Re: [Callers] Style/safety/etiquette tips from the microphone

Thanks for the topic. My contribution is one of my basic rules of contra dance calling: Never suggest by word, deed, or implication, that anyone in the hall is either behaving poorly or is not up to the task of dancing well. The significiant question is how the real "problem" is perceived and addressed. It might require some forethought but following the above rule will save the caller much grief and will make their job much easier. The caller has the most leverage at changing behavior by assuming that all dancers are invested in safety and goodwill, and that the dancers have the intelligence and capability to dance well. Any caller comments that can be perceived as a criticism of "some" dancers will cause a loss of confidence or hard feelings amongst many more dancers. That will translate into loss of dancer confidence and less effective calling all around. Any analysis that assumes "men behaving badly to poor style to dancers who are too rough." is likely to generate words that will be perceived by at least some dancers as a criticism. A better approach might be to compliment the dancers on their conscientous application of good style and consideration in their dancing. Another way of saying this is: Don't waste the dancers time by telling them what they should not do. (This is true even when "humor" is used.) Instead compliment them on their skill and then show them an "advanced" technique that emphasizes safety and consideration. Another way of saying this: Always assume the best intentions and capabilities of all of the dancers. Just a thought, Greg McKenzie ******* At 08:25 PM 5/11/2008, you wrote: