Greetings from Minneapolis/St. Paul!
We are in our fourth year of a once-a-month family dance immediately
preceding the regular Saturday evening contra. We run 6:30pm - 8:00 pm with
a break for a snack in the middle. The contra dance runs 8:00pm - 11:00pm.
We charge $10/family of any size (and any definition), plus we tell family
dancers that they are welcome to come to the first hour of the contra for
free. That's plenty late enough for most families with small kids. Most
families that stay just watch, but some kids do try it out.
We have a somewhat unusual arrangement because we have two dance halls, a
small one and a larger one. We run the family dance in the smaller hall,
meaning that we can run right up to the start of the contra without
interfering with sound setup, teaching session, etc. A lot of
early-arriving contra dancers will stop to watch the family dance on their
way in. Having the two spaces also means that we can have kids with extra
energy to burn racing around in the small hall while the contra is starting
in the big hall.
We have a separate band/caller for the family dance and the main dance. We
run the family dance on a shoestring budget -- everyone who calls or plays
knows they'll probably get gas money and that's it. So far, we've been able
to find callers and musicians willing to do it primarily for the fun and
community spirit.
We've found that we have almost no 'core' family dancers who are there
every time. But we have several families that come 4-5 times a year. (We
gave up on June-July-August dances this year, so we're doing 9 per year.)
As with contra, word-of-mouth is the most important way we've gotten folks
in the door. We did get some people through an interview my daughter and I
did on a local bluegrass radio show -- you can find it at
http://tapestryfolkdance.org/programs/family-folkdance/ (click play next to
"family dance on the radio").
One thing you didn't ask about that I think has been important is the
continuity of programming. Our three regular callers have an overlapping
repertoire of dances, so kids will usually see some of the same dances that
they did the last time. And kids that come frequently begin to know dances
and can request specific ones. My daughter has called dances occasionally
since we started (she's 12 now), and hopefully we'll get one or two other
kids up to calling a particular favorite dance themselves.
Another important point you didn't mention is safety. No dancing with small
kids on dad's shoulders. No whirling kids round and round with feet off the
ground. No kids wandering off by themselves to explore other parts of the
building. NEVER have a situation where a kid is alone with an adult that is
not a parent or other caregiver. And make sure that there are ingredients
available for all food provided so that parents can check for allergy
issues or other dietary restrictions.
That's what we have going on here. It's working pretty well, except that we
need some new blood on the organizing committee so that people can step
aside before they burn out. But that's a common need for all sorts of
community projects, isn't it?
David
Hi All,
Hope folks are having a good fall!
I'm writing about a question regarding family dances and linking them more
to contras.
Here in Ottawa, we have four family dances a year... 3-530pm with a potluck
after. They're always on the same day as an evening contra which starts at
730pm with a beginner lesson, dance from 8-10pm. There's not much overlap
in audiences and we'd like to have some of the families with the younger
and middle aged kids, naturally flow into the contra dances while
maintaining our awesome contra dance vibe (not feel overly family dance).
We're looking to learn from others on how they might have a better link
between the two.
I know Belfast does a great job and Syracuse also has Family dances rolling
into Contras.
If you do this, might you be willing to share some info?
Things I'm wondering about include...
1. What is the timing of the different parts of the dance(s)
2. Is there food/potluck/? involved?
3. How does the transition happen between family and contra?
4. Do younger kids stick around and not dance when contra starts? If so
where are they and what are they doing?
5. Anyone have a play space for younger kids in the evenings?
6. What do you do in terms of callers/bands for the family and contra
portions?
7. Other things you feel are important details/considerations?
Maybe you have a totally different model...
Thoughts?
With much thanks!
Emily
Ottawa Contra
Hi All,
Thanks for the comments on the etiquette poster!
I made a couple of changes, the biggest being a change to the line
justification. I liked the full justified for its hipster look but geeeze,
it's way easier to read as left justified --- a MAJOR improvement.
