Chris Weiler wrote:
Hello everyone,
We've been having a lively discussion in the Boston area about several
topics ranging from men behaving badly to poor style to dancers who are
too rough.
The same has been blowing around on the Seattle Contra list/group.
My question is, what tips or information do you like to give from the
microphone to help people deal with these issues? How do you give them?
It would help if you could share your wording because I'm sure that
brevity and humor play a big part in how effective they are. Do you give
demonstrations? Role play a situation on the floor?
During the little calling I've done for English Country I've mentioned,
on the occasion there are new dancers and addressing them will remind
everyone, that hands are a good or polite guide, as in four hands
across, and not a support structure. Good for a laugh sometimes.
"If it hurts and you're doing it you should be at the gym, if it hurts
and someone else does it, mention it."
Our main ECD caller who also calls Contra has mentioned how to not hurt
folks and how to be prepared to let folks go who take more than shared
weight or are awkwardly dangerous. Nothing particular in her phrasing,
she just covered it completely in teaching points during a floor
demonstration at the beginning of the evening. We often have new folks
at Contra so we covered much of the swing etiquette, or "how to
guarantee a man will let you go". (women: clamp your left upper arm on
his or the lead's right wrist/forearm, turn away, lean way back).
snip
Thanks!
Chris Weiler
Goffstown, NH
I'm hoping to call a Contra dance or two this next weekend (first time!
fingers crossed) however forgot I wanted to order this shirt ahead of
time. Maybe I can get it in before NW Folklife.
http://www.unshelved.com/images/store/tee-ow-mens-large.gif at
http://www.unshelved.com/store.aspx?cat=shirts
Cheers, John
J.D. Erskine
Victoria, BC
