Hi Maia,
I may have a slightly different approach than others. When I work with a
band that likes to do rolling starts, we enjoy doing it when things
"work right" musically. I tell the band that they are free to do a
rolling start whenever they want, and it will be up to me to proceed or
wave them off. Of course, this is for only once or twice during an
evening. We don't want to overdo such a memorable technique.
Generally the musicians may be vamping, or they may be just tuning up.
Either way, I hear that there is music behind me as I teach. Our default
is to continue unless I give a signal to stop. From my role, if I hear
the band roll into something that can work as a rolling start, I'll
modify the teaching and my voice on the fly, while at the same time
(with the hand that is not holding the mic) giving the band the signal
to continue or to stop. I watch the dancers, listen to the music, know
the dance that I'm teaching, and weigh the pros and cons of continuing.
IMO, this works well for the spontaneity and excitement, and I feel
comfortable flowing with it and supporting the band, especially when the
musicians are really into a tune. It depends on their musicianship and
musical preferences. Sometimes the musicians will vamp with the entire
band, sometimes only one or two of the musicians will be playing. With
at least one band that I work with, the rolling start sometimes consists
of a hand-drum or Quebecois feet.
Woody
On 10/2/2015 8:53 AM, Maia McCormick via Callers wrote:
I think that rolling starts (seamless transition from walkthrough into
the dance, as the band just starts playing music during the
walkthrough) are super neat if done properly! But I'm still not quite
sure how to do them properly. So I ask you all:
1) tips on how to execute a rolling start well, making sure all the
dancers are on board etc.?
2) thoughts on what dances/tunes will/won't work well with a rolling
start?
Cheers,
Maia
