9 Jul
2009
9 Jul
'09
8:17 a.m.
I really like Greg MacKenzie's question,
>The real question is: What is your purpose? And
what is the purpose of the
> majority of those who attend? Are you trying to "preserve a tradition,"
to
> "open folks to other dance traditions," or simply "to offer an open
> community social dance with live music," or a combination of all those.
> ...Or are we doing something else entirely? The answer will surely vary
> for each dance series or event.
>
> This is a question seldom discussed yet it seems to be a central issue
> regarding how we organize dances and what the role of the caller is. I
> think that discussion would be very useful.
>
> What is the purpose of our event and what is the caller's job in realizing
> that purpose?
I agree - this is indeed something I've never heard discussed. I've also never
heard any particular stance on our purpose shared with dancers by boards, or with callers
& bands by dance managers when booking. We have just sort of been each taking our own
individual ideas of what we're up to for granted, I guess. Building community is
another aspect we might throw into the pot. But who should be in on the deciding? Further
musing: is it even a matter for deciding, or does the purpose of any ongoing activity sort
of grow and shift organically to suit the times and those co-creating it?
Thanks for the provocative question, Greg!
Tina