Howdy Folks,
I wish this forum existed when I was really active promoting dances. So
nice to see issues hashed out. Being responsible for running one dance a
year makes it easier.
Over the years running the old North Yarmouth Maine Dance I had a few
problem dancers and while so often we think of the dance as a community in
the end the process is often in the hands of a few folks for even one
dedicated soul.
When an individual pays at the door they are purchasing a revocable license
to attend which can be revoked (hence the name) at any point for any reason.
I too struggled with extreme consequences but when a dancer is hurting
someone or stepping out of bounds I see no need to consider civil or any
other presumed rights really.
Our dance community is such a civil society which might find confrontation
horrible but certain activities can seriously hurt the dance.
I feel that a registered letter is a tad cold, direct conversation may be
more useful but if need be, grasp the nettle(some dancer) firmly & give 'em
the boot however you must.
But why wait for extreme bad actors? Lots of folks could use some friendly
ad hoc life coaching. From suggesting breath mints to urging a gentler
swing, a few words can work wonders.
However once after a few years of polite chat aimed at modifying behavior
of some moderately obnoxious offenders finally one year I sat three men
down & gave 'em New Year's Resolutions. One stayed away, one changed his
attitude, & one, well, some folks will never change.
Ours is a open community & more than a few people have been socialized
into acting more appropriately over time. Perhaps if more borderline
dancers realized there were consequences there would be less issues?
Thanks, Be well, Jeff Raymond
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