Lots of good thoughts in this thread. I've just read it all in one go
and found myself nodding to at least something from everyone's contribution.
I don't really see anyone offering formulae or algorithms for when to
stop calling, to change the amount/style or to drop out. The numbers
I've seen expressed are to me just that, a means of describing what
folks have observed about their own patterns.
Also, to:
On 11/Feb/11 17:52, Greg McKenzie wrote:
Martha,
This reminds me of a situation that sometimes comes up when I am calling
to halls with lots of first-timers. It involves what I call "excessively
helpful" dancers.
Indeed.
snips
how much I appreciate the fact
that they do not talk to other dancers during the walk-throughs. "That
really helps me when I am teaching the dance," I tell them. "Thank you!"
-
Incidentally: Dancers and dancing callers on the floor can sometimes
help verbally,...but never while the caller on stage is speaking. After
the caller drops out those who can may, when it seems needed, call the
dance in the set. But always use well-formed, precise, and timely calls
please. And shut up immediately if the caller begins calling again.
Just a thought,
Greg
Yup.
Bruce Hamilton's essay, "When You're Not the Caller", is really on topic
for that. It's friendly, full of truths, succinct. It's also available
on Colin's site http://www.colinhume.com/denotcal.htm
I'm probably taking some copies to leave around at two evenings of
Contra I'm calling in a couple of weeks.
Our role may give us some license to be helpful when we're not calling.
We are also those who probably need to ensure we're not helpful in a
distracting way <grin>. So, that help should, probably more than most,
model staying out of the way of the teaching/calling. After considering
the above and following articles I was delighted at one dance (first
Contra in that community) to note that someone right off the street
managed a hey for four with joy as we'd left them a moving spot all
through it. No talking, pointing, nudging, touching.
Those not familiar with Bruce's writing may also wish to read, "Teaching
Courtesy."
http://www.cdss.org/newsletter-archives/news_author/Hamilton,%20Bruce.html?file=tl_files/cdss/newsletter_archives/news/courtesy.pdf
Cheers, John
--
J.D. Erskine
Victoria, BC
http://www3.telus.net/island_dance/
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