Re: [Organizers] Building a multi-generational dance community

Hi Rickey, I'm wondering why you think techno contra dances, put on by people who don't know anything about them, would attract a young crowd? It's true that techno contra dances tend to have a younger crowd, but in my view, that's largely because it's the younger crowd that puts them on and wants them in the first place. Having a techno contra simply to attract younger folks might, at most, attract some out-of-towners, but I'm not sure it's a good way to appeal to a younger crowd that will keep coming to your regular dances. As a younger dancer, the things that attract me most to a dance, other than the crowd that already attends and the band, are location and affordability. I've had leadership positions in several dances over the past decade, and the easiest way to attract young people to your dance is to locate your dance near where a bunch of young people live. Often that's in city neighborhoods that are easily accessible by transit, or at or within walking distance of college campuses. People often say that ridesharing and other ideas like that can be helpful; in my experience, they aren't very effective. Unless a lot of people I know and like are going to a dance, I'm just not going to go to it if it requires driving to get there. I agree in full with what Jeff says. I'm wondering where the idea for a techno contra comes from. Is it something the few younger dancers in your community have been clamoring for? If so, it might be worthwhile to do it, if they think they'd be able to convince their friends to come to one. Otherwise, while a techno contra might be fun, I don't think expecting it to lead to more younger dancers at your monthly dance is entirely realistic. -Dave On Mon, Aug 26, 2013 at 9:39 AM, Rickey Holt <holt.e(a)comcast.net> wrote: -- David Casserly (cell) 781 258-2761