[Callers] Frame of SW was Borrowing call terminology from modern square dancing

Hi Greg and others, From the perspective of distance from contra dancing heartland, SW lets me get a feel of what contra dancing is about. From what I've learned from this list, Conta dancing, the attitude of callers, and "frame" of list members is one of encouragement, constructive feedback, and sharing. As we have no contra dance tradition here in NZ, we have the advantage of starting from scratch. So I rely on what I learn on SW, watching youtube contra videos, and the infrequent visits by contra dance gypsies for the model of what I want the tradition to become. I didn't see the response to your post as criticism, but rather expressions of not relating to your frame. I have learned from many SW posts that the "common wisdom" about contra dancing traditions is not universal: there is sometimes a center set syndrome, some dancers want variety, some want challenges, some are not helpful, some callers like claps on petronella others don't etc. But I'm am not so interested in debating these points, they are interesting and give me insights, but I am more interested in taking note of what I feel are useful for what I want to build up here. One final point, I think there is a difference between "authoritarian" and "having authority." The key in your statement: "people who are pleased to do virtually everything the caller tells them to do" is that people are pleased. They enjoy the callers help in facilitating the activity and thus allow them to tell them what to do. Everyone have a great holiday season and New Year. Cheers, Bill PS Please read my next post.