I like to say, at the end of a dance and moving on to the next one, "Ask someone else to dance... Or let them ask you!"
Ben Allbrandt
---- James Saxe via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> I like to say things to promote the custom of frequent partner
> changes. So after a dance, I would say at least
>
> Thank your partner and find a partner for the next contra
> [or "... for a waltz" or whatever is next].
>
> and more likely
>
> ... and find someone new for ...
>
> or
>
> ... switch around ...
>
> and perhaps at some point early in the evening
>
> ... and as usual [or "as is our custom"*] find someone new ...
>
> [*When I first heard "as is our custom" said by Ted Sannella, it
> struck me that by injecting those four words, said in a relaxed
> tone and taking about two seconds to say, he'd gotten the point
> across as effectively, and far more pleasantly, than somebody could
> with a two-minute harangue on the subject.]
>
> To be clear, if I see some dancers (new or experienced) who came as
> a couple and seem glued together, I will not by any means attempt
> to *pressure* them to separate and dance with different partners.
> But I do want to empower people to feel comfortable mingling. In
> particular, I don't want dancers who are new and unfamiliar with
> the prevailing customs to have the agony of wondering
>
> "If I don't keep this partner for the next dance, will (s)he
> think I didn't like dancing with her/him?"
>
> or conversely
>
> "My partner just thanked me and then ran off to dance with
> someone else. Did I do something wrong?"
>
> Also, if new dancers are worried about imposing their klutziness on
> experienced dancers, they will perhaps be less timid about making
> or accepting an offer to dance if they understand that it's only
> expected to be for one dance.
>
> And finally, if someone asks a member of one of those glued-together
> couples for a dance, I hope that even if they say "No", awareness
> that most people are mingling will keep them from being affronted
> by the invitation.
>
> --Jim
>
> On Oct 31, 2016, at 7:28 AM, Ron Blechner wrote:
> > I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote positive dance values.
> _______________________________________________
> Callers mailing list
> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
I don't remember who coined it, but I like the line "how about some lively
applause for these live musicians" as a gentle reminder to appreciate the
musicians if the applause is a little lackluster.
On Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 10:28 AM, Ron Blechner via Callers <
callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> Hi Shared Weight,
>
> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an
> organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote
> positive dance values.
>
> I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance"
> communication with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
>
> I'll get us started.
>
> I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the
> sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
>
> In dance,
> Ron Blechner
>
> _______________________________________________
> Callers mailing list
> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>
--
Luke Donforth
Luke.Donforth(a)gmail.com <Luke.Donev(a)gmail.com>
Once or twice a night, remind the dancers to hydrate and tell them where to find the punch bowl, drinking fountains, etc. If there are a lot of newcomers, they may not know where the water source is located (and you can joke that it's included with the price of admission....who can resist!). Make it clear that you won't be starting the next dance for a few minutes - this encourages hydration, plus many dancers will be happy for the quick break and a chance to move to the side of the hall where they can mingle and find their next partner without fear that they'll be left out.
Sue Gola
-----Original Message-----
From: Ron Blechner via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
Sent: Mon, Oct 31, 2016 12:56 pm
Subject: [Callers] Positive values on the mic
Hi Shared Weight,
I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote positive dance values.
I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance" communication with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
I'll get us started.
I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
In dance,
Ron Blechner
_______________________________________________
Callers mailing list
Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
Thanking the set in squares enhances the community involvement aspect. Very beneficial.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 31, 2016, at 6:07 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> Reading all of these... So far everyone has had good suggestions. Keep 'em coming!
>
>
>> On Oct 31, 2016 5:38 PM, "Richard Fischer via Callers" <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>> Especially at community dances, but also at contras, I look for was to encourage dancers to say thank you. At community events one of my first dances is usually a kind of Appalachian square dance. Couples do one or two simple figures to my calls with another couple, and then I go, "Everybody, face your neighbors. ... Say, "Thank you!" ... Take your partner and find new neighbors." People seem to enjoy the opportunity to say thanks. At contras, if there is a pre-dance lesson, I try to work in some experience on progressing, even if it's in a mini-contra. (E.g., Circle left, circle right, dosido your neighbor, say thanks to your neighbor, walk forward to a new neighbor.) And having the mic all evening I get opportunities to thank the band, sound personnel, organizers, and the dancers themselves. Squares and triplets (and other set dances) give us a chance to encourage people to thank their whole set as well as their partner.
