Helpful Hints For Callers

by Al Stevens, Callerlab Accredited Caller Coach

The following hints are based on suggestions that have been made over the years at my callers schools. Many of these hints are common knowledge or common sense which, unfortunately, are seldom found in print. These hints are not at all original--most of them have been "researched" from other sources. It is hoped that these hints will stimulate your thinking so you may improve yourself.

STARTING THE DANCE

EMPTY YOUR POCKETS BEFORE THE FIRST TIP: Bulgy pockets do not make for a neat, pleasing, appearance.

KEEP YOUR HANDS OUT OF YOUR POCKETS WHILE CALLING: Again, this creates a very "sloppy" appearance.

CALL BESIDE A TABLE INSTEAD OF BEHIND IT: This gets you closer to the dancers and makes them feel you have more rapport with the floor, almost as if you are in the square with them. A table in front creates a psychological barrier between you and the dancers.

IF THERE IS AN M.C., YOU SQUARE THE FLOOR UP: It is much better if you square the floor up for the MC and then hand over the microphone to him for the necessary introductions. As you square the floor up, you will be able to get an idea of the sound in the hall, balance of music and voice, amount of volume, etc. You are now comfortable to begin the first tip. If the MC squares up the floor, then you are given the mike "cold" then immediately start calling, you have to make some adjustments. This tends to put you under pressure and can detract from the opening impression you make and the opening impression the dancers are forming of you.

IF YOU ARE THE MC, LET THE CALLER SQUARE UP THE FLOOR PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTIONS--see item 4.

IF YOU ARE THE MC, NEVER INTRODUCE ANYBODY WITH THE MUSIC PLAYING: This detracts from what you are saying. Likewise, if you are being introduced, take the needle off the record before the MC begins.

DURING THE DANCE

WHEN YOU SQUARE UP THE FLOOR AT THE START OF A TIP, HAVE THE MUSIC A LITTLE LOUDER THAN NORMAL TO GENERATE ENTHUSIASM.
BE AWARE OF WHERE THE NEEDLE IS ON THE RECORD DURING YOUR PATTER CALLING: You do not want to be surprised by the music suddenly ending. When the needle is near the end of the record, move it before the music quits, it creates an uncomfortable feeling for the dancers.
WHEN YOU MOVE THE NEEDLE ON THE RECORD, MOVE IT QUICKLY: Preferably during a "longer" call like Spin Chain Thru--All 8 Circulate, etc. You do not want the dancers to feel the change in the beat if at all possible.
DON’T BE A "MUSIC JOCKEY" DURING PATTER CALLING: This means cranking the music up loud after each command is given and turning it back down as you say the next command--this is very distracting to the dancers who need to hear the music to dance, it also gives the impression that you don’t have the ability to carry the floor in a normal manner. Occasionally turning the music up a little is ok during a "Spin Chain Thru", or for the Left Allemande, however some callers will jockey the music every call or two. This becomes very expensive if it costs you dancers because they don’t like it.