Hi all, I agree with Julian completely. Asking someone to leave an "advanced dance" (or any dance) because they aren't "advanced" enough is so totally wrong. First of all you are asking folks to "self-assign" their level in the first place, so, really, you're going to "get what you get" and kicking someone out after they, possibly, screw up the courage to try it, is just wrong. I am reminded of the dance medleys at NEFFA and other dance festivals. NO ONE doesn't want to join the dance medley. For many it's the most important dance of the weekend. yeah we make all these rules, sometimes in "verse" (hi Lisa - I know you are listening), but bottom line is always that very inexperienced dancers join. For the most part they get absorbed without a problem and I think a dance full of "experienced dancers" should be able to guide these folks through the dance when they meet up without decreasing their own enjoyment. That's my experience anyway. The alternative is requiring certain "credentials" to join the dance as in what I assume is the norm for club square dancing. I think that is what we are trying to avoid in contra dancing, right? We make a big deal of the fact that all are welcome. OK, yeah, we advertise an 'advanced dance' BUT unless you have some sort of ridiculous screening at the door you're still going to get dancers of all levels. These folks should be WELCOMED not sent away.

It's not like I don't get the problem here. How do we "elevate the dance level in our local communities"? That's a tough one but I think the organizers need to make it really clear what the complexity will be. This will be somewhat successful, but we all know many folks don't "read the fine print" (or heck even the bold print!). Maybe they are new to contradancing, are excited about it, see there's a dance, and just go. I think if a dance is advertised as "advanced level" and a number of beginners show up to an extent that actually "degrades" the dance, then the organizers are reading their community incorrectly. So, let's say this happens and the "experienced dancers" have an expectation that is not met? Well boo hoo, let's suck it up and spend some of our time as "an experienced dancer" helping the new folks along!!! THEN organizers reevaluate everything. Maybe an "invitation only" event? Maybe just be content with the fact that intermediate level is just fine as long as you're attracting new dancers. Callers can always throw in a few tricky dances at appropriate times to "push the envelope" a bit. And of course there's always dance weekends for the really "advanced" folks. 

So this is a callers list, not an organizer's list.. sooooo... what do I have to say to callers? This goes for any dance, not just an "advanced" dance (I've been calling for almost 40 years and have never called something advertised as an "advanced dance", except previously mentioned dance medleys) (yeah I know, maybe I don't get out that much any more hah hah). Callers, don't be afraid to push the level beyond the comfort level of many of the dancers! I am often afraid to do this myself. One set falls apart, but the other lines "get it". For the most part the "fall apart" set is grinning and having fun anyway!! This is almost always a good thing, even if it makes you feel you screwed up.. 

Finally, to what Julian said, I don't think anyone needs to get in free. A contra dance even if you're just sitting and listening to the music is one of the best entertainment values on the planet (3 hours of live trad music for 10 bucks heck maybe snacks at the break). yeah OK, maybe "donation".. but still.. this is a good deal.

I think I might have more to say here, but I'll leave it at this and see what blows back. peace everyone

bill