Re: [Callers] Unusual Formations at Open, Public Contra Dances (Was: "Triplets")

Rich wrote: By the fifth dance of the evening most of the figures should be "familiar" to first-time contra dancers. Any figure you add will then be "unfamiliar" or "unusual." Introducing a new formation with new roles to learn will be a significant change for first-timers. For many it will be a signal that the dances are getting "more difficult" as the evening progresses and that, perhaps, they should take their leave and return some other night. I suspect, however, that most first-timers who leave early on their first night will *not *return. Rich also wrote: I am speaking only about open, public contra dances here. Special events catering to dance enthusiasts are an appropriate venue for unusual formations. That includes camps, festivals, weekends, and private events for enthusiasts. I agree that unusual formations don't have to be "complicated." That word, however, is perceived differently by different people. I am not saying triplets should *never *be used. That depends upon the crowd, and the skill of the caller. At open, public contra dances it is up to the caller to make sure that the dance will work for everyone in the hall. Not just the hot shots. I think that all of us enjoy seeing the delight in the faces of first-timers when they are swept in to the joy and excitement of contra dancing. That is the heart of this dance form. You can experience that enjoyment at open, public contra dances and, I believe, it is one of the major "draws" of these events for dance enthusiasts of all kinds. I am only urging callers to remember the nature of these events and to remember their job. - Greg McKenzie