A first substantial contra dance calling experience
At the May 1st, 2010, Albuquerque contra dance, scheduled caller Richard Wilson handed me a special opportunity to call most of the evening. The evening started with Karina Wilson and I leading a waltzing workshop. Richard called the initial dance, gave me the rest of the first half, then Karina called the first dance of the second half and I called the rest. Something that worked well was using the circle waltz mixer we taught in the workshop to begin the waltz ending the first half. The mixer went around 5 or so times and by chance our original partner ended right in our hand, then the circle broke apart into a free waltz.
It’s a very special experience to come face-to-face with the things I can’t do while doing the very best I can. It’s me failing for the greater good, and to fail in public for the dancers is a powerful opportunity. I’ve felt wonderful support from the people in the contra dance and music community, and for them I want to do better at everything.