See attached. :)
Emily Addison
Ottawa Contra
Hi All,
We just finished developing our own version of a contra etiquette poster
here in Ottawa so I wanted to share!
We got permission to edit the original lindy hop poster as so did lots of
thinking about what different messaging and wording we wanted. I think I
remember even asking this list for ideas.
Anyway, we sent the poster out via email/facebook to our community last
week and response so far is good! We will be posting it in our hall (along
with our code of conduct) and have copies for folks to take home. Hopefully
a fun, informative and proactive way to share ideas for positive
interaction.
:)
see attached.
Curious as to what you all think!
Emily in Ottawa
[image: Inline image 1]
One more thing: In printing this poster through a professional print
establishment, they told me its actual size was 11x15.5. It would be
recommended to print the poster as this size, rather than squish it or
stretch it to fit other sizes of paper. I am planning on printing 5 and
laminating them, for use at all my dances. Whether they go on the wall, or
are passed around by hand (which I would do for outdoor events), laminating
them will preserve their quality, and can allow you to print on lighter
paper. It's worth the money.
Greg
On Tue, Aug 22, 2017 at 11:30 AM, <organizers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> wrote:
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Organizers Digest, Vol 33, Issue 8 (Emily Addison)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2017 11:30:12 -0500
> From: Emily Addison <emilyladdison(a)gmail.com>
> To: organizers shared weight <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
> Subject: Re: [Organizers] Organizers Digest, Vol 33, Issue 8
> Message-ID:
> <CAD7WKUXvrXOUid-5sc9zSuWW1wL5-7A0MYK_
> eCatbhxnWwZQ3w(a)mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Yes... there's a lot of print for the poster.
>
> Likely the font is different as we changed the original font to this one.
> We're planning on having the poster on the wall as well as available as an
> 8X11.
> It's a lot to look at but on the other hand, we have those new introverts
> just wanting something to focus on during the break and this would be a
> good distraction. ;)
>
> Emily
>
> On Thu, Aug 17, 2017 at 9:13 AM, <organizers-request@lists.
> sharedweight.net>
> wrote:
>
> > Send Organizers mailing list submissions to
> > organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> >
> > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-
> > sharedweight.net
> >
> > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> > organizers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> >
> > You can reach the person managing the list at
> > organizers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> >
> > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> > than "Re: Contents of Organizers digest..."
> >
> >
> > Today's Topics:
> >
> > 1. Re: Contra Etiquette poster (Lisa Marie Lunt)
> > 2. Re: Contra Etiquette poster (John W Gintell)
> >
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 1
> > Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2017 02:33:46 -0400
> > From: Lisa Marie Lunt <lisalunt(a)gmail.com>
> > To: organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> > Subject: Re: [Organizers] Contra Etiquette poster
> > Message-ID:
> > <CABZLU-WP535+ah+HgQm1ofSjUBy1OwLE20eExT93R5k37
> > xAN2g(a)mail.gmail.com>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> >
> > I saw this poster up at the Tophill Dance in Greenfield on Saturday. I'm
> > not sure how large it was, but it seemed about 18X24". The information is
> > great, but it's difficult to read and a little too busy for dancers who
> are
> > just entering the dance. Maybe they will read it a little at at time over
> > time. I would have to be blown up about twice as large to be easily
> > readable.
> >
> > On Wed, Aug 16, 2017 at 5:41 PM, William M Loving via Organizers <
> > organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> >
> > > With regard to Greg?s comments, I second all of them but particularly
> the
> > > full justified text which from graphic design standpoint is not a great
> > > choice and makes the text notably more difficult to read. (This has
> been
> > a
> > > problem from the original design of the poster some years ago).
> > >
> > > I would strongly suggest using left-justified text in most places for
> > even
> > > spacing between words and rely on the backgrounds shading and graphics
> to
> > > define the shape of your columns.
> > >
> > >
> > > On Aug 16, 2017, at 12:31 PM, Greg Allan via Organizers
> > <organizers@lists.
> > > sharedweight.net> wrote:
> > >
> > > Great Share!
> > >
> > > Thanks so much. There is a contra coming up that I'm organizing for a
> > very
> > > safety/oppression sensitive group. I will print this and make it
> > available
> > > for that event. Perfect Timing!
> > >
> > > Looking it over, there are some typos and some other constructive
> > > criticisms:
> > >
> > > - orange citation text at the top left: Linky instead of Lindy.
> > > - Justified text looks awkward all over the poster, like the word
> > > "personal" in the leftmost column, second paragraph, followed by an
> > awkward
> > > looking "bow out"; rightmost column first paragraph. Though I
> > > realize some of these may have been on purpose, like the words "space"
> > and
> > > apologize" in the next-to-rightmost column, third paragraph.
> > > - Perhaps a few more images of contra-esque dancers, rather than
> singular
> > > individuals? I'd like to see that.
> > >
> > > Thanks again,
> > >
> > > Greg
> > >
> > > On Wed, Aug 16, 2017 at 11:53 AM, via Organizers <organizers@lists.
> > > sharedweight.net> wrote:
> > >
> > >> Send Organizers mailing list submissions to
> > >> organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> > >>
> > >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> > >> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-shared
> > >> weight.net
> > >>
> > >> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> > >> organizers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> > >>
> > >> You can reach the person managing the list at
> > >> organizers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> > >>
> > >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> > >> than "Re: Contents of Organizers digest..."
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Today's Topics:
> > >>
> > >> 1. Contra etiquette poster (Emily Addison via Organizers)
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> ------------------------------------------------------------
> ----------
> > >>
> > >> Message: 1
> > >> Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2017 10:20:29 -0500
> > >> From: Emily Addison via Organizers <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> >
> > >> To: Shared Weight Organizers <organizers(a)sharedweight.net>
> > >> Subject: [Organizers] Contra etiquette poster
> > >> Message-ID:
> > >> <CAD7WKUU9ZYP_rByvpQaZKSE1UBYCR8WESFQieG3HFMBz7iFt5A@mail.
> > >> gmail.com>
> > >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> > >>
> > >> Hi All,
> > >>
> > >> We just finished developing our own version of a contra etiquette
> poster
> > >> here in Ottawa so I wanted to share!
> > >>
> > >> We got permission to edit the original lindy hop poster as so did lots
> > of
> > >> thinking about what different messaging and wording we wanted. I
> think
> > I
> > >> remember even asking this list for ideas.
> > >>
> > >> Anyway, we sent the poster out via email/facebook to our community
> last
> > >> week and response so far is good! We will be posting it in our hall
> > (along
> > >> with our code of conduct) and have copies for folks to take home.
> > >> Hopefully
> > >> a fun, informative and proactive way to share ideas for positive
> > >> interaction.
> > >> :)
> > >> see attached.
> > >>
> > >> Curious as to what you all think!
> > >>
> > >> Emily in Ottawa
> > >> [image: Inline image 1]
> > >>
Lots of good feedback including the spelling error!
The images were really hard for us to alter so I doubt we'll do more there.
But will play with the text and see what happens.
Thanks!
:) Emily
On Wed, Aug 16, 2017 at 7:42 PM, via Organizers <
organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> Send Organizers mailing list submissions to
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> sharedweight.net
>
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> organizers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> organizers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Organizers digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Contra Etiquette poster (William M Loving via Organizers)
> 2. Welcoming dances (Claire Takemori via Organizers)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2017 15:41:45 -0600
> From: William M Loving via Organizers
> <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
> To: Greg Allan via Organizers <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
> Subject: Re: [Organizers] Contra Etiquette poster
> Message-ID: <E7370E64-5CBF-49AF-9D7F-0548B27A7EA0(a)gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> With regard to Greg?s comments, I second all of them but particularly the
> full justified text which from graphic design standpoint is not a great
> choice and makes the text notably more difficult to read. (This has been a
> problem from the original design of the poster some years ago).