>>
>> Richard
>>
>>> On Oct 31, 2016, at 1:47 PM, via Callers wrote:
>>>
>>> Once or twice a night, remind the dancers to hydrate and tell them where to find the punch bowl, drinking fountains, etc. If there are a lot of newcomers, they may not know where the water source is located (and you can joke that it's included with the price of admission....who can resist!). Make it clear that you won't be starting the next dance for a few minutes - this encourages hydration, plus many dancers will be happy for the quick break and a chance to move to the side of the hall where they can mingle and find their next partner without fear that they'll be left out.
>>>
>>> Sue Gola
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Ron Blechner via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
>>> To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
>>> Sent: Mon, Oct 31, 2016 12:56 pm
>>> Subject: [Callers] Positive values on the mic
>>>
>>> Hi Shared Weight,
>>> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote positive dance values.
>>> I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance" communication with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
>>> I'll get us started.
>>> I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
>>> In dance,
>>> Ron Blechner
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Callers mailing list
>>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Callers mailing list
>>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>
> _______________________________________________
> Callers mailing list
> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
I like to say things to promote the custom of frequent partner
changes. So after a dance, I would say at least
Thank your partner and find a partner for the next contra
[or "... for a waltz" or whatever is next].
and more likely
... and find someone new for ...
or
... switch around ...
and perhaps at some point early in the evening
... and as usual [or "as is our custom"*] find someone new ...
[*When I first heard "as is our custom" said by Ted Sannella, it
struck me that by injecting those four words, said in a relaxed
tone and taking about two seconds to say, he'd gotten the point
across as effectively, and far more pleasantly, than somebody could
with a two-minute harangue on the subject.]
To be clear, if I see some dancers (new or experienced) who came as
a couple and seem glued together, I will not by any means attempt
to *pressure* them to separate and dance with different partners.
But I do want to empower people to feel comfortable mingling. In
particular, I don't want dancers who are new and unfamiliar with
the prevailing customs to have the agony of wondering
"If I don't keep this partner for the next dance, will (s)he
think I didn't like dancing with her/him?"
or conversely
"My partner just thanked me and then ran off to dance with
someone else. Did I do something wrong?"
Also, if new dancers are worried about imposing their klutziness on
experienced dancers, they will perhaps be less timid about making
or accepting an offer to dance if they understand that it's only
expected to be for one dance.
And finally, if someone asks a member of one of those glued-together
couples for a dance, I hope that even if they say "No", awareness
that most people are mingling will keep them from being affronted
by the invitation.
--Jim
On Oct 31, 2016, at 7:28 AM, Ron Blechner wrote:
> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote positive dance values.
Often it is hard to hear the caller during the Walkthrough because of chatter from some of the dancers and the people sitting out.
Any thoughts as to what the caller should say to politely get people to be quiet?
John
On 10/31/2016 7:28 AM, Ron Blechner via Callers wrote:
> Hi Shared Weight,
>
> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an
> organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote
> positive dance values.
>
> I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance"
> communication with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
"Take a look around and see if there's sitting on the sidelines who'd
rather be dancing."
"If you've been coming to dances for a while and you're curious about
what it takes to put one of these on, consider being one of our
volunteers. More hands are always welcome. Just talk to the folks at
the door if you've got time to help out."
Kalia
“if you are now joining a line, please join the shortest set.”
I try to remember to ask dancers to acknowledge not only sound folks, but also the organizers.
Linda
On Oct 31, 2016, at 10:28 AM, Ron Blechner via Callers <callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> Hi Shared Weight,
>
> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote positive dance values.
>
> I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance" communication with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
>
> I'll get us started.
>
> I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
>
> In dance,
> Ron Blechner
>
> _______________________________________________
> Callers mailing list
> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
Hi Shared Weight,
I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an
organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote
positive dance values.
I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance"
communication with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
I'll get us started.
I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the
sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
In dance,
Ron Blechner
On Oct 27, 2016, at 3:25 PM, Rich Sbardella via Callers wrote:
> I am looking for the title and author of the following dance. Can
> anyone help me?
>
> A1 CL 3/4, N Swg
> A2 LL, Partner Balance, Pull R, Pull L
> B1 Along Line RH Bal, Bx Gnat, Gents Alle Left 1 1/2
> B2 P Bal & Swg
I wrote a dance similar to this. Perhaps it's been collected and a
variation has been called in other places. Naming a dance is the
hardest part for me so it doesn't have a name yet.
Progressed improper
A1 do si do neighbor, men al. left 1 1/2
A2 gypsy and swing partner
B1 circle left 3/4 swing N
B2 balance P, square thru 2, balance next, box....
> _______________________________________________
> Callers mailing list
> Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
