Jeff wrote: > (When I'm calling I try to drop out as early as possible and not > choose dances where I'll need to keep calling. When I'm playing I > like it when callers do the same.) >
Yes. I also appreciate it when callers who are dancing on the floor take it upon themselves to start calling at key moments when confusion threatens those around them. This is not appreciated when I am calling, but after I stop calling, this "calling from the floor" allows me to be silent so that the music and the dancers can remain the focus. Help from the floor is almost always done non-verbally with eye contact and gentle guidance by touch. The predictability of contras allows the regulars to take a much more active role in guiding those around them. I love it when the regular dancers take charge of guiding first-timers. This is one reason I am inclined to sit out when squares are announced. This is also one of the main reasons why I don't call squares. - Greg McKenzie West Coast, USA
