Erik wrote:
Often, after people have lined up, they talk with each other, their partner, their minor set, or other people around them. Often callers strive to get everyone to shut-up so they can start the dance. I've come to believe this time of conversation is the main time we get to know a little about each other and is thus a "community building time." I, personally, love hearing dancers talking amongst themselves. To me it's a reflection that they are having fun and that they feel comfortable, relaxed and are "building community". If they aren't talking enough (by my expectation) I'll prompt them early in the evening to say "hi" to their neighbors and introduce themselves and this gets them chatting a bit. Later in the evening I might begin a dance with a Right Allemande and I'll say "Give your right hand to your neighbor and introduce yourself (pause) and Allemande Right. On the other hand I find it rude and detestable for a caller to "shhhh" the crowd. If the caller tries to begin a walkthrough (ie, "Are you ready" as Erik suggests) for a time or two, the dancers will "shhh" themselves. This (extra time) allows folks to finish their conversations and be ready to listen. The positive benefits to dancers politely socializing is tremendous, even if it means the caller needs to call one less dance in the evening. Donna Hunt
