Our Side Of The Mic
Our Side of the Mic
by Bob Riggs
It’s SUMMER !! … Are you scheduled to go to Lyons, CO for a Red Rock Ramblers dance, attend the Colorado State Festival on June 14th-15th in Loveland, travel to Oklahoma City, OK between June 27-29th for the 62nd National Convention, on August 2nd & 3rd travel to West Cliff for the 27th High Country Weekend, on the weekend of August 9th & 10th support the dance events at the Denver County Fair and the Douglas County Fair.
Those of us that live and dance in Colorado have a unique square and round dance environment that is not found in most of the world. As you travel this year attend square dances and encourage everyone to have fun, dance well and enjoy the fellowship of the dance. Recognize that most of the country has limited variety in their square & round dance activity. The vast majority of dances you find, are Plus dances, which means that most recruits must participate in a long class that teaches the recruits from circle left through spin chain & exchange the gears. Our activity needs all of the programs from limited basic programs through Mainstream, Plus, Advanced and beyond to provide our world an extensive variety of opportunities to dance. Most of those that participate should be taught to enjoy the basic or mainstream programs that provide a dance frequency that fits most people’s life of work, school, sports, music, church and dance. If we can build the number of people of all ages that are basic dancers or mainstream dancers a strong base will be formed for our activity and the other programs will flourish.
What this means is we should all be recruiting for our mainstream clubs. We should let our mainstream club members enjoy dancing this program. We should be open to the formation of Basic groups/clubs.
If we review all dance forms and many other recreational activities we will see that there are classes that allow anyone to join their activity. As people participate they are encouraged to attend more classes that allow them to gradually increase their skill to more advanced levels from novice through professional, our activity is no different.
Consider these thoughts as you enjoy great dancing this Summer.
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Our Side of the Mic
by Bob Riggs
After a delightful New Year’s Eve Dance last night it became clear that our dance activity can grow if we enjoy each and every dance, each and every person that we meet at a dance.
I ask you … would you participate in an activity where there are complaints about the work to prepare for each event, complaints about the commitment to come and bring refreshments, complaints about the lack of folks that will volunteer to perform the actions necessary for the continuation of the club and the sponsoring of its events? I believe the answer will be a resounding NO.
I ask you … would you participate in an activity where everyone is excited, wants to attend each dance, leaves having enjoyed the dance and the people they met, contributes willingly of their time and other resources? I believe the answer will be a whole hearted YES.
If you observe the dance groups that are doing well, you will see that the second question is answered with a YES. If you see a club that is struggling, you may see the circumstances of the first question.
But, you say that is all fine and good Bob, but our club is struggling, the officers have served for too many years and are tired, we can’t get anyone new into the club, let alone a class. We are struggling simply to have enough money to pay for the hall, the callers and the cuers. Our dances are smaller and smaller and we don’t enjoy it like we used too.
So what do we do? ………….
First, please adopt the philosophy that the enjoyment of those attending is of most importance, and those who are not in attendance will miss a terrific evening and are probably where they ought to be.
Second, leave the worries of the day and the discussions associated with the operation of the club away from the dance. Discuss the serious aspects of club operation in board meetings and separate club meetings.
Third, work with your club members, callers and cuers to produce a dance event that members and guests will truly enjoy and desire to attend. Remember to be creative, produce an event that will draw the attendees you want to draw.
Fourth, market each event to ensure that perspective attendees don’t miss an event that you have put such effort into planning.
Fifth, encourage everyone to remember these five rules of square dancing: (1) enjoy yourself, (2) smile to show your enjoyment, (3) hold up your hands about shoulder high so that others can help if you are unsure, (4) never turn around, the next call is always in front of you and (5) either listen to or ignore the caller, whichever allows everyone to enjoy themselves.
If you would like to contribute your thoughts directly to me please send me an email at
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Weather to dance or not to dance!
Hi all,
Our summer weather that extended itself into November has exited stage south and been replaced with record artic cold snaps and bouts of snow, ice, & fog entering stage north. Welcome to Colorado! This type of weather can put us into a quagmire, “Weather to dance or not to dance” when bad weather strikes. We can take steps in making good, prepared decisions. My top ten things to consider in dealing with dances and our infamous Colorado weather!
10. PREPARE: Keep an eye on the upcoming weather forecast. It’s easy to get busy with life and get blindsided by our weather. I know the local jokes concerning weather forecasting in Colorado but over all they don’t really do too badly. Take steps and plan for an inclement weather situation before it hits!
- LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS: A rule of thumb we use here is that if our local school district closes, our dance is cancelled. This “Rule of thumb” works well. Just be sure everyone knows it!
- COMMUNICATE AHEAD OF TIME: If a problem looks like it might be rearing its ugly head and you have hired an out of town caller/cuer then the club or caller should contact its respective counterpart and discuss the situation in advance! Remember this is Colorado; the weather could be OK in at the dance location but not where the caller is travelling from, or vice-versa!
