Square dancing

[cjsmith]

I am humbled by and grateful for the support the C4 square dancing community has shown while I have been learning C4. People are willing to put together dance groups for us new folk. Experienced dancers are willing to go to these learner-groups and dance stuff that has got to be incredibly boring for them, in order to help us out. Organizers tell us about the easier dances, saying "come when you're ready". Rumor has it that some local C4 dancers expect me to be good at this one day -- and they're saying so, in a community small enough that word of mouth, and reputation, can make a huge difference for a person's opportunities.

I had had some minor worries about the more skilled dancers being a bit snobbish. It's easy for someone who's not (yet) qualified to be in a certain group to feel that that group must look down its noses at others, presuming lack of ability until proven otherwise. But I've found the opposite to be the case. True, they'll notice someone's lack of aptitude; I've seen that happen. But they'll give the person a good ol' college try, first, and provide bunches of support along the way.

Makes me want to work my buns off. Wouldn't want to get all this support and STILL be a loss when I get into a square.

Comments

Hmmm heard something like this before....

[chiefted]

I had had some minor worries about the more skilled dancers being a bit snobbish It's easy for someone who's not (yet) qualified to be in a certain group to feel that that group must look down its noses at others, presuming lack of ability until proven otherwise.

Sounds like this can/does happen with any hobby (using the term hobby as something you do to make yourself happy, but your not earning a living at it). I have gotten this from some in the model railroad/train photography groups and shows I have been too. In the model railroad community there are those people who will pick at everything. We call this type of person a "rivet counter" as in "That Santa Fe tender only had 9 rivets on the top, not 12 like you have".

But they'll give the person a good ol' college try, first, and provide bunches of support along the way

I treasure these people in the model railroad/rail photography communities. Its wonderful to have someone take you under his/her wing and say "Hey good job on this, If you want to improve, here is a hint. or "Hey here is a good article that can help out if you want to try this model again or upgrade it". I posted a pic to a railfan group once to ask a question. I got jumped on by the rivet counters but one person said "Hey that is a good photo, you might try this next time but other than that you show promise". I looked at who sent it and it was a fairly famous rail photographer (famous within the rail fan community). To hear that kind of "nice job" from him was worth 20 "ya did it wrongs".

Re: Hmmm heard something like this before....

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I think you're right, both the "rivet counters" and the welcoming/supporting types are present in many communities and for many hobbies.

To hear that kind of "nice job" from him was worth 20 "ya did it wrongs".

Isn't that great? :-) Go you!