Re: [Callers] Rolling Starts?

Hi Maia, I may have a slightly different approach than others. When I work with a band that likes to do rolling starts, we enjoy doing it when things "work right" musically. I tell the band that they are free to do a rolling start whenever they want, and it will be up to me to proceed or wave them off. Of course, this is for only once or twice during an evening. We don't want to overdo such a memorable technique. Generally the musicians may be vamping, or they may be just tuning up. Either way, I hear that there is music behind me as I teach. Our default is to continue unless I give a signal to stop. From my role, if I hear the band roll into something that can work as a rolling start, I'll modify the teaching and my voice on the fly, while at the same time (with the hand that is not holding the mic) giving the band the signal to continue or to stop. I watch the dancers, listen to the music, know the dance that I'm teaching, and weigh the pros and cons of continuing. IMO, this works well for the spontaneity and excitement, and I feel comfortable flowing with it and supporting the band, especially when the musicians are really into a tune. It depends on their musicianship and musical preferences. Sometimes the musicians will vamp with the entire band, sometimes only one or two of the musicians will be playing. With at least one band that I work with, the rolling start sometimes consists of a hand-drum or Quebecois feet. Woody On 10/2/2015 8:53 AM, Maia McCormick via Callers wrote: