Re: [Callers] Callers trouble getting gigs (medium long)

Thank you Tina! A lively discussion! you are not alone! I live and dance in an area where there is a lively dance community (southern New Hampshire) Years ago I took over as co-organizer of a dance and inevitably there was a dance where the caller could not make it. So, with the aid of my co-organizer, we called the dance! I had a ball! This started me on the path of caller. A lot of my calling experience has been “trial by fire”. In the beginning I was trying to call dances, above my ability, to mixed groups of dancers. The beginners were confused and the “old hands” were frustrated but gracious. I have been at it for 5 years. I have been blessed with a 2 venues that have allowed me to call one full evening per season. There is also 1 venue that allows me to call 1 dance a month, and surprisingly this is where I have gained the most experience as a caller. (lots of college age newbies!) I do lots of calling from the floor i.e.: while dancing. Much of my dance time is spent in the less crowded “side” sets where the newer dancers congregate. I find this helps with quick memory of moves and Dances (now if I could put them into long term memory!) and is a great place to teach dances. (many thanks from beginners!) I have been frustrated by not being asked to call at smaller dance venues, that are organized by friends, its not worth risking the friendship, also I’m not going to beg tocall any venue. My hope is that these organizers will come to one of my dances and see that my skill level has improved enough to be “acceptable” to their standards. I was ready to give away all of my notes, dance books, and cards this past spring because there were no opportunities coming my way, a fellow caller dissuaded me from taking that course of action. I’m glad he did because this Fall/Winter I am calling 2 full evening dances! One thing you may wish to do is approach organizers and ask if they would be interested in doing an open caller night. (they get the callers for free!) Its an interesting dynamic to co-ordinate with other callers so that your not calling the same type of dances and have a varied evening… and you get to pick up new material by doing dance swaps! Organize a house junket, and invite local organizers as your GPs (feed them well!) Encourage dancers, who compliment you on your calling, to please let organizers know your available. The word will get around! Good Luck Thanks Gale Wood