I've noticed a disturbing trend in the international folk dance community in the area where I live. The dancers seem to rely on recordings and to discourage live music. I suspect that this is because there are not many bands that can play the different styles...at least not many are encouraged by the international folk dance community. The musicians who play for international dancers are into a specific music such as Balkan. The contra-dance NE style or seems to have more bands available.

There's something to be said for the "kitchen junket" or rolling up the rugs in a larger home and encouraging contras, squares or big circle dances but this isn't done much more around these parts compared to how it used to be. There is something alienating about sound reinforcement in a larger hall. Also, the idea that bigger is better seems to prevail. I'm in favor of small dances where you don't need amplification. Or if there is, let it be please with a sound engineer who knows how to mic accoustic instruments. Lack of that today, because most of the so-called "accoustic" players are using direct boxes with lines in from transducer or magnetic pickups. This is rampant in the coffee-houses.

Then there is the trouble of noise level at dances. The larger the dance the more yelling, talking, stomping and so forth takes place which you don't want to discourage...it's part of the fun..but the accoustic unamplified instruments aren't heard. Instead of the local gym, it would be great to find halls that could accomodate a decent accoustical environment. Also, callers with strong voices.

Frank Hamilton