Re: [Callers] RE: Question about squares

There is surely one time when, as a dancer, squares are not for me. That time comes when every dancer in the hall has dutifully lined up in contra formation, and then the caller says, "OK, let's make squares!" Everyone grumbles as they shuffle into new positions, not so much because they dislike squares as because they just realized that the caller isn't really paying attention to them. Squares in an otherwise all-contra evening work better when the caller finishes teaching a contra and then says, "By the way, the NEXT dance will be a square." I could happily dance "Money Musk" all night long, but many dancers dislike it more than a square, because there is no swing. We all have our prejudices. The skilled caller believes in her material, and by her demeanor convinces the dancers that each new dance will be a joy, whether it's a square, duple minor contra, triple minor contra, triplet, four-facing-four, etc. The smart dancer is ready to experience new dance formations, and not just repeat the same old improper duple minor contra formation. I like calling for beginning dancers in small venues, because beginners have few or no prejudices. Sometimes, in a small hall, you can keep track of all the dancers. If I sense that I'll have eight couples on the floor, I'll have an easy square ready to go. If I have six or nine couples, I'll call a triplet. Works like magic. .... Bob ---------------------------------------------------- Robert Jon Golder 164 Maxfield Street robertgolder(a)comcast.net New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 999-2486 voice