Re: [Callers] Triplets

I will include a triplet occasionally. I mostly do it as a means to provide variety - in an evening with 11 dances I would attempt to program 9 duple improper/becket dances plus two other formations. These could be any of: triplet, square, circle, sicillian circle, proper, indecent, mixer. My most used triplet is Bob's Triplet #1 (Bob Dalsemer) which contains a contra corners. This is a useful way to introduce this figure to new dancers and also to limit the damage which could occur. As well as the 'cheering' aspect that has been mentioned, there is also the tradition of calling the 1st 3 times fully, the next 3 partially and the last 3 not at all. Tradition does not have to be followed, but announcing that this will happen certainly sharpens the dancers' attention. It is a useful tool in encouraging the dancers to actually learn the dance rather than be spoon fed by the caller. Michael Barraclough www.michaelbarraclough.com