Hi Jill.
I'll comment on things others have yet to mention, things observed and shared with me in our MI communities. We often see dancers, or hear dancers comment, that they aren't dancing or getting asked to dance. These are newer but regular dancers. Typically these are women who come from a mindset where they need to be asked to dance, even after they understand the culture is anyone can ask anyone. They tend to wait on the sidelines to see if someone comes to them and by the time no one has, it's too late to find a partner. Of course there are also those who are very new or very shy. Callers,of course, mention please find someone that hasn't danced the last dance and ask them to join you on the dance floor, or something of that nature, reminding all that the fun is dancing with as many people as you can, meeting and greeting, etc. I believe the stimulus to change this situation comes from other dancers. In our case, it's women that have come to know each either at the dance or socially sharing their experience, which is safe. Although It could be uncomfortable. Most explain to the others that they come there to dance and frankly don't wait to be asked any longer. Or tips like, instead of sitting on the sideline, show someone that you are ready to dance, stand up or walk near the the dance floor. Also that it's easier to stay dancing if you are dancing. And, if someone does ask and you need a time out, suggest you dance later, or "how about the next one"? Some women don't want to dance with other women. I notice the more they are at a dance the less important it becomes. Some of them have quickly started learning the other role so they can Choose who to dance with and when, because of our gender imbalance, although they prefer to have a male partner. Some who do this now worry they are going to get "stuck" in that role. In summary, our community is our dancers. And they have the power to turn the tides. Just like we have "dance angels" who help new dancers (or help distract the too helpful ones), we can use our dancer community to support the efforts to acclimate and educate and encourage. Laurie Pietravalle West Michigan ~ When I dance, I cannot judge, I cannot hate, I cannot separate myself from life. I can only be joyful and whole, that is why I dance. ~Hans Bos~ ~ >________________________________ > From: jill allen <[email protected]> >To: [email protected] >Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 9:22 AM >Subject: [Callers] ideas for callers about sidelines > >Have you as a caller or organizer had particular success in helping people to >find partners, especially when there is gender imbalance? I welcome comments >about the issue of making sure all are having equal opportunity to dance. I >recently received a message from our contra dance board asking callers for >suggestions on this issue. I believe that the organizers are addressing this >issue because we have had dancers leave after not being able to find partners. > I will be sharing your comments with our board and they will share these >thoughts with callers as they are hired to call a dance. > >Thank you! >Jill Allen >Lawrence, KS > > > > >_______________________________________________ >Callers mailing list >[email protected] >http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers > > >
