Re: [Callers] Line Formation (Proper, Improper)

I started dancing 22 years ago in Vancouver and continue in Ottawa. In both of these communities we line up proper, take hands four and cross over when we are told to do so by the caller. Many these days do cross over in advance of being told, and almost all our dances are improper. But I have heard it said over the years (and have said it myself, sort of jokingly) "wait to be told because it might be a proper dance." Occasionally we do a proper dance (I have called a few myself), and I do like them for the variety. In response to another comment about same-gender right and left through, I also had a hard time calling a dance with that move the one time I called it, and would now only do that one if I felt that the hall could handle a moment of confusion. Gender-bending always throws some of even the most experienced dancers, but it is interesting that this same gender move is actually from a very old dance, not from a new choreographer trying to be gender free. I like what Greg said about the caller pausing to do the instructions to allow for socializing. I haven't made this a conscious choice but I think I naturally do that as well, if only because I want to make sure everyone who wants to dance is in the line and that can take awhile, especially for shy newcomers, and it is so important not to start before they are ready. I also like what he says about specifying the number of sets. When I am dancing and we are not sure how many sets to make, I have sometimes wished the caller would say something. Different dances can require different lengths of sets. Happy dancing! Maura Volante Ottawa Ontario Canada