On 9/20/2010 7:32 AM, Jeanette Mill wrote: Several tidbits I've learned from experience: * I think medleys are occasionally fine for a regular community contradance, if done toward the end of the evening when you know most of the beginners have left (or they're really into it and you've already danced each move that eve). * Before you begin, make sure everyone calling and in the band is really clear about how many times through each dance will go. If you have several callers in the lineup, it's a good idea to designate one to act as MC, reminding each person when her/his slot is coming up so the transitions go smoothly. Having two mics is great for this too - one calling and one on deck. * Michael Barraclough introduced me to the idea of planning a medley not by simple ends/beginnings of dances but by diversity and smoothness of transition between them. For my first medley at NBCDS Family Week this summer, I was choosing dances that all began w/ Neighbor Balance & Swing, but he pointed out that it's better to shake it up with radically different opening moves that also flow well from the last closing move - for example, Neighbor Allemande to open the second dance. Don't choose dances that are too similar, lest the dancers' body memories lead them to unconsciously try to do the series from the previous dance. * If one of the dances has a more complex bit in it and you have a mixed crowd, put that dance first and briefly walk it through before beginning the medley. Who says a medley has to be all no-walkthru? This can build confidence and momentum for the later switches. I'm glad you asked about this because I'm about to do a short medley this weekend too, and am always glad to 'hear' everyone's insights! Tina