1 Feb
2011
1 Feb
'11
10:59 p.m.
That's fine for a dance weekend. I would NEVER do anything at a community dance
event that excludes anyone - especially new dancers.
Consider this...
When you know a medley is coming - make it a point to dance with a new dancer.
What an accomplishment to help them successfully navigate through a series of
dances without the benefit of a walk thru. That would be such a thril for a new
dancer - and so it should be for you too. I you want to do dances without new
dancers - save it for dance weekends.
These are community events - not athletic contests.
Just my opinion - but I am happy to say that new dancers in our community are
not excluded from any dances. The credit not only goes to our callers but also
to the wonderful contributions of our experienced dancers. Not wanting to be
'stuck' with a beginner on longer dances tells me you do not enjoy dancing with
them. That is a shame some of my most memorable dance experiences have been
with a new partner.
So - how then do you handle the experienced dancers who have not progressed
beyond the beginner level but consider themselves skilled enough to try any
dance?
Mac
________________________________
From: Greg McKenzie <grekenzie(a)gmail.com>
To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
Sent: Tue, February 1, 2011 2:48:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Callers] Developing a Culture of Inclusiveness. Was: Calling
medleys
Richard wrote:
This is all interesting - can someone explain where
this leaves the less
experienced dancer?
A medley is the place where they need the most help from the more
experienced.
Unless we put them all in the same line and watch them scramble.
Or should we just invite them not to dance?
It really doesn't bother me to dance with a newer dancer for a couple extra
minutes.
Unfortunately, medleys don't bode well for newcomers. That is the
point. When a caller announces the warning: "For the next dance
there will be no walk-through," this is almost surely interpreted by
newcomers to be an invitation not to dance that slot.
Rich wrote:
Perhaps we're talking about a different sort of
medley.
That may be the case. I have never seen the "short" medley you speak
of. Do you announce your medley's in advance? Do you warn the
dancers that there will be "no walk through?"
- Greg
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