Back in September, we discussed a topic raised by Maia McCormick: love to be able to call, as long as I could do so without putting anyone in an uncomfortable position. Do folks have ideas for ways to mitigate the potential harms of shadow swing dances? [See below for Maia's full message.] I've had an idea that I don't think anyone mentioned. First, a disclaimer: I don't imagine that what I'm about to say will sway any of you who are dead-set against shadow swings in any circumstances. However, if you feel compelled to reiterate your opposition, I hope you'll have the courtesy to respect Maia's original request and do so under a different "Subject" line. Anyway, my idea is: Use the occasion as a "teachable moment". When you get to the shadow swing during the walk-through, or perhaps during the second walk-through, point out to the dancers that they'll be swinging the same person every time, and give them a chance to discuss what is or isn't comfortable for them. You might give examples: "Please don't dig you're thumb into my neck", "My arm is not a pump handle', "Not too fast", "Not so close", etc. Or you could make general remarks about believing you shadow if they say something hurts, or about how the person whose less interested in being flirty is the one who gets to decide, etc. And remind people to that they can make additional adjustments during the dance. Exactly what points you (the caller) want to mention, what words you choose, whether to employ humor, etc., will depend on what fits your personality, what you see as the likely issues in the particular community, how much time you feel you can spend before moving along with the dance, etc. Note that this idea can be applied to shadow interactions other than swings. For example, if a dance has an allemande with shadows, you might let women and men (or dancers in those roles) take turns showing each other their preferred hand holds, strength of connection, etc. You might encourage them, if they have different preferences, to give each other's suggestions a fair try, but with the very important proviso (better stated sooner than later) that nobody should be pressured into doing something they think may be painful. If the action with shadows is a chain or a right and left through, you could give dancers a chance to talk about their preferences regarding twirls or about making the courtesy turns feel comfortably connected without being *too* comfy cosy for anyone's comfort. You could also occasionally invite people (and give them some time) to have such discussions with their partners. Just a thought. --Jim callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: are problematic. Some don't see any issue with them. This is NOT the conversation I want to have in this thread; I ask that you respond to the question I'm asking and do not debate my premise--at least not in this particular thread. This should help keep this thread on track and hopefully reduce excess noise and go-nowhere discussions on this listserv. Thanks! love to be able to call, as long as I could do so without putting anyone in an uncomfortable position. Do folks have ideas for ways to mitigate the potential harms of shadow swing dances? I was considering, at the beginning of the dance, having dancers identify their shadow and mentioning, "this will be a shadow swing dance, so if you need to make any changes, do so now" (or something like that)--haven't gotten the wording down-pat, but the idea is giving dancers advance warning of a shadow swing so they can move (thereby changing their shadow) if they need to. Any thoughts on this method? Suggestions of others? _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)lists.sharedweight.net http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net