[Callers] crowd noise

[Tom Hinds]

Jacqui,

It's kind of silly of me to give you any advise not having danced in  
your community.  I think the most important thing for any caller is  
to not take it personally and always remain relaxed and happy.

I've heard over the years that the caller is in charge and all  
responsibility rests on his/her shoulders.  I've never bought into  
that.   It's a group activity and the dancers also have to play their  
part to make the whole thing work.  I think Tony Parkes said it best  
when he compared contra dancing to herding cats.

One trick I've used (note: not over used) is to give them ample time  
to take hands four.  Saying the first move of the dance as if you're  
starting the walk through usually wakes them up.  And of course yells  
of "hands four" will echo throughout the hall.  Be prepared.  The  
only down side for a new caller using this is that people may think  
you're not paying attention to the dancers.

It would be easy to assume that this a community where you dance once  
a month and everyone is very glad to see one another.  Then again,  
it's probably Ashville.

Tom