Re: [Callers] Local styles vs. consensus (Was: Another vote for "jets" and "rubies")

[Tony Parkes via Callers]

Rich Hart wrote:

<< I'd also add to your two requirements (enjoyable and in a safe space), a 
third one. that is that our dances should also be welcoming to all, regardless 
of their position in life, and dance skills.  As callers, we all try to chose 
dances and calls that are appropriate, and acceptable for the local dancers. 
That should not change.>>
I deliberately kept my list of requirements short, because I’m not convinced 
there’s consensus on any others. You might think “welcoming to all, regardless 
of… dance skills” would be a no-brainer, but in reality, some series are 
(perceived as) far less welcoming than others. One could even argue (though I’m 
not arguing here) that this is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as there’s 
at least one series in every metropolitan area that nurtures beginners. I do 
want to say that I find it somewhat troubling when a series that doesn’t bill 
itself as “challenging” or “experienced” develops a reputation for freezing out 
newcomers.
I agree that callers try to present programs that are “acceptable for the local 
dancers”; but that’s not the same as being “welcoming to all.” The local 
dancers may be quite sophisticated in their tastes and capacities, and it may 
be hard (though not impossible) to please them and still foster an inclusive 
atmosphere.
The disparity between series attitudes may be a good thing, a bad thing, or 
some of each, but it’s the reality in many areas.
Tony Parkes
Billerica, Mass.
www.hands4.com<http://www.hands4.com>
New book: Square Dance Calling (ready Summer 2017)