30 Jan
2017
30 Jan
'17
3:17 p.m.
Rich Hart wrote:
<< I'd also add to your two requirements (enjoyable and in a safe space), a
third one. that is that our dances should also be welcoming to all, regardless of their
position in life, and dance skills. As callers, we all try to chose dances and calls that
are appropriate, and acceptable for the local dancers. That should not change.>>
I deliberately kept my list of requirements short, because I’m not convinced there’s
consensus on any others. You might think “welcoming to all, regardless of… dance skills”
would be a no-brainer, but in reality, some series are (perceived as) far less welcoming
than others. One could even argue (though I’m not arguing here) that this is not
necessarily a bad thing, as long as there’s at least one series in every metropolitan area
that nurtures beginners. I do want to say that I find it somewhat troubling when a series
that doesn’t bill itself as “challenging” or “experienced” develops a reputation for
freezing out newcomers.
I agree that callers try to present programs that are “acceptable for the local dancers”;
but that’s not the same as being “welcoming to all.” The local dancers may be quite
sophisticated in their tastes and capacities, and it may be hard (though not impossible)
to please them and still foster an inclusive atmosphere.
The disparity between series attitudes may be a good thing, a bad thing, or some of each,
but it’s the reality in many areas.
Tony Parkes
Billerica, Mass.
www.hands4.com<http://www.hands4.com>
New book: Square Dance Calling (ready Summer 2017)