I really like Greg MacKenzie's question, >>The real question is: What is your purpose? And what is the purpose of the >> majority of those who attend? Are you trying to "preserve a tradition," to >> "open folks to other dance traditions," or simply "to offer an open >> community social dance with live music," or a combination of all those. >> ...Or are we doing something else entirely? The answer will surely vary >> for each dance series or event. >> >> This is a question seldom discussed yet it seems to be a central issue >> regarding how we organize dances and what the role of the caller is. I >> think that discussion would be very useful. >> >> What is the purpose of our event and what is the caller's job in realizing >> that purpose?
I agree - this is indeed something I've never heard discussed. I've also never heard any particular stance on our purpose shared with dancers by boards, or with callers & bands by dance managers when booking. We have just sort of been each taking our own individual ideas of what we're up to for granted, I guess. Building community is another aspect we might throw into the pot. But who should be in on the deciding? Further musing: is it even a matter for deciding, or does the purpose of any ongoing activity sort of grow and shift organically to suit the times and those co-creating it? Thanks for the provocative question, Greg! Tina
