An Update on How We Are Doing - and Points of Interest.
1. Attendance
It's a pleasure to report we have just received our 150th weekend booking - ahead of last year at this time (131). Over 35% of these are newcomers to us - including two from Brisbane! But, we'd like at least 50 more (100, says Mecki !). Lots of our regulars are still to put pen to paper - so, remember you have until 31st January to book at £85 a ticket - then it goes to £97.
2. Callers' Showcase
As in the past few years, we will be running the Callers' Showcase. So, if you are a newish caller who would like to call at May Heydays, please reply to this mail, and we'll pass your name on to Rhodri and John who will be leading the workshop. Feedback will be given behind the scenes, while the next caller starts explaining their dance. That way we'll get through more dances than was the case last year, and it should be a more satisfying experience for everyone involved.
3. The Hard of Hearing
We've had a mail from a dancer affected by hearing loss, and we want to ensure all can enjoy the weekend. The points raised have been discussed with callers, the sound team and the school; all will do their level best to make our weekend a pleasurable experience for EVERYONE, not just those who have no trouble with their hearing!
An advice sheet has been developed for callers and the sound team which will give tips on how to facilitate the process of enabling everyone on the dance floor to have the chance to hear what the caller is saying. This will include using a microphone on the dance floor when demonstrating a figure, for example. However, it is important that everyone in the room is considerate and keeps the noise down, especially during walk-throughs. As we all know, noise levels can be high and difficult for all dancers, not just those with hearing issues!
From looking at the venue pictures, fears were raised that there will be reverberation issues with some of the halls.
We have spoken with - and been round - the school twice, with a member of the sound team. The smaller gym has had some remedial work done which, we have been assured, has addressed reverberation issues in that particular hall. The only other hall known to suffer from reverberation is the Large Gym. This is a space suitable for over a hundred dancers but in view of current number expectations we do not anticipate its use this year. Should numbers rise substantially, such that we need this Gym, we'll look into working on the reverberation issue beforehand.
The guide for callers regarding hearing loss issues will be published shortly on Facebook.
The whole team is keen to hear of further points anyone would like to see added.
4. Carol's Workshop Programme.
Once you have booked to come, you get the chance to participate in the Programming Process! Carol Ormand has sent us a list of 9 possible workshops. Unfortunately, we only have space for six! Have a look at this page: http://www.mayheydays.org.uk/choices.html. It gives you the chance to state your preferences. Voting closes on 31 January!
Mecki Testroet, Director Monty Crook, Ticketing