Greg, you've been writing about integrating new dancers by getting
the experienced dancers to dance with them and even teach them the
figures. For a long time I've thought that this was a bit weird- how
could this ever work?
Then my brain finally kicked in and I realized that we live in two
very different worlds. Although it's been some time since I called
in California, I remember that the dancers there were kind, gentle
and very relaxed. They were quite a contrast to some of the dancers
back east. Maybe your method works well because of the kinds of
people who live in your area. Over the years I've seen some
hostility and resentment towards new dancers in my small part of the
world.
In one dance community, the dancers were so hostile to the new
dancers that someone started a separate dance series for the sole
purpose of having a beginner friendly dance. And before the center
line was abolished at Glen Echo, a very large percentage of
experienced dancers had absolutely no interest in dancing with
beginners.
In my area we've always had a beginning lesson and the caller always
teaches the figures. It's worked there for decades. It's the
tradition. If it ain't broke why fix it? I'm thinking that to get
the experienced dancers to teach the figures might be detrimental in
some dance communities.
This is a complicated issue and involves more than language. There's
also understanding people and their values, beliefs etc. etc.
I can't remember exactly what your background is but I'm very
interested in learning more about language and it's use. Is there a
good website or book that you could recommend?
Tom
- [Callers] integrating new dancers Tom Hinds
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