>
> I would strongly suggest using left-justified text in most places for even
> spacing between words and rely on the backgrounds shading and graphics to
> define the shape of your columns.
>
>
> > On Aug 16, 2017, at 12:31 PM, Greg Allan via Organizers <
> organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:organizers@lists.
> sharedweight.net>> wrote:
> >
> > Great Share!
> >
> > Thanks so much. There is a contra coming up that I'm organizing for a
> very safety/oppression sensitive group. I will print this and make it
> available for that event. Perfect Timing!
> >
> > Looking it over, there are some typos and some other constructive
> criticisms:
> >
> > - orange citation text at the top left: Linky instead of Lindy.
> > - Justified text looks awkward all over the poster, like the word
> "personal" in the leftmost column, second paragraph, followed by an awkward
> looking "bow out"; rightmost column first paragraph. Though I
> realize some of these may have been on purpose, like the words "space" and
> apologize" in the next-to-rightmost column, third paragraph.
> > - Perhaps a few more images of contra-esque dancers, rather than
> singular individuals? I'd like to see that.
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> > Greg
> >
> > On Wed, Aug 16, 2017 at 11:53 AM, via Organizers <organizers@lists.
> sharedweight.net <mailto:organizers@lists.sharedweight.net>> wrote:
> > Send Organizers mailing list submissions to
> > organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:organizers@lists.
> sharedweight.net>
> >
> > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-
> sharedweight.net <http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-
> sharedweight.net>
> >
> > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> > organizers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:
> organizers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
> >
> > You can reach the person managing the list at
> > organizers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:
> organizers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
> >
> > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> > than "Re: Contents of Organizers digest..."
> >
> >
> > Today's Topics:
> >
> > 1. Contra etiquette poster (Emily Addison via Organizers)
> >
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 1
> > Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2017 10:20:29 -0500
> > From: Emily Addison via Organizers <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> <mailto:organizers@lists.sharedweight.net>>
> > To: Shared Weight Organizers <organizers(a)sharedweight.net <mailto:
> organizers(a)sharedweight.net>>
> > Subject: [Organizers] Contra etiquette poster
> > Message-ID:
> > <CAD7WKUU9ZYP_rByvpQaZKSE1UBYCR8WESFQieG3HFM
> Bz7iFt5A(a)mail.gmail.com <mailto:CAD7WKUU9ZYP_
> rByvpQaZKSE1UBYCR8WESFQieG3HFMBz7iFt5A(a)mail.gmail.com>>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> > We just finished developing our own version of a contra etiquette poster
> > here in Ottawa so I wanted to share!
> >
> > We got permission to edit the original lindy hop poster as so did lots of
> > thinking about what different messaging and wording we wanted. I think I
> > remember even asking this list for ideas.
> >
> > Anyway, we sent the poster out via email/facebook to our community last
> > week and response so far is good! We will be posting it in our hall
> (along
> > with our code of conduct) and have copies for folks to take home.
> Hopefully
> > a fun, informative and proactive way to share ideas for positive
> > interaction.
> > :)
> > see attached.
> >
> > Curious as to what you all think!
> >
> > Emily in Ottawa
> > [image: Inline image 1]
> >
Yes... there's a lot of print for the poster.
Likely the font is different as we changed the original font to this one.
We're planning on having the poster on the wall as well as available as an
8X11.
It's a lot to look at but on the other hand, we have those new introverts
just wanting something to focus on during the break and this would be a
good distraction. ;)
Emily
On Thu, Aug 17, 2017 at 9:13 AM, <organizers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
wrote:
> Send Organizers mailing list submissions to
> organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>
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> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-
> sharedweight.net
>
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> organizers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> organizers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Organizers digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Contra Etiquette poster (Lisa Marie Lunt)
> 2. Re: Contra Etiquette poster (John W Gintell)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2017 02:33:46 -0400
> From: Lisa Marie Lunt <lisalunt(a)gmail.com>
> To: organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> Subject: Re: [Organizers] Contra Etiquette poster
> Message-ID:
> <CABZLU-WP535+ah+HgQm1ofSjUBy1OwLE20eExT93R5k37
> xAN2g(a)mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> I saw this poster up at the Tophill Dance in Greenfield on Saturday. I'm
> not sure how large it was, but it seemed about 18X24". The information is
> great, but it's difficult to read and a little too busy for dancers who are
> just entering the dance. Maybe they will read it a little at at time over
> time. I would have to be blown up about twice as large to be easily
> readable.
