Martha wrote: I do specify the number of lines, and I tell the dancers to "cross over," but it's not "...just for tradition's sake." After lines have formed the caller has lost influence over the partnering process. Consequently I try to intervene before lines have formed for three reasons: 1. It allows me to influence partnering decisions at this critical point when the integration of first-timers is so important. I get the attention of the hall and say: "If you are new to this kind of dancing please find a partner who has danced for at least one night. I will tell you everything you need to know and your more experienced partner will show you all of the moves. Please form ___ contra dance lines." This re-affirms what I told the first-timers in the orientation but, more important, it sends a clear signal to the regulars that they have a role to play in partnering with first-timers. It also lets everyone know that I have a plan for integrating newcomers into the hall. 2. It makes it clear that I will take responsibility for set formation, relieving the dancers of this responsibility. 3. I then allow time for socializing in the lines. This is important because it makes it easier for me to earn the attention of the hall when I begin the walk-through. The instructions: "Please take hands four from the top," and, moments later, "Ones cross over," are important signals to the regulars. They establish a routine that the regulars quickly recognize. This empowers the regulars because they know what is going to happen next and they can plan a dignified ending to the story they are telling their new friend. This routine "announces" that I am about to begin the walk through and sets an example of courtesy and consideration because the caller is not interrupting the socializing in the sets by "shouting down" people over the mike. (I often see the regulars "shushing" their partner and directing their partners attention to my voice when I begin the walk-through.) By informing the regulars the caller gives them power, authority, and a sense of investment in the tradition. I believe that on-time starts are critical to this process. If you see lines and sets forming for the first dance of the evening, without any instructions, it may be that your orientation session has run over time. The caller needs to maintain control over the process of line formation and if the lines are formed too late the partnering process is probably well under way. It is better to facilitate this process from the get go. Just a thought, Greg McKenzie