[Callers] Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies")

Ron T Blechner <contraron(a)gmail.com> wrote: With the address of "contraron" I'm going to assume that you are talking about a regularly scheduled contra dance series that is open to the public. (I really appreciate when posters make the context of their post clear. There are a lot of different kinds of callers on this list and what works in one setting may be inappropriate in another. We need to know what we are talking about to have a useful discussion.) Circle mixers can certainly play a role at open, public contra dances but your comment seems to make some assumptions about the dancers and the local dance culture. Are you using any strategies or techniques--other than mixers--to integrate first-timers into the hall? Your comment assumes that at least some of the newcomers will not be aware of the tradition of switching partners after each dance and that the regulars will not take any action to proactively integrate these folks. When I call at public contra dances I always follow each dance with the instruction: "Please find a new partner and form ___ contra dance lines." I use the optional newcomers orientation, explicit instructions, careful programming, clear and precise calling, as well as many implied messages to make it clear that integration of first-timers is not only essential but also fun. Very rarely I will see a couple of first-timers dancing exclusively with each other. But this occurs only after they have ignored multiple explicit and implied instructions and have fended off several attempts by regulars to partner with them. In that case I will intervene myself, personally, on the dance floor, approach the couple, and explain the nature of our dance event. That has always had the desired effect. Integration of newcomers is at the heart of these open, public social events. I do use mixers occasionally, but tend to reserve them for other types of events. If I do use a mixer at an open, public contra dance I take care to announce it well in advance. I do this because an unexpected mixer will derail the efforts of regulars to partner with first-timers. I want to encourage the integration efforts of the regulars so I warn them of an upcoming mixer to facilitate their cooperation. Mixers do have a place but I see them as part of an overall integration strategy. - Greg McKenzie