>
> On Wed, Aug 16, 2017 at 5:41 PM, William M Loving via Organizers <
> organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> > With regard to Greg?s comments, I second all of them but particularly the
> > full justified text which from graphic design standpoint is not a great
> > choice and makes the text notably more difficult to read. (This has been
> a
> > problem from the original design of the poster some years ago).
> >
> > I would strongly suggest using left-justified text in most places for
> even
> > spacing between words and rely on the backgrounds shading and graphics to
> > define the shape of your columns.
> >
> >
> > On Aug 16, 2017, at 12:31 PM, Greg Allan via Organizers
> <organizers@lists.
> > sharedweight.net> wrote:
> >
> > Great Share!
> >
> > Thanks so much. There is a contra coming up that I'm organizing for a
> very
> > safety/oppression sensitive group. I will print this and make it
> available
> > for that event. Perfect Timing!
> >
> > Looking it over, there are some typos and some other constructive
> > criticisms:
> >
> > - orange citation text at the top left: Linky instead of Lindy.
> > - Justified text looks awkward all over the poster, like the word
> > "personal" in the leftmost column, second paragraph, followed by an
> awkward
> > looking "bow out"; rightmost column first paragraph. Though I
> > realize some of these may have been on purpose, like the words "space"
> and
> > apologize" in the next-to-rightmost column, third paragraph.
> > - Perhaps a few more images of contra-esque dancers, rather than singular
> > individuals? I'd like to see that.
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> > Greg
> >
> > On Wed, Aug 16, 2017 at 11:53 AM, via Organizers <organizers@lists.
> > sharedweight.net> wrote:
> >
> >> Send Organizers mailing list submissions to
> >> organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> >>
> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> >> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-shared
> >> weight.net
> >>
> >> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> >> organizers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> >>
> >> You can reach the person managing the list at
> >> organizers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net
> >>
> >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> >> than "Re: Contents of Organizers digest..."
> >>
> >>
> >> Today's Topics:
> >>
> >> 1. Contra etiquette poster (Emily Addison via Organizers)
> >>
> >>
> >> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >>
> >> Message: 1
> >> Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2017 10:20:29 -0500
> >> From: Emily Addison via Organizers <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
> >> To: Shared Weight Organizers <organizers(a)sharedweight.net>
> >> Subject: [Organizers] Contra etiquette poster
> >> Message-ID:
> >> <CAD7WKUU9ZYP_rByvpQaZKSE1UBYCR8WESFQieG3HFMBz7iFt5A@mail.
> >> gmail.com>
> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> >>
> >> Hi All,
> >>
> >> We just finished developing our own version of a contra etiquette poster
> >> here in Ottawa so I wanted to share!
> >>
> >> We got permission to edit the original lindy hop poster as so did lots
> of
> >> thinking about what different messaging and wording we wanted. I think
> I
> >> remember even asking this list for ideas.
> >>
> >> Anyway, we sent the poster out via email/facebook to our community last
> >> week and response so far is good! We will be posting it in our hall
> (along
> >> with our code of conduct) and have copies for folks to take home.
> >> Hopefully
> >> a fun, informative and proactive way to share ideas for positive
> >> interaction.
> >> :)
> >> see attached.
> >>
> >> Curious as to what you all think!
> >>
> >> Emily in Ottawa
> >> [image: Inline image 1]
> >>
Great Share!
Thanks so much. There is a contra coming up that I'm organizing for a very
safety/oppression sensitive group. I will print this and make it available
for that event. Perfect Timing!
