance each month. This increased attendance at both dances perhaps because it was more often in dancers' minds. It all depends on how many dancers there are in the area, and how many more beginners you think you can invite in. A good dance grows by word of mouth. Friends bring friends. Organizing that "good" dance is always the issue for dance organizers. It often helps if the two dances in the same location work to assure different music and different callers each month. Keep the dances different and keep them inviting. Quite a few dances happen twice a month, or even every week, in smaller towns and they seem to do fine. If 2 dances happen to be a few block apart and on different days of the month, there should not be much difference. Maybe the competition will help to keep things lively, as well! The only thing to avoid is two dance the same night in nearby locations, otherwise more dances is usually a good thing. Rich Hart. Rickey wrote: -- Rich Hart It's hopeless (but I may be wrong).