In Texas, when the hall is hot/humid, we take two breaks to allow a cool down.  We also have volunteers who bring electric fans positioned at various angles toward the dance floor.  And don't forget the musicians!  They need a fan, too.

But you're on the right track picking dances that give half the people short rest breaks during at least some of the dances.


On Thu, Jun 2, 2016 at 2:31 PM, Lindsey Dono via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
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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Looking forward,

Linda S. Mrosko
102 Mitchell Drive
Temple, Texas 76501
(903) 292-3713 (Cell)
(903) 603-9955 (Skype)