You could use triplets - they only need to run 9x (or even 6x) through.
Woody's suggestion about using waltzes is good. You could also try some English Country Dances in waltz time which use the Sicilian circle formation. These will avoid those who don't do couples dancing feeling left out. There are also some contras in waltz time.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lindsey Dono via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Reply-to: Lindsey Dono <lynzimd@yahoo.com>
To: Callers List <callers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: [Callers] Warm weather dancing
Date: Thu, 2 Jun 2016 19:31:55 +0000 (UTC)
Hi Callers,
I’m booked to call a dance this Saturday; the temperature is predicted to be 98F. This is an unusually high temperature for the area and time of year- this organization does not hold summer dances.
I’ve emailed the organizers asking for their thoughts/contingency plans. My first priority is keeping the dancers safe.
While I’m waiting to hear back from them, I’m brainstorming ideas for how to make a hot weather dance a safe and fun experience (presuming it isn’t cancelled due to heat).
Here’s what I’ve come up with generally:
-Remind dancers to take time to hydrate/change shirts etc rather than rushing to maximize the number of dances called.
-Offer ice/popsicles at the break.
And specifically as a caller:
-Run dances shorter.
-Moderate band tempo
-Select dances where ladies/gents/ones/twos/first corners/second corners get “solos.” The hall tends to consist of two long lines, so I imagine that I might want to make shorter lines if I call something uneven.
-Avoid butterfly whirls
-Walk all dances, but avoid unnecessarily long walk-throughs.
Other thoughts? Are there figures that tend to take less energy? I’m imaging that sequential balances are less tiring than full heys, but I’m not certain of this.
Also, suggestions for interesting dances with more recovery time?
A dance that comes to mind is Tecumseh (Dylan Bustin).
Thanks!
Lindsey
(Tacoma, WA)
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