14 Aug
2013
14 Aug
'13
8:02 a.m.
I don't call that often, but I usually do more or less what Tom recommends.
I often will just say in as deep a voice as I can (to make it sound
different from the other noise), "Do we have hands four?" I rely on the
dancers to help quiet the crowd (and when I'm not calling will often
"sh-h-h-h" the group. It may be rude for the caller to get a tad testy,
but as a dancer on the floor I have no hesitation and other dancers often
pick it up). On occasion, as a caller, I have told dancers that "We've had
a request from the floor for quiet and keeping noise to a minimum will help
the newcomers. Thanks!" It works...usually.
On Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 8:20 AM, Tom Hinds <twhinds(a)earthlink.net> wrote:
Jacqui,
It's kind of silly of me to give you any advise not having danced in your
community. I think the most important thing for any caller is to not take
it personally and always remain relaxed and happy.
I've heard over the years that the caller is in charge and all
responsibility rests on his/her shoulders. I've never bought into that.
It's a group activity and the dancers also have to play their part to make
the whole thing work. I think Tony Parkes said it best when he compared
contra dancing to herding cats.
One trick I've used (note: not over used) is to give them ample time to
take hands four. Saying the first move of the dance as if you're starting
the walk through usually wakes them up. And of course yells of "hands
four" will echo throughout the hall. Be prepared. The only down side for
a new caller using this is that people may think you're not paying
attention to the dancers.
It would be easy to assume that this a community where you dance once a
month and everyone is very glad to see one another. Then again, it's
probably Ashville.
Tom
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