Re: [Callers] Telling couples to switch at the end of a contra set

I always include "Hands 4 from the top, actives cross over if you haven't already" if that's what I want for configuration (and I try to use varied configurations where possible). FWIW, this is NOT ingrained behavior for first-timers, and surprisingly a number of experienced dancers don't do it unless prompted. Unfortunately, for those who DO do this on autopilot, it reinforces the "I can keep chatting - I don't have to listen to the caller yet" attitude that can make it a bit longer to start things. That said, I try to vary the intro instruction, a la, "take hands in a group of 4, facing up or down the line - gents, make sure your partner is on your right." It's just different enough that some people wake up who might now otherwise. With a particular noisy group, I may start with "ok, and now the 2nd figure is" and wait for someone to ask for me to restart from the beginning. :-) I'd been curious what others' experiences have been. Thanx, Ric Goldman _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers