Re: [Callers] "Integrating the Dance Hall", was "Recruiting new dancers:

At 11:56 PM 5/29/2010, Colin Hume wrote: I think it would be interesting to explore the underlying assumptions in the phrase: "...the perfect contra dance experience,..." Here in Santa Cruz we are often having dances where 30% of the crowd has been to ten, or fewer contra dances and first-timers make up about 16% of the crowd. These dances have full halls and lots of excitement. The PA system is cranked up and there are lots of university students attending. Granted: The dancing is often contumacious and the floor is crowded. But the bands and callers usually enjoy the experience--and the pay. The local dance society leadership is generally pleased with the success of the series. It is encouraging to have so many young people getting involved. Personally, I cannot conceive of a "perfect contra dance experience" with first-timers making up less than 10% of the crowd. Meeting and dancing with newcomers adds a vitality and excitement to the dance. Contras are perfectly designed to "sweep in" newcomers and my experience is that the regulars welcome an opportunity to partner with newcomers when the caller engages the regulars in the process of hosting the visiting and new dancers. When the regulars feel empowered by the caller they will be enthusiastic about partnering with new people. And that goes for the hot shots as well. Every enthusiast loves to share what they are passionate about with someone who is relaxed and willing to learn. This is one of the greatest joys of contra dancing. What is the perfect contra dance? If we, as callers, view the answer as a dance made up of "major league" dancers only, then I believe we are not only being unrealistic about the future of the dance form, but we are also cheating ourselves and the dancers out of one of the greatest pleasures of contra dancing. Integrating the dance floor is vital because once the newcomers are successfully paired up with regulars about 90% of the problems discussed on this list simply go away, and 90% of what is being "taught" in the beginner's orientation becomes unnecessary. If our vision includes newcomers and casual visiting dancers at a "town hall" style community social event then our role as callers is very different than the role of a caller at an exclusive event limited to contra dance enthusiasts. Integrating the dance floor would have to be our first priority and how to do that is central to the skills needed by the caller. I would be interested in hearing from others about their ideas for integrating the dance hall, particularly without using subterfuge, and without implying that anyone is behaving poorly. Greg McKenzie