Let me start this article by commenting on the CALLERLAB article in this month’s issue. On the subject of stealing music. I know the politically correct term is pirating, illegal copying, sharing, etc. The truth of the matter is, it is just downright theft. Callers and Cuers who would never consider stealing from a bank, store, neighbor or anyone else, have not realized that “sharing” music is stealing. If you really cannot afford to spend around $7.00 to buy a new record, there are several ways to legally obtain music from retired callers, or even on eBay. When you steal music, you are not only taking from the producers, you are assisting in eliminating a whole industry that is built just to support you. Take a minute when you get music and ask yourself, “Am I being honest? Is this the morally correct thing to do?”

The ACA article on listening to your dancers is a good one. I am not sure that I agree with an all singing call format; however, if that is what your regular dancers want, why not? Early in his article Moe talks about working to learn intricate patterns, writing complex choreography, and doing everything he thought he should do to make himself a better caller. One thing I did not see him mention, something that I preach a lot, something that ACA preaches a lot – make the dance fun. The vast majority of dancers on the floor cannot tell you what the calls are on the Mainstream list, the Plus list, or even the calls on the Advanced list. What they can tell you is whether or not they are having fun. This being said, I am a strong believer in differing programs. I like to know what program I am supposed to call. If I attend a dance, I want to know the program of the dance. A good caller from any program will watch the floor, if the level is too easy he or she will work to make it more interesting. If the program is too challenging, he or she will make it easier. When the caller walks around between tips and talks to the dancers, ask them what they want to hear. It might surprise you and you can adjust your program on the fly. The most important thing is to keep your dancers entertained. They are paying you to give them fun. Make it fun!

Changing the subject: I posted on my face book page that you did not have to be a CALLERLAB member to attend the CALLERLAB convention. I was surprised at the response of the number of people who did not know this little tidbit of information. I think there is a caller from Canada who is even organizing a Nashville tour for dancers, some of whom will go ahead and check out CALLERLAB just to see what happens at a convention. For more information about this, check out the CALLERLAB website (www.callerlab.org).