Here's a secret fourth thing: how do we feel about calling a shadow swing dance (if it was otherwise desirable for some reason) but swapping out the swing for a do-si-do or something similar? Is that too much modification by the caller, or too little to solve the problem?
On Tue, Jul 30, 2024, 10:52 AM Amy Wimmer via Contra Callers < [email protected]> wrote: > Exactly this. > -Amy > > On Tue, Jul 30, 2024, 1:43 AM JJ via Contra Callers < > [email protected]> wrote: > >> I think there's a bit of privilege being shown in this thread that needs >> to be addressed. Those who are admonishing others for avoiding shadow >> swings clearly haven't been put in a position where they felt unsafe >> swinging with someone they didn't choose, and then being (more or less) >> forced to continue to swing with that person throughout an entire dance. >> And I'm not just talking about feeling uncomfortable with someone's >> personality, sexual harassment, or general bigotry. I'm also talking about >> unsafe dance practices like forceful/non-consentual flourishes/dips, >> improper weight given, unsafe swinging speeds without paying attention to >> the needs of the person you're swinging with, ignoring (and therefore >> exacerbating) an existing injury... The list goes on. >> >> The swing is arguably the move that requires the most trust in the other >> person, and not being able to choose someone that you're doing half the >> swings in a dance with can cause some unsafe situations for various >> reasons. A single swing with a neighbor can usually be accommodated, but >> much more than that can become dangerous. >> >> Also, people are allowed to just not like shadow-swings without giving a >> reason or explaining themself. They are allowed to find them >> confusing/disorienting. Just as others are allowed to enjoy them. >> People are also allowed to avoid dancing with certain people for any >> reason whatsoever; yes we want to be inclusive, but inclusivity to the >> point of ignoring the safety/comfort of the individual runs into the >> Horseshoe Problem (ie. pushing an issue so far that you end up causing the >> problems you set out to avoid). >> >> To bring it back to the topic at hand, I think a good rule of thumb as a >> caller (and one I employ on the rare occasion I choose a dance with a >> shadow swing) is telling people that the next dance has a shadow swing in >> it, in advance of the walkthrough. And then giving people a chance to >> choose to sit out or even join a different line if they have concerns. That >> way, those that enjoy the move can have a nice time, and those that don't >> aren't forced into an unsafe situation until they can get to the end of a >> line to drop out. >> >> On Wed, Jul 17, 2024, 10:39 Maia McCormick via Contra Callers < >> [email protected]> wrote: >> >>> Prompted by some recent conversations, I’m curious how folks here feel >>> about shadow swings! >>> >>> 1. As a caller, do you: >>> A) not have an issue with shadow swings, and program them freely >>> B) not tend to program them just bc they don’t come up in your >>> repertoire, but have no issue with them >>> C) not program shadow swings as a matter of principle >>> D) some secret fourth thing (feel free to elaborate!)? >>> >>> 2. How do you feel about shadow swings as a dancer? >>> >>> Will weigh in with my thoughts later, both to avoid biasing the >>> conversation from the outset, and also because I’m currently in transit 😅 >>> >>> Thanks for participating in the data gathering! >>> >>> Cheers, >>> Maia >>> >>> -- >>> Maia McCormick (she/her) >>> 917.279.8194 >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Contra Callers mailing list -- [email protected] >>> To unsubscribe send an email to >>> [email protected] >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Contra Callers mailing list -- [email protected] >> To unsubscribe send an email to >> [email protected] >> > _______________________________________________ > Contra Callers mailing list -- [email protected] > To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] >
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