Hi Lynn,
> Why am I asking? As a CDSS board member particularly interested in contras,
> I'm brainstorming about what a long-distance mentoring program could look
like.
A long-distance mentoring program would be great. And Bob your idea sounds
promising (your video dance archives are a useful resource). Even using skype
in some
way might be helpful.
When I learned to call MWSD, I was very lucky to be mentored by an
excellent
local caller, Kelvin Love, here in Christchurch and helped by understanding
dancers
who were willing put up with my first steps. In Japan, "Fancy" Tanaka took me
under
his wing and allowed me to call regularly for his club. Both these men have a
fantastic
understanding of how to move dancers in unbroken flowing patterns, and this
imparted
skill has helped me greatly when working out contra dance choreography.
Calling for contra has come from dancing to and learning from visitors
who have
come to NZ. Bev Bernbaum, Mike Boerschig, Bob O'Brian, Gaye Fifer, Steve
Gester,
Alice Millmoe, Andrea Nettleton and Susie Rudder have all be extremely helpful
when
they have been here. I've learned much from them.
SW is a great resource, and off list a number of people have been very
helpful to me.
In particular Bob Isaacs has been very generous answering some technical
questions,
David Millstone has helped me get dancing established here with his advice and
resources
he has provided to me. I enjoy Linda Leslie's regular continuing help and
encouragement
and honest appraisal of my ideas.
Of course nothing is better that personal contact. On our recent trip to
San Francisco,
it was great to finally meet you Lynn, and our brief conversation when you drove
me home
from the dance was a kind of mentoring for me :-). Sharing ideas with Alan
Winston and
Jim Saxe at the special 'woolshed' dance series arranged by the BACDS really
made me
feel part of the contra community.
Success with your mentoring program. I'm happy to help if I can.
Cheers, Bill
