This is very interesting.
Martha writes:
I don't believe that we humans exhibit community and civility by nature - it
seems to be a learned thing.
Left to our own devices, we get all clicquey and snobby - or turn into
loners.
I think you have gone to the core of the matter with this
statement. This view of human nature is a common framing of the
situation, and it is such a basic view that it affects almost
everything the caller does, or does not do with regard to civility
and an attitude of inclusiveness.
I reject this view for two main reasons: First, I don't believe it
is true. I see humans as social animals who have evolved to be in
communities or tribes where each individual's own survival depends
upon cooperation and working together for common goals. It is our
nature to support one another and to see ourselves as a community.
Second, I reject the idea that snobbishness and selfish actions are
inherent in the human condition simply because it is not a useful
framing of the situation, particularly for a dance caller. I don't
see any value that can come from this framing beyond creating an
excuse for the caller to blame the dancers for any untoward actions
in the hall. This framing is only useful to absolve the caller of
responsibility, something that is at the core of the caller's job.
The caller takes responsibility for everything that happens in the hall.
Instead of making excuses for why we are not responsible why not
discuss what we can do to build a more inclusive spirit in the
hall? Callers have a lot of influence. They certainly have more
influence than a handful of dance leaders. How should we use our influence?
Martha also wrote:
"A kind and inclusive word dropped here and there
from the stage can work wonders..."
Now this is an idea that I agree with completely. The caller is in
view of everyone in the hall and can see everyone in the room. The
caller can project their voice throughout the hall, and this gives
the caller more influence than any other single person in the
room. Let's explore this idea more deeply. What words do you
use? When? what words to you avoid using?
I use single words such as "good," "excellent," "wonderful," or
"nice," during the walk-through and while calling. A light touch is
best. I usually use a couple of these words during each
walk-through. I also think a lot about what I don't say. I never,
for example, speak to small groups or individuals over the mike. If
people in a particular set are out of position I address the entire
room with my comments, and then only with positive comments. I even
try to avoid looking directly at the group that is out of position.
I am interested in what others do to influence the partnering process
and the level of civility and community spirit in the hall.
- Greg
**************
Martha wrote:
I don't want to say "It's simple," but I'm going to have to. The grownups
(aka Dance Leaders - board members, callers, major dance gypsies, thoughtful
members of the community) have to start, by gentle precept and strong
example, teaching the rest of the crowd how to behave.
Here, we talk about it. Not a whole lot, but whenever there's a chance - we
bring things up. Got Center Set Syndrome? Ask the Cool Kids to start
dancing all over the floor. Someone complains about the new dancers?
Someone else pipes up and says "Oh, I remember what it was like. I always
dance with new people at the beginning of every dance - you find some real
gems that way, and it's always a fun challenge." After a while you just
develop a culture of inclusiveness.
It wasn't always like that here. St Louis used to have a very bad reputation
for snobbery - some people still won't come to our dance weekend because of
it, even though it changed over ten years ago. We had to make an effort -
and we have to keep making the effort. Even with an established culture of
kindness, new people come in, and it takes a while for them to adjust - to
believe that they will be accepted, and that we expect them to treat others
well, too.
I don't believe that we humans exhibit community and civility by nature - it
seems to be a learned thing.
Left to our own devices, we get all clicquey and snobby - or turn into
loners.
It can't be just the callers who turn a community around, even though we do
have a major Bully Pulpit. A kind and inclusive word dropped here and there
from the stage can work wonders in reminding people why we chose contra
dance over all those other dance forms. But we can't get all moralistic on
stage without risking losing what influence we have.
My suggestion to us as callers? Start talking to the Leadership. If they
don't get it, use thoughtful discussion to try to get them to see the
advantages. We can also lead by example, dance with everyone ourselves. What
we do, others will too.
M
E
On Sun, Jan 30, 2011 at 11:52 AM, Greg McKenzie <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Bob Green wrote:
>
>> In some communities, a different approach is taken - to help avoid
>> breakdowns while switching dances on the fly, trying to see that less
>> experienced/skilled dancers have a partner the can give them a little help
>> along on the way. I favor this approach as I believe it tends to make the
>> overall dance experience better.
>>
>
> I would be very interested in any techniques or strategies you, as the
> caller, would use to achieve this behavior: "...trying to see that less
> experienced/skilled dancers have a partner the can give them a little help
> along on the way." I am particularly interested in what callers do to
> encourage more generous partnering behaviors in a medley. How do you
> achieve that "We're all in this together," sentiment that Larry Jennings
> speaks of?
>
>
> - Greg
>
>
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>
--
For the good are always the merry,
Save by an evil chance,
And the merry love the fiddle
And the merry love to dance. ~ William Butler Yeats
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