[Callers] crowd noise

Jacqui, It's kind of silly of me to give you any advise not having danced in your community. I think the most important thing for any caller is to not take it personally and always remain relaxed and happy. I've heard over the years that the caller is in charge and all responsibility rests on his/her shoulders. I've never bought into that. It's a group activity and the dancers also have to play their part to make the whole thing work. I think Tony Parkes said it best when he compared contra dancing to herding cats. One trick I've used (note: not over used) is to give them ample time to take hands four. Saying the first move of the dance as if you're starting the walk through usually wakes them up. And of course yells of "hands four" will echo throughout the hall. Be prepared. The only down side for a new caller using this is that people may think you're not paying attention to the dancers. It would be easy to assume that this a community where you dance once a month and everyone is very glad to see one another. Then again, it's probably Ashville. Tom