Thank you, folks, from the bottom of my heart. Your responses made me realize how my current situation as a caller is a shared one - indeed, a common one; and how it's therefore something we all need to figure a way through together so that all constituencies get served and the dance continues to be a living, growing tradition that invites and nurtures the new while also fostering and enjoying excellence. I have indeed been trying some of the strategies you suggested (many before writing, actually) such as asking for half-dances again, and of course continually working on becoming the best caller I can be. Our local dancers have been asking for me to call for months actually, as have a few bands. It seems to be doing little good locally - but since posting, band/dancer/fellow-caller intervention has led to numerous far-flung programmers asking me to call this fall. So it's on the road in my olde iron mule (200,100 miles and counting). Nancy, your offer in particular made me laugh out loud for joy. I would love to call your dance. Vermont is a bit of a walk from northern California, but I tell you, if I ever get near there you will be the first to hear about it! Or if you get some weird grant to further your dance community's exposure to intermediate-level callers, I'm willing to be brought. <g> Thank you for your chutzpah. It's quite sobering to realize how strong the calling jones can be when you haven't done it for a few weeks! That, plus the support from you (both kind and pointed), makes me realize I'm in this for the long haul. Thank you again. i'm very grateful for this cybercommunity. (Thanks for forming it, Chris & company!) Tina Tina R. Fields, Ph.D. (707) 824-9318 "Hindsight Now!"