[Callers] Re: Advanced dances gone awry

Getting back to Maia’s original question, I can say that this has happened to me several times. If it’s a new-to-me group, I’ll access two different programs I’ve called elsewhere. I’ll start with a test dance or two and then decide which program I’ll use after that. If this is a group for whom I have called challenging programs before, it can be very frustrating having to change my program. My initial reaction is to try to connect with the organizers to find out what they want me to do: Alter my program, proceed as normal, or incorporate newer dancers as best I can. But the bottom line is the overall experience for the dancers; it’s no fun being on the floor dragging people through dances that are too hard! A few tricks I employ from the mic: • The first dance is always a no-walk through. • I give plenty of warnings: “The dance after this has contra corners, which will not be taught. If you don’t know it, maybe you’d like to watch OR find an experienced partner.” “The next dance after this is a square —you need to be familiar with squares” And then maybe I choose an intermediate square, not a harder one. • My frustration with the dance level can’t leak through. So I have to teach how to do a roll away; OK, I’ll do it. And maybe I’ll teach it again just to be clear. With humor, I can get through it and help everyone have a good time. • I remember that this is really the organizer’s issue, and not the dancers’! If you need to alter your program drastically, the dancers will understand. If they are disappointed, encourage them to talk with the organizers. At the break, I approach the organizers to find out how beginners ended up at the dance. I encourage organizers PLEASE to understand how much work goes into planning and preparing a challenging program. Is your dance well-advertised as being challenging, and do you give an explanation about what that means? Do you have a sign at the door saying it’s for advanced dancers? (FYI: “Experienced” doesn’t mean much. You can be newer to dancing and be a spatial wizard who totally breezes through harder choreography). You can set limits and still be welcoming. Remind people that there are dance series geared for all levels in your area and where. Happily offer a refund if newer dancers are overwhelmed. Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility. Lisa Greeenleaf