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Stuart, I read that last article a couple of times and still couldn't figure out the time sequence of performance and explanation. Are they done at the same time, or before, or afterward? I ask, because our ballet association does these "informances" whereby visiting dance companies must come out after their performance of the evening and answer questions for the audience. I'm sure all dancers would rather do that than get out of their sweaty costumes and into a hot shower, etc. Also -- well after the designated performance time, someone comes out and starts talking about all the corporate sponsors, blah, blah, which backs the performance up to now being a good 30 minutes late. I'm sure the dancers also love that -- warming up, only to wait and wait. I think maybe there should be an 11th commandment somewhere that says that all administrators need to have some class experience, if not performing experience. <P>One way I've always said to get your audience is to get them young. When I was in my infancy of newspaper days, the local university brought in many dance performances from outside to a small town that really didn't know what was what (there was one dance school in the town and it did one of those 8-hour recitals every year that resembled a "Taffy's" fashion show). Meanwhile, there was also a young, energetic, enthusiastic couple with a tiny newborn splitting a part-time salary to teach dance at the college. I, as the editor of the paper, met with a fundraising officer at the college and together, we put together a package that got the husband and wife money to give lecture dems in the school system, thereby educating the kids and providing needed income for this couple. Kids need to see that it's normal to see a dancer in a supermarket, just like a police officer or teacher. I wanted to make it accessible, instead of misunderstood and elitist. This was in the late 70s and considered somewhat groundbreaking. I was happy to have a hand in it.<P>About 10 years ago, David Parsons came to U. of Minn. for a concert, but earlier in the day, put on a noon hour performance in a classroom for employees of the U. and their kids. My mom called me up and I went and we all sat on the floor -- about 2 inches away from the dancers, and had a ball. It was so much fun to see "The Letter" done with the participation of the kids, squealing and laughing as they tossed it around, etc. I'm sure those children will never forget their interactions with that troupe.
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