[Callers] Difficult dancers - Decision to ask not to return

[Rich Sbardella via Callers]

I have never asked a dancer not to return to a dance.

As a caller, organizer, and as a dancer, I have often suggested other dance
locations that might be more suitable for their skill level.  For instance,
I often refer dancers with difficulties to a the local community dance that
I organize, and sometimes call, or to smaller, beginner friendly dance
communities.

I have recently begun teaching six week Adult Ed sessions, that I call an
"Introduction to Traditional Country Dance".  Often these dancers/students
have dancers that would have trouble elsewhere.  With many, the issue is
that English is a second language, others have physical or other
challenges.

I also lead a seniors' community dance session weekly, and the dancers
range from 60-85 years old.  Most do well at community level dancing, and
several have danced at the local contra communities.

Both of the above situations afford newer dancers opportunities to learn
basics like Heys, Ladies Chain, Square Thrus, and Swings. in a less
intimidating environment.  They also allow for much more
repitition/drilling than at a typical contra dance evening.

I also suggest to these dancers that they attend the pre-dance workshops
even if they do not feel that they are necessary.  These workshops help
newer dancers adjust to the voice and style of the evening's caller, and
provide a quick review of many basics.

Despite all this, I have dancers that still freeze when they encounter a
R&L Thru in a dance, especially if there is a Ladies Chain, or a Square
Thru in the same dance.

Rich Sbardella,
Stafford, CT


On Wed, Mar 8, 2017 at 1:48 PM, Mac Mckeever via Callers <
callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> In St Louis we have had our share of very challenged dancer and have never
> considered this possibility.  We take the removal of anyone from the
> community to be a very serious step.  It has been limited to a very few
> cases of inappropriate contact or other relationship issues.
>
> Mac McKeever
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Mark Hillegonds via Callers <callers at lists.sharedweight.net>
> *To:* Alexandra Deis-Lauby <adeislauby at gmail.com>
> *Cc:* Caller's discussion list <callers at sharedweight.net>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, March 8, 2017 12:26 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [Callers] Difficult dancers - Decision to ask not to return
>
> Lots of thoughtful discussion and ideas about how to incorporate difficult
> dancers.
>
> Splitting this into another variant of this discussion...
>
> So...what happens if all of the attempts to shepherd and coach and "angel"
> the difficult dancer do not work and their skills and abilities continue to
> be a significant negative impact when they're dancing.
>
> Would you ever (or have you ever) asked someone not to return based on
> their inability to dance?
>
> I realize "inability" is a broad term and I intended it to be so for this
> question. There are lots of reasons why someone may not be able to know
> what to do and/or to be able to keep up when dancing and may not even be
> able to improve.
>
> Is there some point at which you as organizers would consider and
> ultimately such a decision?
>
> On Mar 6, 2017 6:46 PM, "Alexandra Deis-Lauby via Callers" <
> callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
> Inspired by Marie's other thread, I wonder what tools callers use when
> they encounter a dance floor with such a dancer, especially if there is
> only one who is having so much difficulty but who leaves confused dancers
> in their wake. Do you call to that dancer? Do you call earlier? Do you
> adjust your program accordingly? Something else?
>
> Thanks,
> Alex
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
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