Good work David!
This is an excellent piece that catches the spirit and heart of
contras, particularly for younger dancers.
As we all tend to age it is vital that we be prepared to pass on the
traditions, the skills, and the reigns of leadership to
newcomers. This is often a traumatic experience for some. We are
loath to give up control to young people who do not seem to value the
same elements that we do. Yet we must be willing to let go of some
of our most cherished ideals as we hand over control to others. The
alternative is the stagnation and death of a powerful tool for
building community in an age when a renewed sense of community is
sorely needed.
As we move toward a sustainable society the ability to gather as a
local community for celebration and socializing is a vital element
for making this transition. Contras have a role to play in our
evolution and, dare I say, the sustainability of our species.
We all have a part to play in passing on the tools we have carefully
forged and honed for generations.
Just a thought,
Greg
************
At 06:06 PM 7/2/2010, you wrote:
If you missed it, here's a link to the story about
young people and
contra dance
that aired tonight on National Public Radio.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128273050
I've asked Marika Partridge, the producer of the piece, if there's a
way that we
can listen to the longer version that she hoped would air. Instead, NPR did a
lot of editing and ran a much shorter piece. I'll let the list know
if there's a
way we can hear-- with apologies to the late Paul Harvey-- The Rest of the
Story.
David Millstone (aka "the old-time caller")
Lebanon, NH
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