26 Mar
2011
26 Mar
'11
5:06 a.m.
Most esteemed colleagues,
I danced at Rehoboth tonight and a most unusual and wonderful thing
happened. Lisa Greenleaf walked us through a dance, saw that we were too
crowded and that some of the moves were going to be especially
uncomfortable, and told us to talk among ourselves while she picked out
another dance. I might add that this is a very popular dance, and 3 full
lines are comfortable in the hall and 4 lines are definitely pushing the
limit, especially if there are some dancers being a little over zealous or
not watching their set spacing. We've probably all been in this situation
at least once as dancers.
This is the first time I can ever remember someone changing a dance because
it was too crowded for that particular set of moves. Occasionally we, as
callers, switch dances after a walkthrough because what we first had in mind
might be looking a bit too challenging for the particular mix before us.
But never can I remember a caller changing dances after a walkthrough
because of space. Thank you Lisa.
I would love to start a thread on this mostly overlooked (unless I missed
something earlier on), but very dear to my heart, topic. Far too often have
I been in a hall that was too tight for certain sequences, but it seems that
maybe the caller came with a set program and wasn't willing to modify dance
selections based on this most important criteria. Most dances are made up
of a wide range of ages, and crowded halls where people are getting knocked
around and bumped is uncomfortable, not all that much fun, and especially
unfair to older dancers.
My first suggestion would be to eliminate or highly restrict moves like a
full hey in these situations. What I would like is for people to make
suggestions of fun, flowing dances that are compact, especially in their
width.
I think having a "list" or some other organizing format, of these "compact
dances" would greatly enhance our toolboxes. What do you think?
This list is truly amazing. Thank you everyone.
warmest regards,
Paul