Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-11-01 Thread via Callers 
I like to say, at the end of a dance and moving on to the next one,  "Ask 
someone else to dance... Or let them ask you!"

Ben Allbrandt

 James Saxe via Callers  wrote: 
> I like to say things to promote the custom of frequent partner
> changes.  So after a dance, I would say at least
> 
>  Thank your partner and find a partner for the next contra
>  [or "... for a waltz" or whatever is next].
> 
> and more likely
> 
>  ... and find someone new for ...
> 
> or
> 
>  ... switch around ...
> 
> and perhaps at some point early in the evening
> 
>  ... and as usual [or "as is our custom"*] find someone new ...
> 
> [*When I first heard "as is our custom" said by Ted Sannella, it
> struck me that by injecting those four words, said in a relaxed
> tone and taking about two seconds to say, he'd gotten the point
> across as effectively, and far more pleasantly, than somebody could
> with a two-minute harangue on the subject.]
> 
> To be clear, if I see some dancers (new or experienced) who came as
> a couple and seem glued together, I will not by any means attempt
> to *pressure* them to separate and dance with different partners.
> But I do want to empower people to feel comfortable mingling.  In
> particular, I don't want dancers who are new and unfamiliar with
> the prevailing customs to have the agony of wondering
> 
> "If I don't keep this partner for the next dance, will (s)he
> think I didn't like dancing with her/him?"
> 
> or conversely
> 
> "My partner just thanked me and then ran off to dance with
> someone else.  Did I do something wrong?"
> 
> Also, if new dancers are worried about imposing their klutziness on
> experienced dancers, they will perhaps be less timid about making
> or accepting an offer to dance if they understand that it's only
> expected to be for one dance.
> 
> And finally, if someone asks a member of one of those glued-together
> couples for a dance, I hope that even if they say "No", awareness
> that most people are mingling will keep them from being affronted
> by the invitation.
> 
> --Jim
> 
> On Oct 31, 2016, at 7:28 AM, Ron Blechner wrote:
> > I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an 
> > organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote 
> > positive dance values.
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-11-01 Thread Luke Donforth via Callers 
I don't remember who coined it, but I like the line "how about some lively
applause for these live musicians" as a gentle reminder to appreciate the
musicians if the applause is a little lackluster.

On Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 10:28 AM, Ron Blechner via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Hi Shared Weight,
>
> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an
> organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote
> positive dance values.
>
> I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance"
> communication with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
>
> I'll get us started.
>
> I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the
> sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
>
> In dance,
> Ron Blechner
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>


-- 
Luke Donforth
luke.donfo...@gmail.com

Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-11-01 Thread Rich Sbardella via Callers 
As a caller that transitioned from MWSD, I miss one of their traditions.
In club dancing, at the end of the evening, the performers and organizers
gather at the front of the dance floor, and all the dancers come forward
and say good night, and thank you.  It takes just a few minutes. but this
expression gratitude has often lifted me up, and helped me make the long
drive home.
Rich Sbardella
Stafford, CT

On Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 5:38 PM, Richard Fischer via Callers <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Especially at community dances, but also at contras, I look for was to
> encourage dancers to say thank you. At community events one of my first
> dances is usually a kind of Appalachian square dance. Couples do one or two
> simple figures to my calls with another couple, and then I go, "Everybody,
> face your neighbors. ...  Say, "Thank you!"  ...   Take your partner and
> find new neighbors."  People seem to enjoy the opportunity to say thanks.
> At contras, if there is a pre-dance lesson, I try to work in some
> experience on progressing, even if it's in a mini-contra. (E.g., Circle
> left, circle right, dosido your neighbor, say thanks to your neighbor, walk
> forward to a new neighbor.)  And having the mic all evening I get
> opportunities to thank the band, sound personnel, organizers, and the
> dancers themselves.  Squares and triplets (and other set dances) give us a
> chance to encourage people to thank their whole set as well as their
> partner.
>
> Richard
>
> On Oct 31, 2016, at 1:47 PM, via Callers wrote:
>
> Once or twice a night, remind the dancers to hydrate and tell them where
> to find the punch bowl, drinking fountains, etc. If there are a lot of
> newcomers, they may not know where the water source is located (and you can
> joke that it's included with the price of admissionwho can resist!).
> Make it clear that you won't be starting the next dance for a few minutes -
> this encourages hydration, plus many dancers will be happy for the quick
> break and a chance to move to the side of the hall where they can mingle
> and find their next partner without fear that they'll be left out.
>
> Sue Gola
>
>
> -Original Message-----
> From: Ron Blechner via Callers 
> To: Caller's discussion list 
> Sent: Mon, Oct 31, 2016 12:56 pm
> Subject: [Callers] Positive values on the mic
>
> Hi Shared Weight,
> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an
> organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote
> positive dance values.
> I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance"
> communication with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
> I'll get us started.
> I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the
> sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
> In dance,
> Ron Blechner
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>

Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-10-31 Thread Vicki Morrison via Callers 
Thanking the set in squares enhances the community involvement aspect. Very 
beneficial.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 31, 2016, at 6:07 PM, Ron Blechner via Callers 
>  wrote:
> 
> Reading all of these... So far everyone has had good suggestions. Keep 'em 
> coming!
> 
> 
>> On Oct 31, 2016 5:38 PM, "Richard Fischer via Callers" 
>>  wrote:
>> Especially at community dances, but also at contras, I look for was to 
>> encourage dancers to say thank you. At community events one of my first 
>> dances is usually a kind of Appalachian square dance. Couples do one or two 
>> simple figures to my calls with another couple, and then I go, "Everybody, 
>> face your neighbors. ...  Say, "Thank you!"  ...   Take your partner and 
>> find new neighbors."  People seem to enjoy the opportunity to say thanks. At 
>> contras, if there is a pre-dance lesson, I try to work in some experience on 
>> progressing, even if it's in a mini-contra. (E.g., Circle left, circle 
>> right, dosido your neighbor, say thanks to your neighbor, walk forward to a 
>> new neighbor.)  And having the mic all evening I get opportunities to thank 
>> the band, sound personnel, organizers, and the dancers themselves.  Squares 
>> and triplets (and other set dances) give us a chance to encourage people to 
>> thank their whole set as well as their partner.
>> 
>> Richard
>> 
>>> On Oct 31, 2016, at 1:47 PM, via Callers wrote:
>>> 
>>> Once or twice a night, remind the dancers to hydrate and tell them where to 
>>> find the punch bowl, drinking fountains, etc. If there are a lot of 
>>> newcomers, they may not know where the water source is located (and you can 
>>> joke that it's included with the price of admissionwho can resist!).  
>>> Make it clear that you won't be starting the next dance for a few minutes - 
>>> this encourages hydration, plus many dancers will be happy for the quick 
>>> break and a chance to move to the side of the hall where they can mingle 
>>> and find their next partner without fear that they'll be left out.
>>>  
>>> Sue Gola
>>>  
>>>  
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: Ron Blechner via Callers 
>>> To: Caller's discussion list 
>>> Sent: Mon, Oct 31, 2016 12:56 pm
>>> Subject: [Callers] Positive values on the mic
>>> 
>>> Hi Shared Weight,
>>> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an 
>>> organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote 
>>> positive dance values.
>>> I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance" 
>>> communication with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
>>> I'll get us started.
>>> I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the 
>>> sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
>>> In dance,
>>> Ron Blechner
>>> ___
>>> Callers mailing list
>>> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>>> ___
>>> Callers mailing list
>>> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>> 
>> 
>> ___
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>> 
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-10-31 Thread Ron Blechner via Callers 
Reading all of these... So far everyone has had good suggestions. Keep 'em
coming!

On Oct 31, 2016 5:38 PM, "Richard Fischer via Callers" <
callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Especially at community dances, but also at contras, I look for was to
> encourage dancers to say thank you. At community events one of my first
> dances is usually a kind of Appalachian square dance. Couples do one or two
> simple figures to my calls with another couple, and then I go, "Everybody,
> face your neighbors. ...  Say, "Thank you!"  ...   Take your partner and
> find new neighbors."  People seem to enjoy the opportunity to say thanks.
> At contras, if there is a pre-dance lesson, I try to work in some
> experience on progressing, even if it's in a mini-contra. (E.g., Circle
> left, circle right, dosido your neighbor, say thanks to your neighbor, walk
> forward to a new neighbor.)  And having the mic all evening I get
> opportunities to thank the band, sound personnel, organizers, and the
> dancers themselves.  Squares and triplets (and other set dances) give us a
> chance to encourage people to thank their whole set as well as their
> partner.
>
> Richard
>
> On Oct 31, 2016, at 1:47 PM, via Callers wrote:
>
> Once or twice a night, remind the dancers to hydrate and tell them where
> to find the punch bowl, drinking fountains, etc. If there are a lot of
> newcomers, they may not know where the water source is located (and you can
> joke that it's included with the price of admissionwho can resist!).
> Make it clear that you won't be starting the next dance for a few minutes -
> this encourages hydration, plus many dancers will be happy for the quick
> break and a chance to move to the side of the hall where they can mingle
> and find their next partner without fear that they'll be left out.
>
> Sue Gola
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Ron Blechner via Callers 
> To: Caller's discussion list 
> Sent: Mon, Oct 31, 2016 12:56 pm
> Subject: [Callers] Positive values on the mic
>
> Hi Shared Weight,
> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an
> organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote
> positive dance values.
> I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance"
> communication with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
> I'll get us started.
> I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the
> sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
> In dance,
> Ron Blechner
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>
>
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
>
>

Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-10-31 Thread Richard Fischer via Callers 
Especially at community dances, but also at contras, I look for was to 
encourage dancers to say thank you. At community events one of my first dances 
is usually a kind of Appalachian square dance. Couples do one or two simple 
figures to my calls with another couple, and then I go, "Everybody, face your 
neighbors. ...  Say, "Thank you!"  ...   Take your partner and find new 
neighbors."  People seem to enjoy the opportunity to say thanks. At contras, if 
there is a pre-dance lesson, I try to work in some experience on progressing, 
even if it's in a mini-contra. (E.g., Circle left, circle right, dosido your 
neighbor, say thanks to your neighbor, walk forward to a new neighbor.)  And 
having the mic all evening I get opportunities to thank the band, sound 
personnel, organizers, and the dancers themselves.  Squares and triplets (and 
other set dances) give us a chance to encourage people to thank their whole set 
as well as their partner.

Richard

On Oct 31, 2016, at 1:47 PM, via Callers wrote:

> Once or twice a night, remind the dancers to hydrate and tell them where to 
> find the punch bowl, drinking fountains, etc. If there are a lot of 
> newcomers, they may not know where the water source is located (and you can 
> joke that it's included with the price of admissionwho can resist!).  
> Make it clear that you won't be starting the next dance for a few minutes - 
> this encourages hydration, plus many dancers will be happy for the quick 
> break and a chance to move to the side of the hall where they can mingle and 
> find their next partner without fear that they'll be left out.
>  
> Sue Gola
>  
>  
> -Original Message-
> From: Ron Blechner via Callers 
> To: Caller's discussion list 
> Sent: Mon, Oct 31, 2016 12:56 pm
> Subject: [Callers] Positive values on the mic
> 
> Hi Shared Weight,
> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an 
> organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote 
> positive dance values.
> I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance" communication 
> with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
> I'll get us started.
> I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the 
> sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
> In dance,
> Ron Blechner
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-10-31 Thread James Saxe via Callers 
I like to say things to promote the custom of frequent partner
changes.  So after a dance, I would say at least

 Thank your partner and find a partner for the next contra
 [or "... for a waltz" or whatever is next].

and more likely

 ... and find someone new for ...

or

 ... switch around ...

and perhaps at some point early in the evening

 ... and as usual [or "as is our custom"*] find someone new ...

[*When I first heard "as is our custom" said by Ted Sannella, it
struck me that by injecting those four words, said in a relaxed
tone and taking about two seconds to say, he'd gotten the point
across as effectively, and far more pleasantly, than somebody could
with a two-minute harangue on the subject.]

To be clear, if I see some dancers (new or experienced) who came as
a couple and seem glued together, I will not by any means attempt
to *pressure* them to separate and dance with different partners.
But I do want to empower people to feel comfortable mingling.  In
particular, I don't want dancers who are new and unfamiliar with
the prevailing customs to have the agony of wondering

"If I don't keep this partner for the next dance, will (s)he
think I didn't like dancing with her/him?"

or conversely

"My partner just thanked me and then ran off to dance with
someone else.  Did I do something wrong?"

Also, if new dancers are worried about imposing their klutziness on
experienced dancers, they will perhaps be less timid about making
or accepting an offer to dance if they understand that it's only
expected to be for one dance.

And finally, if someone asks a member of one of those glued-together
couples for a dance, I hope that even if they say "No", awareness
that most people are mingling will keep them from being affronted
by the invitation.

--Jim

On Oct 31, 2016, at 7:28 AM, Ron Blechner wrote:
> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an 
> organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote 
> positive dance values.

Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-10-31 Thread Vicki Morrison via Callers 
Beth Molaro has a great series of videos about calling, one of which addresses 
this question about half way through. Thank you Beth!

