Jeff wrote:
(When I'm calling I try to drop out as early as
possible and not
choose dances where I'll need to keep calling. When I'm playing I
like it when callers do the same.)
Yes. I also appreciate it when callers who are dancing on the floor take
it upon themselves to start calling at key moments when confusion threatens
those around them. This is not appreciated when I am calling, but after I
stop calling, this "calling from the floor" allows me to be silent so that
the music and the dancers can remain the focus.
Help from the floor is almost always done non-verbally with eye contact and
gentle guidance by touch. The predictability of contras allows the
regulars to take a much more active role in guiding those around them. I
love it when the regular dancers take charge of guiding first-timers. This
is one reason I am inclined to sit out when squares are announced. This is
also one of the main reasons why I don't call squares.
- Greg McKenzie
West Coast, USA