I am quite astonished -- actually, troubled -- that anyone would have the insensitivity to refer to another dancer as a "speed bump." I am proud to relate that I have yet to see any physically challenged dancer at the several monthly contra dances in my area of southern New Hampshire be anything less than totally accepted as part of our community. Whether dancers have had difficulty because of a medical condition, the after-effects of a car accident, or simply the problem of "two left feet," they have in every case that I am aware of been made to feel as comfortable as possible. The adage I share with every new dancer I cross paths with is that contra dancers are three things -- welcoming, helpful, and forgiving. In New Hampshire that applies to everyone, and I have yet to encounter any exceptions.

Paul Pindris

Deerfield, NH

On Mon, Mar 6, 2017 at 2:31 PM, Marie-Michèle Fournier via Organizers <organizers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

Hi everyone,
Lately a new dancer has started coming to our dance and he is bad enough that he will often make the set break if the dance is moderately challenging. He seems to have some kind of impairment and walks very stiffly which means he will often not be on time for a figure and also often does not remember what is coming next.
We want to be inclusive but at the same time his presence negatively impacts other dancers in his set and while some of the experienced dancers will take one for the team and dance with him, it is an unpleasant experience to be his partner. Unfortunately, we always have many new dancers and having one couple not be where they should be can really throw them off in some dances so I feel like I have to push and pull him around to be on time, despite the fact that it's a little rude.
A recent caller to our dance called him a "speed bump" which was quite accurate. I'm sure other dances have had experience with similar troubles, does anyone have advice on how to deal with this so that other dancers still have a good time yet we are nice to this problematic dancer?
Thank you
Marie
ContraMontreal

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