[Callers] Applause or Not...

[Amy Wimmer via Callers]

When calling I try to remember to call attention to the band several
times during an evening. I'll say something enthusiastically, like,
"How about this band?!" I will try to introduce them more than once by
individual names. I will even go as far as to step away from the mic
and whoop during a dance and clap at the end of dances to try to set
an example.

When sitting out, or when dancing, if the crowd is unresponsive I will
whoop. It often reminds dancers that they are dancing to live music
and that they are enjoying it.

If I am teaching a lesson I mention that it is customary to thank the
band after each dance before finding another partner. I will even
remind them to do so after the first couple of dances. Once in a while
I make a real point of it, asking people to stop and really applaud.

I think now I will also mention the positive feedback loop.

-Amy



> On Apr 22, 2015, at 7:08 PM, Erik Hoffman via Callers <callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> There are several places where almost no applause occurs after a dance. In some communities, when I've been subjected to that experience, I've asked, "were we off tonight?" The reply usually is something like, "no, the dance was fine (or even great), we just head for our next partner..." I know sometimes it's just the night. Sometimes, though, it's the community's habit. I spoke with a renowned musician the other day, who will no longer play for a certain series. One of the reasons: lack of applause -- lack of that palpable sense of appreciation.
>
> I think dancers don't often know that applause really makes the band and caller feel better. If they feel better they play better. And, as a dancer, applause usually makes me feel better, too. Any ideas on how to encourage applause? Or, if you're in one of those communities where applause is minimal, does it bother you?
>
> ~erik hoffman
>    oakland, ca
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