Hi,
My two cent regarding medleys. Most all medleys I've ever encountered were not extra length, usually lasting at most six times through per unique dance. Medleys by nature must be easy dances with progressions that fit together nicely. I frequently call a medley as the last dance of the evening. None of the moves are ones that have not been used somewhere else in the evening. Usually I will ask the band to play three tunes, 4-4-5, and I will signal the tune changes myself. The dance changes when the tune does, but you know that part well. I really don't see medleys as being any more challenging than any other contra dance. Every dance should be just fun, and the switch is what makes it so. Each dance in the medley should be totally accessible to all skill levels at that point in the evening. If there is a bit of fumbling about at the switch, I think that just adds to the fun. I just make sure I make my calls a bit earlier and very clearly, with a "Listen UP, Listen UP" thrown in at the dance switch. Perhaps we're talking about a different sort of medley. Hope all you northeasterners are braving the latest storm okay. Looks nasty. Nice sunny day here in the Pacific NW. Rich ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Mckeever" <[email protected]> To: "Caller's discussion list" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 1, 2011 10:21:16 AM Subject: Re: [Callers] Developing a Culture of Inclusiveness. Was: Calling medleys This is all interesting - can someone explain where this leaves the less experienced dancer? A medley is the place where they need the most help from the more experienced. Unless we put them all in the same line and watch them scramble. Or should we just invite them not to dance? It really doesn't bother me to dance with a newer dancer for a couple extra minutes. Mac >From Greg: > In a medley the dancer could possible be making a commitment the length of > two regular contras... > > 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. >