Beth Molaro -- Efficient Contra Dance Walk Throughs

  
|  
|   
|   
|   ||

   |

  |
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||  
Beth Molaro -- Efficient Contra Dance Walk Throughs
 Beth Molaro describes her approach to walk throughs, being as efficient as she 
can with the instruction and gett...  |   |

  |

  |

 


  From: John W Gintell via Callers 
 To: callers  
 Sent: Monday, October 31, 2016 1:46 PM
 Subject: Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic
   
Often it is hard to hear the caller during the Walkthrough because of chatter 
from some of the dancers and the people sitting out. 

Any thoughts as to what the caller should say to politely get people to be 
quiet?

    John
___
Callers mailing list
Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
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Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-10-31 Thread via Callers 

Once or twice a night, remind the dancers to hydrate and tell them where to 
find the punch bowl, drinking fountains, etc. If there are a lot of newcomers, 
they may not know where the water source is located (and you can joke that it's 
included with the price of admissionwho can resist!).  Make it clear that 
you won't be starting the next dance for a few minutes - this encourages 
hydration, plus many dancers will be happy for the quick break and a chance to 
move to the side of the hall where they can mingle and find their next partner 
without fear that they'll be left out.

Sue Gola


-Original Message-
From: Ron Blechner via Callers 
To: Caller's discussion list 
Sent: Mon, Oct 31, 2016 12:56 pm
Subject: [Callers] Positive values on the mic



Hi Shared Weight,
I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an 
organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote 
positive dance values.
I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance" communication 
with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
I'll get us started. 
I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the sidelines 
for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
In dance,
Ron Blechner

___
Callers mailing list
Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-10-31 Thread John W Gintell via Callers 
Often it is hard to hear the caller during the Walkthrough because of chatter 
from some of the dancers and the people sitting out. 

Any thoughts as to what the caller should say to politely get people to be 
quiet?

John

Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-10-31 Thread Kalia Kliban via Callers 

On 10/31/2016 7:28 AM, Ron Blechner via Callers wrote:

Hi Shared Weight,

I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an
organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote
positive dance values.

I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance"
communication with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.


"Take a look around and see if there's sitting on the sidelines who'd 
rather be dancing."


"If you've been coming to dances for a while and you're curious about 
what it takes to put one of these on, consider being one of our 
volunteers.  More hands are always welcome.  Just talk to the folks at 
the door if you've got time to help out."


Kalia

Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-10-31 Thread Sue C. Hulsether via Callers 
“Introduce yourself to your neighbor.  And while you are at it, introduce 
yourself to your neighbor’s partner.”

sue

Sue Hulsether
shulset...@mac.com

www.suehulsether.com
608-632-1267  Cell
608-629-6250  Home
P.O. Box 363
Viroqua, WI 54665





> On Oct 31, 2016, at 9:44 AM, Linda Leslie via Callers 
>  wrote:
> 
> “if you are now joining a line, please join the shortest set.”
> I try to remember to ask dancers to acknowledge not only sound folks, but 
> also the organizers.
> 
> Linda
> 
> On Oct 31, 2016, at 10:28 AM, Ron Blechner via Callers 
> mailto:callers@lists.sharedweight.net>> 
> wrote:
> 
>> Hi Shared Weight,
>> 
>> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an 
>> organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote 
>> positive dance values.
>> 
>> I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance" communication 
>> with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
>> 
>> I'll get us started.
>> 
>> I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the 
>> sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
>> 
>> In dance,
>> Ron Blechner
>> 
>> ___
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net 
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net
> 
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

Re: [Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-10-31 Thread Linda Leslie via Callers 
“if you are now joining a line, please join the shortest set.”
I try to remember to ask dancers to acknowledge not only sound folks, but also 
the organizers.

Linda

On Oct 31, 2016, at 10:28 AM, Ron Blechner via Callers 
 wrote:

> Hi Shared Weight,
> 
> I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an 
> organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote 
> positive dance values.
> 
> I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance" communication 
> with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.
> 
> I'll get us started.
> 
> I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the 
> sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.
> 
> In dance,
> Ron Blechner
> 
> ___
> Callers mailing list
> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net
> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net

[Callers] Positive values on the mic

2016-10-31 Thread Ron Blechner via Callers 
Hi Shared Weight,

I'd like to hear some examples of things you as a caller (or you as an
organizer encouraging callers) say on the mic during a dance to promote
positive dance values.

I ask because I'm reviewing my own dance's "calling our dance"
communication with callers, as well as evaluating my own statements on mic.

I'll get us started.

I like to say, a couple times per evening, for dancers to look to the
sidelines for dancers who were sitting out, in considering a partner.

In dance,
Ron Blechner