[Squaredancing] Re: 54th NSDC on Jay Leno

[Clark Baker]

On Jul 21, 2005, at 11:15 AM, ljknews wrote:

> Of course it was naturally the subset of square dancers who can afford
> to (and choose to) travel to Oregon.  For me the piece solidified my
> (negative) reaction to US national square dancing conventions.

I don't believe it is fair to judge how well you would be entertained 
at a National Convention by the Jay Leno coverage, especially since 
their goal is to poke fun at the event.

I have attended 4 recent Nationals and expect to attend at least the 
next 3.  Each is different, and at each I find ways to be entertained.  
Sometimes it is watching the exhibition dancers, sometimes it is 
attending the seminars.  Other times it is dancing in the contra or 
Advanced or Challenge halls.  Often it is dancing with younger dancers 
who "get" it.  Finally, closing out each evening with 2 hours of Plus 
hexagons is fun.

If you can't have fun at a National, it is hard to see where you can 
have fun.

> Remember those are the events that publicize that you _must_ wear 
> funny clothes.

I haven't been excluded from a National wearing what I wear to most 
contra dances.  I usually try to wear a western shirt each evening.

Of course, if the travel and staying expense is too much, you should 
choose your dance events.  Certainly the dance fee for Nationals is 
reasonable.

--
Clark Baker, Belmont, MA
cmbaker at tiac.net