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518 discussions

by Claire Takemori via Organizers

Hi John I’d love to see the program that you used for the beginner heavy French session. Thank you! Claire Takemori Dance Caller, Campbell CA On Mar 3, 2017, at 11:23 AM, via Organizers <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: Let me know if you would like a copy of the dance programme that I used for the first session.

8 years, 5 months

Leading Contra Dances in non-english-speaking countries

by Karlsruhe Contra Dance via Organizers

Hi! I am in Germany and am new to event organizing. I have my first event planned for June. I have offered a few small workshops and family dances since November. An issue I have had with my smaller workshops (and am worried about my larger event) is language. With the smaller workshops, I just kinda wing it depending on who is there. But for a larger event, winging it is probably not the best tactic. I am wondering if there are a few other planners here that are not based in English-speaking countries and can share with me how things have worked out with for them. Do you stick to all English? or have the beginner lesson and/or walkthrus in the majority language? or everything except for the actual calling in the majority language? I am especially interested in the scenario of hiring a caller who doesn't speak German at all and curious if/how this will work out. Incidentally, the caller I have hired for my June event does speak German, so it won't be an issue. tia, Rebecca

8 years, 5 months

Leading Contra Dances in non-english-speaking countries

by Scott Higgs via Organizers

At 12:04 PM 3/3/2017, Rebecca wrote: I am in Germany and am new to event organizing ...An issue I have had with my smaller workshops (and am worried about my larger event) is language. With the smaller workshops, I just kinda wing it depending on who is there. But for a larger event, winging it is probably not the best tactic. ...Do you stick to all English? or have the beginner lesson and/or walkthrus in the majority language? or everything except for the actual calling in the majority language? My experience organizing and calling in France: 1) I decided in advance what English terms to use, and kept the list short and consistent (e.g., skip the word "allemande", just use "turn"). A limited vocabulary is pretty easy for folks to digest -- not really much different than English speakers learning "hey for 4" or "petronella". 2) During walk-throughs, I gave *explanations* in French, but used the English terms for the calls/prompts, so they would associate the terms from the start. 3) I used my body (and other people I could guide) *a lot* to demonstrate, rather than get caught-up in too many words (in part, because my French was not-too-great, but this is generally good policy) Overall theme; Keep the dances simple, and use the local language to set an easygoing mood in the room. It's most important to help folks feel comfortable with mistakes, and not worry about getting things 'right.' With language differences, some folks will be rather anxious already about misunderstanding, or doing the wrong thing -- reassure them that getting things right is not the point ... If you have a caller who does not speak the majority language, it can still work. I have attended a workshop in Argentine tango like this. A translator was beside the teacher, and checked-in to translate questions and answers as needed. Good for you getting dancing going in Karlsruhe ! Take care, Scott -------------------------------------------- Scott(a)ScottHiggs.com

8 years, 5 months

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