gather
dominate, as it should. I make it a point to have the crowd honor the band during the dance, and then as I’m wrapping up the cords, to express my deep appreciation for the solid, uplifting music. Such joyful teamwork is a gift and a blessing. It’s the teamwork that brings the magic. I have become acutely aware of all the components in this process, and this allows me to tap into everyone’s role and to direct their goodwill and skill. I am a catalyst that is still able to provide that service, and I am the beneficiary of the magic as much as everyone else. Over ten years, a maturity of working together set in, and this reassures me. We do our best work when we are relaxed! In this case, the venue has all the right stuff that says “Saturday Night Dance”. It’s a barn close to town with a warming fire on a magnificent summer’s night. There is a potluck beforehand, friends and neighbors flow in, conversations are lively and animated. When I have the sound set up, the band arranges itself, and that first tune ignites the party. The barn is a small one, and soon it is packed. I seize the moment, and do those figures which use the space wisely. Beginner dancers have not yet developed the skills to dance in cramped spaces, but the veterans have, and they pass those skills along quickly with the right dance. At the end of that first dance I can build on that by advising small steps, watching out for those around you, listening and flowing with the music. The second dance is still plenty crowded, but since the first one was short, I can add to new figures, and keep doing plenty of interactions with the neighbor as well as the partner. The long-time dancers in Ely are all very nice people, and again, this is the magic of the dances. Every caller should have a group of “ringers” like this. If you pick the right dance, you really can’t miss.
We did an open waltz after that, and then I finished out the night. It would have gone on and on. But, better to end a little after closing time to keep the hosts happy, the band in good shape for the next one, and me back to my own bed in Duluth at a reasonable hour. There will be more dances in the future and folks were happy to linger by the fire, tuck in the corners with friends, and call it a night. I enjoyed a few words with the band, wrapping up my cords, packing up, hanging by the fire, taking in the whole scene. More and more I want to savor these times, be in the moment, appreciate all the good things that came my way. The good jam, the good sponsors, the terrific band. The warmth of the fire and hosts with open hearts. Ah, on the way home I think of all these things and say to myself: You should really take some time to write it all down, capture it if you can. The troubadour’s life has these golden moments, and you want your grandchildren to know their lives will too, if they listen to their hearts, love those around them, and share the good times while they are there. ■
Photo: AV Photography
ISSUE ONE, SEPT 2025
9
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