Contrary to the action of switching at the ends of the set, this
instruction is a part of set management. In fact it also helps to
manage the focus of the dancers.
I always give out set formation instructions. In addition to forming
the sets properly these instructions give important cues to the
dancers to help them gracefully transition from conversations in the
set into listing to instructions during the walk-through. Ending a
conversation politely and graciously takes time. The instruction of
"Please take hands in groups of four from the top," gives the dancers
a cue that the caller will soon be moving into the walk-through phase
of the slot. I try to allow about 20 seconds or so for the hands
four to propagate to the bottom of the line. Then I say "Number ones
please cross over," if appropriate. I say this even if ALL of the
dancers have crossed over already. This command tells the dancers
that the walk-through instructions will begin very shortly and that
they must quickly finish their story or anecdote and begin listening.
These cues, given clearly and not too loudly, will set a tone of
politeness and consideration. I much prefer this to callers who use
the volume of the PA system to interrupt conversations on the
floor. People will quickly learn the "drill" and will respond by
helping the caller to make a smooth transition. This approach also
lowers the volume level in the room and builds a cooperative
relationship with the caller.
Another thought,
Greg
***********
At 04:55 PM 12/1/2010, Richard wrote:
And a related question: when will callers stop saying "Hands four
from the top, number ones cross over"--in acknowledgement that
improper formation is the default for modern contras? I'm curious
how many callers have already stopped saying that. Or to put the
question another way, in how many dance communities do dancers line
up inproper and not expect a reminder to "cross over" and be in
improper formation?
Richard
On Dec 1, 2010, at 7:37 PM, Mark Widmer wrote:
> Hey, I was wondering what other callers thought about the
following: often, during the walkthrough of the 1st contra dance of
the evening, the caller explains that dancers should trade places
with their partner whenever they reach the end of the set
>
> However, I never do this, and have never had a problem as a
result -- the experienced dancers in the set, apparently, are able
to get the new dancers to do this, and nobody has ever complained
to me that I didn't instruct dancers to switch
>
> I have wondered what others thought about this -- my own thinking
is why take time to explain something when it isn't necessary?
>
> Regards,
>
> Mark Widmer / central NJ
>
>
>
>
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