Many years ago Ron Jones pushed for all callers to be included in conventions and for all to get equal numbers of calls. At the time I did not agree. As I have continued to think about the issue, my thoughts have fallen more in line with Ron’s. Because the callers association is reviewing the constitution and rules for running state conventions, I think it is important to discuss the issue, and contribute NSW caller collective thoughts.

To start the ball rolling, my current view is that more than has been the case, callers should be given similar numbers of calls over the weekend at State Conventions. Within this constraint callers should still be programmed to show them in the best light, and in so doing help the overall dance program. For example a poor caller would appear even worse if put with the callers that have the job of leaving the dancers on a high in the last bracket, similarly a great caller would be wasted if programmed only in minor daytime slots.

My reasons for now believing in equal programming are as follows: There is no doubt that a weekend featuring 1 or 2 top callers can generate a better atmosphere than a convention where many callers of all standards are to be programmed; no matter how the programming is organised. Conventions, though, have their own special atmosphere. They provide an opportunity to meet dancers from all over, and an opportunity to dance to many and varied callers with differing styles and differing choreography. Most conventions try to emphasise social events. (Queenbeyan with the steam train trip, the Adelaide National with winery and other tours; most have square dance and other shops, displays, private gatherings for the callers, etc. Where possible locations are chosen to have unique interests other than dancing)

Most experienced dancers and callers that I have talked to over the years continue to attend conventions for after parties, meeting old friends, sorting out issues at meetings etc., ie for social reasons, not because they expect the very best dance weekends. When new dancers first go along to State and National Conventions, we are trying to introduce them to the bigger social picture of dancing so that they stay in our activity longer than one or two years. We need to make them feel both welcome and accepted.

Dancers see their own callers as their leader, and look up to them. Even if a particular caller is poor in comparison to others, dancers coming to a convention for the first time are very disappointed if their own caller does not seem to get a similar amount of stage time as other callers. They are proud and loyal to their own club, and a perceived snub to their caller can be taken as a snub to their club and themselves. They are often already nervous about their ability to dance outside their own club environment, and hearing their own caller can make them feel more comfortable. If you are a caller that is normally programmed heavily and doubt the reality of this problem, ask ANY caller that is lightly programmed how their dancers react and what they say once they realise their caller is not treated as an equal.

Many conventions give around 25% of the callers significantly more calls than the rest. This means up to 75% of convention first time dancers will feel, at least disappointed, or possibly even rejected. This is not good for the growth of Square Dancing.

There is one other problem with favouritism. Many callers do not attend conventions because they do not think they will get equal share. Being seen to be not up to scratch, could damage their image with their own dancers, so they don’t attend. Less callers means less dancers attending. There seem to be some other callers who attend but make little effort to get their own dancers along, possibly for the same reason. We can ill-afford fewer dancers at our conventions.

Once the program is set, I feel the slots of the callers that have to cancel at short notice, should be filled on the weekend using the most experienced and popular callers only!. Experienced popular callers are better equipped to enhance the program with limited preparation. This also provides a way to feature the best and most popular callers without causing the new dancer problems outlined in previous paragraphs.

I am in two minds as to whether afternoon workshops featuring some callers for extended periods, impact new dancers perceptions of their own callers who are not featured. I have neither observed or experienced problems with this aspect of uneven programming. If you have experienced problems with your dancers in this situation please let us know. If you are listening to the dancers who complain that ‘they no longer go to conventions because there are too many lousy callers and the dancing is no good’ think twice before taking their suggestions too seriously. If the better callers get a bigger share, those dancers are still unlikely to attend, because the lesser callers, and less competent dancers will still be there. The only way to attract this type of dancer to conventions would be to re-educate them to enjoy the convention atmosphere and sense of unity.

It is important for you, as a caller and educator, to help newer dancers understand the social aims of conventions, thus ensuring they get the most out of their first and subsequent conventions. Unfortunately, some dancers are not given this message. They turn up at State or National Conventions, assuming that since conventions are the big functions, relative to weekend dances sponsored by one club, the dancing will be better. Through no fault of their own, they are disappointed, and may be turned off conventions. Note that I feel if a caller attends for only two days of a convention, and someone else is there for all days, then the caller contributing for the whole convention should be programmed with more calls. This avoids callers trying to get the lions share of the main night by attending only at this time and expecting ‘equal share’.

All of the above comments only apply to State and National Conventions. I believe most other functions should be programmed for best dancing and dancer entertainment, usually featuring only one or two callers.

If you, as a caller, have not been attending State Conventions because of programming problems/dancer perception, please discuss your thoughts and concerns.