I can only comment on my experience as a dancer, but having had a fine
experience this past weekend I feel compelled to chime in with a few
random comments. It was at the Squirrel Moon Music and Dance Festival,
a three-day affair with Diane Silver calling. After a Saturday morning
dance, lunch, an "Unusual Dances" workshop, and a Hambo workshop, we had
a 40-minute contra medley before couples dancing and starting to prepare
dinner. We were encouraged take a break when we reached the bottom of
our set or find new partners from the end of another set. My impression
was that only a few dancers actually took a real break, but the option
was there. I changed partners several times, but I think many others
stuck with the same partner for all 40 minutes. At one point I do
remember commenting to my partner of the moment, "Hey, we just switched
to Becket formation." I hadn't seen it coming, so I don't remember how
the transition went, but I was impressed with the smoothness. With both
bands set up, the musicians were able to take breaks while the music
continued unabated.
David
On 9/20/2010 7:32 AM, Jeanette Mill wrote:
I have a question for everyone about medleys - where, when and how do you find
them most effective when incorporated in a program? Tips for teaching? Any other
comments?
Jeanette
"When we eat from the industrial-food system, we are eating oil and spewing
greenhouse gases."
- Michael Pollan
