Re: [Callers] Young Children at Dance

The first priority is that we should praise, encourage, and celebrate the participation of children at any open, public contra dance. Your question hinges upon how you define the "problem" here. At public dances it is the callers role to integrate all participants and provide a program that is enjoyable for all. Integration is the key factor and should be the focus of your efforts whenever there are novice dancers present. Generally you should consider calling easy, flowing dances that require little or no teaching and limit each partnering to less than 10 minutes. This will make the experience of dancing with newcomers more enjoyable and will encourage more adults and regular dancers to be more generous in partnering with children and novices. Don't fall into the trap of making the children the "problem." Remember that the caller is responsible for everything that happens in the hall and any frustration by any experienced dancer is your problem, not a child's or even the parent's. The key is to enlist the support of all the regulars and make sure it is an enjoyable experience for them as well. Once you achieve the goal of integrating the novices your "problem" will be greatly diminished. Generally I think children should be encouraged but, if they dance, they should pay admission. The community may decide to offer a lower price but all dancers should pay admission. If the young children are, in fact, not having fun they are not likely to continue. That would be the worst outcome. If they are encouraged, praised, and successful they are likely to take pride in their ability to participate with the adults and will be motivated to learn quickly. That would be the best outcome. With skillful, precise, and effective calling I think you can enlist the support of all of the regular dancers in achieving that goal. Just a thought, Greg McKenzie ******** At 08:38 AM 1/17/2009, you wrote: