Calling in Los Angeles

[cjsmith]

I am mostly pleased with my calling during this past weekend. The dancers clearly enjoyed it, the level was appropriate with just the right amount of challenge, and I'm slowly getting better at using the music.

I did do one thing which is well-supported by common usage but which is technically not legal. I'm kicking myself a bit for that. I am sure only one person on the floor noticed at all, but still I want to keep very high standards for that sort of thing. The dancers deserve it. It's time for me to re-read the definitions!

And I am happy with my ability to tailor the level to the floor, to come up with workshop material, and to call just a little bit better to the music. That's all good.

When I first started learning to call I had no idea I would still be doing it more than fourteen years later. If someone told me I'd be internationally known for it I'd have thought "escapee from the funny farm". As it turns out both these things are true, and I'm still learning!

Comments

[zipperbear]

I did do one thing which is well-supported by common usage but which is technically not legal. I'm kicking myself a bit for that. I am sure only one person on the floor noticed at all, but still I want to keep very high standards for that sort of thing. The dancers deserve it. It's time for me to re-read the definitions!

What did you do? If common usage supports it, then perhaps the definition is wrong, and needs to be changed. Never kick yourself for doing something you think is right, and don't judge rightness based on groundless authority. The doctrine of Callerlabial Infallibility will only bring you sadness and confusion.

Also, even if you think it's wrong, you can call it anyway (e.g., Dave Wilson's "Pass the Ocean, And Roll, as if you could"). The way of the world is to make laws, but follow customs. Rules are made to be broken, and all that. You're a professional, and you're being paid to make these decisions of style and correctness.

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

Yay you!

I'm sure it must be a C3 or C4 call you mentioned is used illegally, but often, so I won't even ask. :-)

Trying to remember...if I've ever danced to your calling! I don't think so!