Hi all, My idea of the perfect contra dance differs depends largely on the goal of the dance that I'm attending.  If it's a community dance, then I share Greg's well-stated opinion that a healthy dose of beginners is manditory.  After all, we need beginners to have fun and stick around so that they make the transition from beginner to non-beginner. However, sometimes I do opportunity to dance with people who understand giving weight and know where they are supposed to be and when.  For me, excellent music and callers (while certainly desirable) are less important than my fellow dancers.  My idea of "perfect" in this "advanced" setting also includes such things gender- and partner-switching. Interesting thread.  I'd be curious to hear other's opinions on what makes a perfect contra dance. Mark Hillegonds cell:  734-756-8441 email:   mhillegonds(a)comcast.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "Greg McKenzie" <gregmck(a)earthlink.net> To: "Caller's discussion list" <callers(a)sharedweight.net>et>, "Caller's discussion list" <callers(a)sharedweight.net> Sent: Friday, April 30, 2010 12:04:19 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [Callers] "Integrating the Dance Hall", was "Recruiting new dancers: At 11:56 PM 5/29/2010, Colin Hume wrote: I think it would be interesting to explore the underlying assumptions in the phrase: "...the perfect contra dance experience,..."