- A STAND BY: if there is a question as to the caller/cuer being able to get to your dance a good alternative is to put a local caller on “standby” ahead of time to cover the dance if indeed. Most local callers are more than willing to “stand by” if the situation lends itself.
- EARLY DECISSIONS: If a change has to be made it is usually best to make them early on the day of your dance. If a decision is made by noon then the word can get out and folks can adjust accordingly.
- STICK TO YOUR DECISSION: Once you have decided to cancel or go on with your dance, stay with that decision, and do not change it. Nothing gets more confusing than making a decision then changing it.
- USE TECHNOLOGY: If you have to make a change in your venue, use the internet, email, web pages etc. to inform the dancing populace of the changes as soon as possible. The Colorado State Square Dance Council Page or your local council page is a great place to post such announcements.
- WEATHER CLAUSE: It’s a great idea to have a weather clause in your contracts that spell out exactly what to do in case of inclement weather. This will prevent any miscommunications between both parties.
- BE UNDERSTANDING: If your caller/cuer contacts you in regards to not being able to do your scheduled dance please understand. Callers love to call so if a caller cancels out believe me the decision more than likely boiled down to safety. Remember, in most cases the caller/cuer usually has to travel back home after the dance as well. One’s own safety is a personal choice and really should not come under scrutiny.
- SAFETY FIRST: Safety for all parties is the major consideration for deciding to cancel or not to cancel a dance. Heaven forbid that a weather related indecent occur while travelling to or from a dance.
I realize a lot of this is just common sense but perhaps there are a couple of ideas that may help your club avoid problems when dealing with our famous Colorado weather.
See you in the square,
Jeff Palmer
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Our Side of the Mic
by Allynn Riggs
Ah, April. What is most important about April? Most of the Mainstream classes have graduated and we have many excited and eager dancers looking for places to dance. We encourage each and every one of you to welcome these dancers. Remember that they still need about 55 to 60 more hours of dancing before they are truly comfortable. Encourage them to get out dancing at least once a week (preferred by their dance teachers) and a minimum of twice a month. Call them, invite them to join you and then car pool with them to a dance. Get to know them. Laugh with them not at them – remember, you made and still make lots of mistakes or occasionally have trouble hearing. Encourage them to be among the first on the floor and to square up near the front.
Now is also the time to start planning for summer activities. Be sure to have the Colorado State Festival in Loveland on June 14-16, 2013 on every calendar. If you have not yet registered please do so. Mike Seastrom and Hunter Keller will be headlining with lots of regional callers offering their best as well. The headline cuers will be Steve and Lori Harris. Registration forms are available in each bulletin or online at www.freedomswings2013.com. The next event you should consider is the Oklahoma City National Convention, June 26-29, 2013. Check out their website, www.62nsdc.com, for registration forms as well. In August there is USA West Convention in Boise, Idaho. All three of these are within reasonable driving distance and can provide you with a variety of great dancing.
Another part of summer activities involve your club events, dance related or not these should be planned now – get them into the bulletin calendar so the newer or visiting dancers can connect with you. If your club has not planned that potluck and barn dance or camping trip or visit to some local historical venue, why not set it up right now? Take the initiative to get out dancing this summer.
Also, keep a list of friends, acquaintances, co-workers, etc. who express the slightest interest in the square dance activity. You should be collecting their names and contact information year-round. Let them know when and where classes are being held. Better yet, get their information to all the callers who are teaching. Encourage them to try it out – you know how much fun it is, so share it. Let this secret ‘out of the bag’.
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Our Side of the Mic
by Bob Riggs
Have you ever asked yourself why you square or round dance? Do you think that everyone’s reasons to square dance are the same as yours? Do you dance for the joy of the dance? Do you dance for the fellowship of your fellow dancers? Do you dance because of the exercise? Do you dance because of the challenge of the puzzle? Etc. etc. etc.
When we visit a club we very quickly experience the energy of the club members and the guests that are attending the dance. Sometimes the excitement is evident in the first moments; sometimes a more subdued environment exists; and sometimes it is very depressing. What kind of dance would you like to attend? We believe you would want to attend a dance where all are attending to enjoy the dance, the fellowship and the fun.
For those of you who plan and participate in the production of each dance event, it has been said that “only the joy should show” to those attending. We understand that it takes effort from some of you, to plan a dance, promote the dance, setup for the dance, make sure all of the details are handled during the dance, and that cleanup is handled properly. For these efforts we THANK YOU!
Recently, we have observed the success of a few dances … many reported that the Kilowatt Eights’ 75th Anniversary Dance was a terrific time, the promotion, the setup and dance and in general the entire experience was enjoyed by those in attendance. Further, we heard that in August the Hi Country Weekend in West Cliff was a great weekend, thanks to the efforts of the organizers and the callers and cuers. These results make for successful events and strong clubs. Keep it up!
On another note: Join Justin Russell and Mitch Thompson at the council anniversary dance, November 2nd at the Arvada United Methodist Church, 6750 Carr St, Arvada, council meeting 5:00pm, Rounds at 6:00pm and squares at 6:30pm.
If you would like to contribute your thoughts directly to me, please send me an email at
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