Ron Nelson wrote: > The first goal of a caller should be to "communicate" in a way that leaves > no doubt of the action he/she wants the dancers to perform. If the dancers > understand what the caller wants, and can accomplish it with reasonable > dexterity, the caller has accomplished this primary objective. >
This is good. I like it. I'm not sure that the quote marks are needed around the word "communicate." As a speech communication major one of the cardinal principles you learn is that "You cannot, not communicate." Words are only one of the many ways we communicate our intentions and expectations. And often what is *not *said communicates this more clearly than what is spoken with words. Consequently it is almost always the caller who uses the fewest words who makes her expectations the most clear. And--with regard to integrating first-timers at open, public contra dances--what if the caller wants the regular dancers to partner with newcomers? Hint: A direct request using words is not the answer. Asking regular contra dancers directly is not very effective in the long run. - Greg McKenzie
