Tina -- I'm a college dropout myself, but I'm pretty sure Bruce Hamilton is a PhD. Mike Richardson is an MD, if that counts. -- Alan -- =============================================================================== Alan Winston --- WINSTON(a)SSRL.SLAC.STANFORD.EDU Disclaimer: I speak only for myself, not SLAC or SSRL Phone: 650/926-3056 Paper mail to: SSRL -- SLAC BIN 99, 2575 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park CA 94025 ===============================================================================

I think we are skating close to the point of some sort of caller elitism here. I want to point out that anyone, regardless of his or her background, can both benefit from the discipline and experience of calling and also make a significant contribution to the tradition of contra dance calling as a whole. Obviously, those with higher degrees--because of their training, knowledge, and background--have significant obstacles to overcome in order to become an effective contra dance caller. But that is true of all of us. I encourage anyone, even those with higher degrees, to give contra dance calling a try. Contra dance calling is, and should be, a humbling experience. It challenges each of us to be a leader in the community and to empower all of those in the hall. A true leader understands that their job is to build the confidence of everyone, not merely their own. The caller's effectiveness comes not from any confidence the caller has in herself, but from the confidence the dancers have in themselves. We should be cautious about assuming that those with higher degrees of academic training cannot overcome their background and go on to become expert callers. In fact contra dance calling, when approached without hubris, can be a marvelous tool for self-examination and for overcoming whatever disadvantage a prospective caller might be burdened with. I encourage all of you with higher degrees to persist in your pursuit of this marvelous tradition. Just a thought, Greg McKenzie ******** At 10:04 AM 5/9/2008, Tina Fields wrote: