Martha Asked:
So, Greg, since you are clearly a Good Guy, what was the meaning of your
original post, where you suggested the caller warn people that there was a
medley coming up so they could be sure they wouldn't have to dance the
medley with someone who wasn't skilled? That's what I'm reacting to - it
just sounded so...like a hotdogger. Which you otherwise don't seem to be.
No. I am not a "Good Guy."...but I have the potential. Everyone
does. I believe that calling contras can make you a better person,
if you work at it. So maybe there is still hope.
For the caller to gain the respect and support of the entire hall
they need to be open with people and trust them with information. As
a caller you want everyone invested in your success. If the dancers
feel informed they are more likely to trust the caller. To "spring"
an unusual formation on the dancers will erode that sense of trust.
In a medley the dancer could possible be making a commitment the
length of two regular contras. It only seems fair to warn the
dancers of this increased commitment. Yes. There are some who will
feel an increased sense of urgency in finding a particular partner,
or kind of partner, for this extended commitment. This does not
reflect poorly upon the dancer. It is a natural outcome of longer
dance slots that dancers will feel what could be called an increased
"partnering urgency." If you are going to put them in that position
it is only fair that you warn them in advance.
We use words like "hotdogger" to describe such people and it does
have a derogatory sound to it. But, as in all other cases, it's
always the caller's fault. If you want to encourage an increased
culture of inclusiveness then shorter partnering slots is one
strategy that really works. Even shortening the slots a small amount
during the first third of the dance evening will create a sense that
there will be many partnering opportunities and this will engender a
more generous feeling in the partnering process.
This, of course, speaks against the use of medleys. Because of their
length, and because they are regarded as more challenging, medleys
are more exclusive than a regular contra dance.
So those are just two tips on generating a culture of inclusiveness:
1. Build a sense of trust with the dancers by giving them more information.
2. Keep the length of the partnering slots shorter, particularly
early in the evening.
- Greg
