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Subject:Dance in transition
Hi
Dance venue in transition Qs?
Just curious as to longevity of dance series.
How do you handle organizer burnout?
I know an organizer who has been at it for 12 years and wishes to turn
the series
over to a new 'generation'.
How do you generate support and bring new people in to the organization
of dances?
(dancers scatter when there is mention of organizing!)
There is a small loyal group of dancers. The problem is no one wishes to
take up the duties of organizer. This is compounded by the fact that the
main organizer needs to
be a resident of the town where the dance is held. (I do what I can. I
organized a dance and found it was not my calling. esp. as the sole
organizer, dancers want to dance not organize!)
History:
Dance started in 1996
In a beautiful medium size hall.
First 2 years averaged 65-70 dancers
In the third year there was a problem with parking at the hall. Number
of dancers dropped off. Parking problem was resolved but the numbers did
not rebound.
Year 3
A "Flashier" dance series, 50 miles away, was created for the same wknd.
This siphoned
off more dancers.
Over the next 8 years attendance fluctuated between 20-40. which is the
sustaining level for this dance.
In the past year attendance levels have dropped to 10-30
The dance is having problems hiring the "Name" talent that brings in
dancers from more than an hour away (Though Randy Miller from western NH
is a fan of this dance and
plays for the take of the door)callers and musicians ask for guarantee
sums
The organizer just does not want the hassle of it anymore.
There are several of us who help when we can.
Some of the reasons the dance is struggling (along with the above)
Very few local dancers.
Lack of flashy talent (dance can not provide the pay out)
It's a community dance that welcomes beginners/families
At one time there was a rowdy teenage group who frequented the dance,
they were very energetic, too much for some dancers. (they do not
attend the dance anymore, but the stigma is still there)
It's to far off the beaten path (Where is ----------- anyway?) [ I
choose not to include the name of the dance without permission of the
organizer]
Its to long of a drive! There are better dances closer by...
Is that dance still happening?
It is a shame to see the demise of this dance series due to lack of
interest, attrition
gas prices, an aging dance community, apathy.
Perhaps it is time for this 'community' dance to close it's doors. I
wonder how many other smaller dances are experiencing the same problems.
Here is in southern NH dance venues (new dance halls) are becoming
increasingly hard to find and it would be a shame to see this one fall
from use.
Hope to start a dialogue and get some ideas for keeping this series
viable
Thanks in advance
Gale Wood
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