Dave,
Thank you for this question. These issues are common where I dance
and call as well. I'm sure you will get lots of ideas here. I would
like to suggest a few things to keep in mind as implement your plan.
First, remember that those who speak up and seek intervention are not
necessarily the most perceptive or reasonable people in the dance
community. While their motivations might be very positive their
analysis of what is needed may be based upon unspoken assumptions and
biases already deeply held. You would be wise to maintain a measured
stance and consider all possible causes of the problem. (Callers in
the area might be a more likely source of the problem and your
efforts might be better focused on a workshop for local
callers.) Often there are people who wish for an authority
figure--such as a visiting caller--to intervene and tell "some
people" what is wrong with their behavior. There is no way you can
be successful if you accept that role. Diplomacy is called for in
any intervention.
Second, I would urge you to maintain an unfailingly positive and
supportive attitude at all times, either on or off stage. Any caller
will be setting an example by their attitudes and behaviors in the
community. The rule is: "Never suggest, by word, deed, or
implication that anyone in the hall is either behaving poorly or that
anyone is not up to the task of dancing well." Your job is to build
the confidence of everyone in the hall. That means you must not be
even covertly preachy. Compliment the crowd on their caring and
gracious dancing style with the assumption that they are already
behaving in a courteous and considerate manner toward all of the
people in the hall. Let them know that you are impressed. Only then
will they be open to gentle suggestions from you.
Third, I would concentrate on the basics. In my community I plan to
concentrate on strong but comfortable connection and on keeping the
elbows bent. (I notice that many of the more contumacious dancers
often dance with their arms completely straight. This leaves them,
and others around them, more vulnerable to injury.)
Just a few thoughts.
Greg McKenzie
At 12:41 PM 12/26/2008, you wrote:
Hi Lois,
Thanks for asking about that. Yes, there are observed and reported
issues. Some more minor than others. Examples include: 1)
youthful dancers whose exuberance is too much for the older
dancers 2) swinging outside the normal side of the set space, or
very wildly, and bumping into other dancers 3) improper swing holds
and hand holds/grips that cause pain for one of the dancers 4)
being consistently late so you're not in the right space for the
next move 5) the proper ways to do a courtesy turn and/or twirl.
I don't want to just address those specific issues, but would rather
incorporate them into an evening that presents things that all
dancers can use, like how to offer a twirl after a courtesy turn,
rather than trying to force it, or how to hear and anticipate the
phrasing of the dance with the music to be ready for the next
move. That is why I am looking for what are seen as common issues
that you would address, or tips you would want to give to dancers,
given the opportunity. Thanks again for your ideas,
Dave Colestock
www.davecolestock.com
--- On Fri, 12/26/08, losmp <[email protected]> wrote:
From: losmp <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [trad-dance-callers] Questions on dance style.
To: [email protected]
Cc: "Shared Weight" <[email protected]>
Date: Friday, December 26, 2008, 2:38 PM
On Dec 26, 2008, at 2:10 PM, Dave Colestock wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I'd like to tap the collective experiences of the group for a couple
> of questions. I have an event coming up where the organizers want to
> improve their groups dance "style", and are having one of their dance
> evenings dedicated to providing dance style tips. I will be calling
> that dance.
Has there been an effort to receive suggestions from the community
itself? Have they given you a list of concerns?
Lots of ways to do that.....papers at the table where people pay, with
pens to write down suggestions, and a big box to put them in. You could
check them out before the session when you're teaching.
And/or pass out papers like that before you start the dance, on which
people write comments, have them put in a box or bowl anonymously which
you collect, you could check them out during the break.
Might be a bit hokey to do that at just any dance, but they've
specifically asked you to address style, so they must have something in
mind, or their request was prompted by comments from dancers--they' ve
shared them with you? You'll share them with us?
Lois
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