Thinking about calling.

A conversation last night started me thinking about calling, and learning to call.

In 2010 I ran a callers workshop at Chester Festival, and in preparation started a an online discussion group.
Then in 2011 I started Have a Go, for those who wanted to play, dance or call. There were not enough dancers to keep this going regularly.

It seems to me that there are at least 3 types of dance events needing 3 types of callers.
a) Dance clubs.
b) Ceilidh series
c) Dances for the general public - weddings and fundraisers

a) Meet regularly, dance a variety of dances, maybe include Playford dances, ceilidh dances, American squares and Contras. These are where a would be caller is most likely to get a chance to call (maybe just one dance then build up), and other members will be tolerant of their friends attempts. Being a member of the club already, you will know what kind of dance is suitable for that particular club, or can call one they have already done, so that you aren't teaching everyone 'from scratch'. Usually they use recorded music - the organiser might have a club library of suitable music and instruction books that you can borrow and practice. It is a BIG advantage to have done the dance yourself, so that you know which parts might cause problems, and can word your 'walk through' accordingly.

b) These are more energetic and the dances are simpler as there might be a bigger proportion of newcomers. They usually book established callers and bands.

c) Again fairly simple dances, the caller needs to judge just HOW simple (how they line up for the first dance can give a clue). Live music is best for this, the caller needs to pay attention to the band as well as the dances.
So you need to know -
If you need a 32 or 48 bar tune or some other length.
If you need a particular type of tune (waltz, hornpipe etc.) or 'any jig or reel'
What speed - a smooth walk needs much faster music than a bouncy skip. Listen to the band play the tune through and try out a few steps.

When preparing a dance you need to work out how you will explain it in the walk through and how you will give short reminder 'prompts' during the dancing. How much you need to explain and how soon you can stop calling varies with the dancers. Even if you will be calling with a band it is good to find a suitable CD track and practise getting the words out at the right time. 


The Cambridge club website has all sorts of advice.
Colin Hume's site is good for club callers, with advice that can be applied ceilidh callers.
Eceilidh is a discussion group  for 'serious' ceilidh dancers, not so much for those calling for weddings etc.

I suppose the best advice is that it should be fun. So let's all enjoy ourselves.