Re: [Callers] Mentorship for Choreographers

Those calling parties do sound like a good idea, and they sound similar to 3 regular dances that we have here in NH. There are 3 regular dances here where there is always an open mike for callers, and musicians can join the band, or play for a dance or two themselves. Calling is shared at these dances by all callers who attend and wish to call a dance, regardless of experience level. The experienced callers are always willing to help a new caller pick a dance to call, based on the dancers present, and the caller's abilities. Then, afterwards, talk with them about what went right, and any problem the caller might have had. Musicians at these dances can also join in and play for a a single dance or more, if they wish, and then dance the rest of evening. Experienced musicians are always willing to help the new ones, as well. These 3 dance include Dover (1st Thursday), Milford (4th Friday), and Nelson (every Monday). In Dover and Milford, there is a single big band that musicians may join, while in Nelson musicians usually take turns, and seldom all play together - which can result in considerable variations in musical styles in a single evening. I love these dances because I get to both call and dance the same evening. Callers will often use these dances to try out a new dance, either one they just wrote, or one they picked up somewhere. Experienced callers will also talk with a new caller to help them pick a dance for the crowd, and one that will fit in the sequence of dances that evening. Dancers are usually helpful and appreciative when a new callers attempts a dance, and almost always a new caller will be guided to call a dance that the experienced dancers have danced many times before, so that failure is not a real possibility. Among the things that happen for a new caller is that the musicians will pick a tune for him or her, and a mentor caller will provide an "appropriate" dance, so the new caller just needs to think about the walk through and the words to use when calling the dance, perhaps emulating another caller they heard recently or that evening. We have had callers and musicians at these dances who range in age from about 12 to 80. Actually, I think Bob McQuillen will make that 90 next year! Experienced callers and musicians are always willing to help a new younger caller or musician get started. And as I think about it, I realize how much here just happens "automatically" so that a new caller or musician can concentrate on just what he or she needs to do, while letting others handle details that they can consider later once they've gotten the basics. But these details that the new caller may ignore initially, are also so important to help to keep the dances organized, and the dancers satisfied. Rich Hart. On 5/12/2012 12:39 AM, Greg McKenzie wrote: