25 Oct
2012
25 Oct
'12
12:41 p.m.
Ron T Blechner <contraron(a)gmail.com> wrote:
I've been finding circle mixers extremely valuable
for dances with newer
dancers. They provide a way both to expose them to many different
experienced dancers as well as to make them comfortable with the idea of
dancing with different people all night. (We've all seen The Couple That
Shows Up And Dances Just With Each Other that doesn't come back because
they don't really meet anyone ...)
With the address of "contraron" I'm going to assume that you are talking
about a regularly scheduled contra dance series that is open to the
public. (I really appreciate when posters make the context of their post
clear. There are a lot of different kinds of callers on this list and what
works in one setting may be inappropriate in another. We need to know what
we are talking about to have a useful discussion.)
Circle mixers can certainly play a role at open, public contra dances but
your comment seems to make some assumptions about the dancers and the local
dance culture. Are you using any strategies or techniques--other than
mixers--to integrate first-timers into the hall?
Your comment assumes that at least some of the newcomers will not be aware
of the tradition of switching partners after each dance and that the
regulars will not take any action to proactively integrate these folks.
When I call at public contra dances I always follow each dance with the
instruction: "Please find a new partner and form ___ contra dance lines."
I use the optional newcomers orientation, explicit instructions, careful
programming, clear and precise calling, as well as many implied messages to
make it clear that integration of first-timers is not only essential but
also fun. Very rarely I will see a couple of first-timers dancing
exclusively with each other. But this occurs only after they have ignored
multiple explicit and implied instructions and have fended off several
attempts by regulars to partner with them. In that case I will intervene
myself, personally, on the dance floor, approach the couple, and explain
the nature of our dance event. That has always had the desired effect.
Integration of newcomers is at the heart of these open, public social
events. I do use mixers occasionally, but tend to reserve them for other
types of events. If I do use a mixer at an open, public contra dance I
take care to announce it well in advance. I do this because an unexpected
mixer will derail the efforts of regulars to partner with first-timers. I
want to encourage the integration efforts of the regulars so I warn them of
an upcoming mixer to facilitate their cooperation.
Mixers do have a place but I see them as part of an overall integration
strategy.
- Greg McKenzie
25 Oct
25 Oct
2:21 p.m.
New subject: Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies")
On 10/25/2012 9:41 AM, Greg McKenzie wrote:
I use the optional newcomers orientation, explicit
instructions, careful
programming, clear and precise calling, as well as many implied messages to
make it clear that integration of first-timers is not only essential but
also fun. Very rarely I will see a couple of first-timers dancing
exclusively with each other. But this occurs only after they have ignored
multiple explicit and implied instructions and have fended off several
attempts by regulars to partner with them. In that case I will intervene
myself, personally, on the dance floor, approach the couple, and explain
the nature of our dance event. That has always had the desired effect.
What do you say to folks who have ignored or brushed off every other
attempt to effectively encourage them to partner with other dancers?
I'm curious what you say that doesn't get said in the orientation, and
if it works when you say it later, why not just say it during orientation?
Kalia
3:48 p.m.
New subject: Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies")
I always say that during orientation - please dance with experienced dancers the first
time through. But I think that you can only do so much. If they don't want to
partner with other dancers, that's not the worst thing in the world - they will dance
with neighbors who hopefully will guide them as they go. I think that the more we try to
force them to partner with someone else, the more likely they will be put off by that and
they will leave and never come back. We can only suggest what they can do - we can't
make them do it though.
Perry
________________________________
From: Kalia Kliban <kalia(a)sbcglobal.net>
To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 2:21 PM
Subject: Re: [Callers] Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies")
On 10/25/2012 9:41 AM, Greg McKenzie wrote:
I use the optional newcomers orientation, explicit
instructions, careful
programming, clear and precise calling, as well as many implied messages to
make it clear that integration of first-timers is not only essential but
also fun. Very rarely I will see a couple of first-timers dancing
exclusively with each other. But this occurs only after they have ignored
multiple explicit and implied instructions and have fended off several
attempts by regulars to partner with them. In that case I will intervene
myself, personally, on the dance floor, approach the couple, and explain
the nature of our dance event. That has always had the desired effect.
What do you say to folks who have ignored or brushed off every other attempt to
effectively encourage them to partner with other dancers? I'm curious what you say
that doesn't get said in the orientation, and if it works when you say it later, why
not just say it during orientation?
Kalia
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Callers mailing list
Callers(a)sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
4:05 p.m.
New subject: Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies")
We have found the real secret is to impress on the more experienced dancers the importance
of identifying and asking new dancers to dance. The new people canot be expected to go
looking for experienced dancers. We are fortunate that our regulars are really good at
this and watch out for the new dancers for at least the first half of the evening. I
always talk to the first timers at the break and their comments are almost always how nice
everyone is to them and how the are getting into as many dances as they feel they can
handle. A couple times they say they feel like the most popular people in the hall - and
in some ways - that is true.
I try to avoid dancing with experienced dancers in the first half until I am sure all the
new dancers are accounted for. More ofter than not they are all already in the dance
before I can ask any of them to dance.
Mac Mckeever
________________________________
From: Perry Shafran <pshaf(a)yahoo.com>
To: "kalia(a)sbcglobal.net" <kalia(a)sbcglobal.net>et>; Caller's discussion
list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 2:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Callers] Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies")
I always say that during orientation - please dance with experienced dancers the first
time through. But I think that you can only do so much. If they don't want to
partner with other dancers, that's not the worst thing in the world - they will dance
with neighbors who hopefully will guide them as they go. I think that the more we try to
force them to partner with someone else, the more likely they will be put off by that and
they will leave and never come back. We can only suggest what they can do - we can't
make them do it though.
Perry
________________________________
From: Kalia Kliban <kalia(a)sbcglobal.net>
To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 2:21 PM
Subject: Re: [Callers] Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies")
On 10/25/2012 9:41 AM, Greg McKenzie wrote:
I use the optional newcomers orientation, explicit
instructions, careful
programming, clear and precise calling, as well as many implied messages to
make it clear that integration of first-timers is not only essential but
also fun. Very rarely I will see a couple of first-timers dancing
exclusively with each other. But this occurs only after they have ignored
multiple explicit and implied instructions and have fended off several
attempts by regulars to partner with them. In that case I will intervene
myself, personally, on the dance floor, approach the couple, and explain
the nature of our dance event. That has always had the desired effect.
What do you say to folks who have ignored or brushed off every other attempt to
effectively encourage them to partner with other dancers? I'm curious what you say
that doesn't get said in the orientation, and if it works when you say it later, why
not just say it during orientation?
Kalia
_______________________________________________
Callers mailing list
Callers(a)sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
_______________________________________________
Callers mailing list
Callers(a)sharedweight.net
http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
4:52 p.m.
New subject: Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies")
On , Kalia Kliban <kalia(a)sbcglobal.net> wrote:
I'm curious what you say that doesn't get said
in the orientation, and if
it works when you say it later, why not just say it during orientation?
THere's some low hanging fruit. Lots of first timers don't arrive until
after the orientation. Often also after the easy first couple of dances.
5:04 p.m.
New subject: Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies")
On 10/25/2012 1:52 PM, donperley(a)gmail.com wrote:
On , Kalia Kliban <kalia(a)sbcglobal.net> wrote:
True enough :>) But I'm still curious about what Greg says that's
effective with these folks. As a caller I make a point of encouraging
both the new folks _and_ the experienced dancers to seek out partners
they don't know, and do so through about the 3rd dance. I do think that
that gentle reminder can help, along with making the point during the
beginner lesson about new folks not dancing together for the first 3 or
so dances.
But some folks just want to dance with "the one what brung 'em", and
there's no shifting it. What to do with those folks, especially if
they're obviously throwing each other off and wreaking chaos in the
lines? Greg, what's your magic, secret line?
Kalia
I'm curious what you say that doesn't
get said in the orientation, and if it works when you say it later, why not just say it
during orientation?
Lots of first timers don't arrive until
after the orientation. Often also after the easy first couple of dances.
19 Nov
19 Nov
2:35 a.m.
New subject: Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies")
My apologies to Kalia for not answering her question sooner.
When I wrote:
I use the optional newcomers orientation, explicit
instructions, careful
Kalia asked:
programming, clear and precise calling, as well
as many implied messages
to
make it clear that integration of first-timers is not only essential but
also fun. Very rarely I will see a couple of first-timers dancing
exclusively with each other. But this occurs only after they have ignored
multiple explicit and implied instructions and have fended off several
attempts by regulars to partner with them. In that case I will intervene
myself, personally, on the dance floor, approach the couple, and explain
the nature of our dance event. That has always had the desired effect.
What do you say to folks who have ignored or brushed
off every other
attempt to effectively encourage them to partner with other dancers? I'm
curious what you say that doesn't get said in the orientation, and if it
works when you say it later, why not just say it during orientation?
I have only had to approach such couples maybe two or three times in the
last 25 years. I make some small talk, ask how they are enjoying the
evening, and then explain that there are no classes in contra dance and
everyone learns by dancing with lots of different people on their first
night. That's pretty much the sum of it. I have mentioned that switching
partners for every dance makes my job much easier.
In some cases these may be folks who want to remain "paired" for the entire
evening. In that case contra dance may be too "community" oriented for
therm. If I ever run into such a couple I would offer a full refund if
they wish to leave...but I would urge them to stay and check it out.
The "secret" is to avoid this situation with multiple explicit and implicit
messages to make it absolutely clear to everyone that first-timers should
be partnered with regular dancers. One of the clearest implicit messages
is to NOT teach anything beyond giving weight and walking during the
orientation. The absence of detailed instruction is the strongest message
to everyone that you expect the regulars to partner with the newcomers.
Starting the first dance without a walk-through and with clear and precise
calling will make this point more strongly than any explicit words. The
regulars always seem to welcome the opportunity to lead the first-timers
with much enthusiasm. The key is to SHOW everyone that you will make sure
they will all be successful.
I hope this helps.
- Greg
25 Oct
25 Oct
3:06 p.m.
New subject: Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies")
Hi Greg,
Thanks for replying. Thoughts in-line.
With the address of "contraron" I'm going to assume that you are talking
about a regularly scheduled contra dance series that
is open to the
public. (I really appreciate when posters make the context of their post
clear. There are a lot of different kinds of callers on this list and what
works in one setting may be inappropriate in another. We need to know what
we are talking about to have a useful discussion.)
Sorry, yes. (Most of the posts I see on Shared Weight are about that, so I
didn't think to explicitly state.)
Circle mixers can certainly play a role at open,
public contra dances but
your comment seems to make some assumptions about the dancers and the local
dance culture. Are you using any strategies or techniques--other than
mixers--to integrate first-timers into the hall?
Yes, usually the common things:
- Beginner's lesson
- Playing Maitre d and approaching and welcoming new dancers
- Programming an evening with an appropriate progression of difficulty
- Participating in discussions with dance organizers about how they welcome
new dancers
That last point is an entire (and huge) discussion itself; it's clear that
different dances have different expectations on how to treat beginners.
Your comment assumes that at least some of the
newcomers will not be aware
of the tradition of switching partners after each dance and that the
regulars will not take any action to proactively integrate these folks.
Correct, yes. As a dancer, I might notice that a couple has danced together
a few times, but usually that observation wouldn't be able to happen until
at least 4-5 dances into the evening, at earliest. If I had a chance to
bump into them at break, or shared a hands-4 with them, I might encourage
them to try different partners in some way, but ... that's just a chance. I
view the caller, dance organizers, and the door volunteers as the primary
deliverers of dance etiquette and expectations, at least as far as
*verbally* goes. From a new dancer's perspective, they may notice that
people are swapping partners, but they may either / both feel too shy to
ask, or they may just assume that everyone knows everyone. In many dances
I've visited, the latter can be definitely true.
When I call at public contra dances I always follow
each dance with the
instruction: "Please find a new partner and form ___ contra dance lines."
Yes, definitely! I notice the callers who do and don't do that. I always
appreciate when I hear things in between dances, like, "find someone who's
been sitting out and ask them to dance" or "find someone you haven't danced
with tonight ..."
I use the optional newcomers orientation, explicit
instructions, careful
programming, clear and precise calling, as well as many implied messages to
make it clear that integration of first-timers is not only essential but
also fun.
*nods*
Very rarely I will see a couple of first-timers
dancing
exclusively with each other.
That's interesting. My experience dancing has been that couples who come
together - at least where *both* are new dancers - may do this *more*
frequently than not. It's not surprising, if only because there are a lot
of introverted contra dancers, and a room full of strangers is daunting to
many people.
But this occurs only after they have ignored
multiple explicit and implied instructions and have fended off several
attempts by regulars to partner with them.
That's really interesting. I have seen that before, and my observation
aligns with yours - it's rare. And curious.
In that case I will intervene
myself, personally, on the dance floor, approach the couple, and explain
the nature of our dance event. That has always had the desired effect.
I'd love to hear if you have a particular way of saying this; this seems
like a sensitive topic possibly.
Integration of newcomers is at the heart of these open, public social
events.
And yet, sadly, I see dances that are cliquey. I also see dances where the
regulars are introverted and even new people are out of their comfort zone.
But, agree overall, definitely - and when I'd use a mixer would depend on
the venue.
I do use mixers occasionally, but tend to reserve them
for other
types of events.
Weddings, family dances, etc?
If I do use a mixer at an open, public contra dance I
take care to announce it well in advance. I do this because an unexpected
mixer will derail the efforts of regulars to partner with first-timers.
That's an excellent point - I did remember to specifically mention that the
next dance would be a mixer.
I
want to encourage the integration efforts of the regulars so I warn them of
an upcoming mixer to facilitate their cooperation.
*nods*
-Ron
4358
days inactive
4383
days old
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net
7 comments
6 participants
participants (6)
-
donperley＠gmail.com -
Greg McKenzie -
Kalia Kliban -
Perry Shafran -
Richard Mckeever -
Ron T Blechner