I have never asked a dancer not to return to a dance.  

As a caller, organizer, and as a dancer, I have often suggested other dance locations that might be more suitable for their skill level.  For instance, I often refer dancers with difficulties to a the local community dance that I organize, and sometimes call, or to smaller, beginner friendly dance communities.  

I have recently begun teaching six week Adult Ed sessions, that I call an "Introduction to Traditional Country Dance".  Often these dancers/students have dancers that would have trouble elsewhere.  With many, the issue is that English is a second language, others have physical or other challenges.  

I also lead a seniors' community dance session weekly, and the dancers range from 60-85 years old.  Most do well at community level dancing, and several have danced at the local contra communities.

Both of the above situations afford newer dancers opportunities to learn basics like Heys, Ladies Chain, Square Thrus, and Swings. in a less intimidating environment.  They also allow for much more repitition/drilling than at a typical contra dance evening.

I also suggest to these dancers that they attend the pre-dance workshops even if they do not feel that they are necessary.  These workshops help newer dancers adjust to the voice and style of the evening's caller, and provide a quick review of many basics.

Despite all this, I have dancers that still freeze when they encounter a R&L Thru in a dance, especially if there is a Ladies Chain, or a Square Thru in the same dance.

Rich Sbardella,
Stafford, CT


On Wed, Mar 8, 2017 at 1:48 PM, Mac Mckeever via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
In St Louis we have had our share of very challenged dancer and have never considered this possibility.  We take the removal of anyone from the community to be a very serious step.  It has been limited to a very few cases of inappropriate contact or other relationship issues.

Mac McKeever



From: Mark Hillegonds via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net>
To: Alexandra Deis-Lauby <adeislauby@gmail.com>
Cc: Caller's discussion list <callers@sharedweight.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 8, 2017 12:26 PM
Subject: Re: [Callers] Difficult dancers - Decision to ask not to return

Lots of thoughtful discussion and ideas about how to incorporate difficult dancers.

Splitting this into another variant of this discussion...

So...what happens if all of the attempts to shepherd and coach and "angel" the difficult dancer do not work and their skills and abilities continue to be a significant negative impact when they're dancing. 

Would you ever (or have you ever) asked someone not to return based on their inability to dance?

I realize "inability" is a broad term and I intended it to be so for this question. There are lots of reasons why someone may not be able to know what to do and/or to be able to keep up when dancing and may not even be able to improve.

Is there some point at which you as organizers would consider and ultimately such a decision?

On Mar 6, 2017 6:46 PM, "Alexandra Deis-Lauby via Callers" <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Inspired by Marie's other thread, I wonder what tools callers use when they encounter a dance floor with such a dancer, especially if there is only one who is having so much difficulty but who leaves confused dancers in their wake. Do you call to that dancer? Do you call earlier? Do you adjust your program accordingly? Something else? 

Thanks,
Alex


Sent from my iPhone

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