[Callers] Analysis of Stars

My experience is the exact opposite. I have never felt any discomfort in a box star, but often have problems in a hands-across star. In a hands-across star you can often get your hand gripped uncomfortably by the person opposite, or yanked off-centre by them, or it devolves into an uncomfortable lump in the middle, especially when someone decides that the two pairs of hands need to be joined (they don't) and uses their thumb to clamp all the hands together. I was taught this a long time ago: Rule #1: Everyone has the right to get on the dance-floor and have fun without getting injured. Another key rule is: Always start at zero tension and build up to the minimum that you need to execute the move. For example, when you start an Allemande you don't need any tension other than that necessary to hold your hand up in the air. It is only as you gain angular momentum that you need to tense up to counter the centrifugal force, keeping your body in the same relative position and your hand in the middle. The tension should increase steadily and equally so that you maintain a good counter-balance. Another good example is the box star. You just gently hook your hand over the person in front. You don't apply any pressure in any way; you just hook your fingers so that you are connected to the person in front. During the star, IF you feel the need to hurry the star, YOU have the OPTION to speed up and pull the person behind you a little faster. If anyone in the star feels uncomfortable as the star speeds up they can just straighten their fingers so that their hand slides off. Too many dancers use unnecessary force. They need to learn that it is about technique, not strength. And if you are leading a lady into twirls or swing variations then a strong lead is about clarity, not about strength. As callers I believe we should all slip a couple of brief hints into our calling every time we call. There are always newcomers at events, so we can direct the hints to them in the hope that some of the "experienced" dancers will pick them up. Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574 http://www.modernjive.com for Modern Jive Events & DVDs http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent From: Don Veino <sharedweight_net(a)veino.com> encounter that I always attempt to shift to a hand grip. Failing success on that I simply let go. It can do a real job on your tendons, not to mention the sweat factor... :(