My articles and web pages about contra dance calling.
A quick point:
being a good caller requires success in several different tasks.
You don't have to do well at them all initially,
but will need to give them all some thought.
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Calling a dance
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The words that come out of your mouth once the music starts
require timing and clarity.
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Teaching a dance
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The words you use during the walk-through
require clarity and appropriate pacing.
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Selecting dances
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Programming an evening of dances in advance,
and adapting to the circumstances you find when stepping up to the microphone.
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Serving as the host of the evening
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You're the face of the organization,
and how you present yourself,
and how you welcome dancers
makes a big difference.
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The newcomer session (if any)
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This is much more "art" than science,
opinions on content and form vary widely,
and many new dancers don't arrive in time for it,
but you should put thought into what you do,
and reasons for your choices.
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Conduct as a dancer
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If you're a caller,
the way you behave when dancing matters!
Do you listen to the caller,
take hands four promptly,
and help the evening go smoothly?
You're setting an example, in everything you do!
A second point:
Keep in mind that
the caller, the musicians, and the dancers are all on the same side!
Everyone has turned up in order to have as much fun as possible as quickly as possible.
Everyone wants you to succeed!