Looking it over, there are some typos and some other constructive
criticisms:
- orange citation text at the top left: Linky instead of Lindy.
- Justified text looks awkward all over the poster, like the word
"personal" in the leftmost column, second paragraph, followed by an awkward
looking "bow out"; rightmost column first paragraph. Though I
realize some of these may have been on purpose, like the words "space" and
apologize" in the next-to-rightmost column, third paragraph.
- Perhaps a few more images of contra-esque dancers, rather than singular
individuals? I'd like to see that.
Thanks again,
Greg
On Wed, Aug 16, 2017 at 11:53 AM, via Organizers <
organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> Send Organizers mailing list submissions to
> organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-
> sharedweight.net
>
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> organizers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> organizers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Organizers digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Contra etiquette poster (Emily Addison via Organizers)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2017 10:20:29 -0500
> From: Emily Addison via Organizers <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
> To: Shared Weight Organizers <organizers(a)sharedweight.net>
> Subject: [Organizers] Contra etiquette poster
> Message-ID:
> <CAD7WKUU9ZYP_rByvpQaZKSE1UBYCR8WESFQieG3HFM
> Bz7iFt5A(a)mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Hi All,
>
> We just finished developing our own version of a contra etiquette poster
> here in Ottawa so I wanted to share!
>
> We got permission to edit the original lindy hop poster as so did lots of
> thinking about what different messaging and wording we wanted. I think I
> remember even asking this list for ideas.
>
> Anyway, we sent the poster out via email/facebook to our community last
> week and response so far is good! We will be posting it in our hall (along
> with our code of conduct) and have copies for folks to take home. Hopefully
> a fun, informative and proactive way to share ideas for positive
> interaction.
> :)
> see attached.
>
> Curious as to what you all think!
>
> Emily in Ottawa
> [image: Inline image 1]
>
Hi Organizers!
We just had a FABULOUS Balance the Bay weekend in San Francisco last weekend. We are so pleased to get many comments saying how welcoming and friendly the dance felt to new or out of area dancers.
I’d love to hear what you are doing to make your local dances or weekends more welcoming?
Here’s some of what we did:
1. We did not gender balance (and it turned out fine, though the Bay Area has a large number of dancers who can dance both roles)
2. We offered stickers to put on name buttons at checkin to anyone who wanted to self-identify that they were new to this dance weekend. Then we had a sign on the wall indicating to everyone that we should especially welcome those with the stickers & consider asking them to dance. We also asked the caller to remind dancers to dance with folks they don’t know.
3. We provide a buffet dinner on Sat eve, so folks have more opportunity to socialize together.
4. Many in the community are supporting inclusive dancing by NOT booking ahead. Many dancers said that it was a relief not to have to scramble for a parter right after each dance. They could get some water, come back and always find dancers available.
5. We offered child care with a family sharing their care giver with other families who signed up. We had a donation box for anyone in the community to support having child care at the dance. We also organically had a couple family dances during the breaks with dancer musicians and even a 5 year old new caller, who called his own choreography!
6. We printed some of the BIDA (Boston Intergenerational Dance Advocates) safety signs and put them around the dance hall.
https://www.jefftk.com/p/bida-signs <https://www.jefftk.com/p/bida-signs>
7. We had a “dancer connection” large wall paper that allowed dancers to connect, offer meals together, etc. We also had a ride share board for offers or needs.
8. We had our most welcoming volunteers at the front table on Friday evening. Greeting dancers by name and handing them their name buttons when possible.
I’m sure there’s more, but that’s what comes to mind. I’d love to hear what you do at your dances?
Claire Takemori
Dance Caller
South Bay Contra Organizer
The insurance from NFO seems to good to be true - only 10% the cost of
other options. Is there a catch somewhere?? Would anyone be willing to
share a copy of their insurance certificate that shows in detail exactly
what is covered?
John Bloom jnjbloom(a)gmail.com
