Swingin' Tern

The Swingin' Tern Committee Report for March 6:

Since the board last met, Swingin' Tern has had two dances. The first one on February 18 didn't promote contra dancing because the early dances called were too complicated for beginners, and almost none of them wanted a free pass to another dance. The Off'n Ensemble band was a bright spot. Also, reflecting the successful appeal of previous dances, twelve

free passes were turned in February 18.

The second dance on March 3 was good. While only three free passes were turned in--a 75+% drop from the average of the previous five dances—we had had a healthy positive cash flow. Though fewer beginners came, all eight first-timer contra dancers wanted free passes to another dance.

Financially, our cash flow was $5 negative at the February 18 dance and $205 positive at the March 3 dance. The February 18 dance was on the same weekend as The Flurry, which drew many of our regular dancers, so we expected to lose money. But the attendance was decent.

We still seek to hold an event on a local campus, but our previously gung-ho college contacts have disappeared. Such an event might happen later than this semester. There is widespread interest among our volunteers, dancers and FP Board supporters to have an on-campus dance, and we will use that support to our advantage.

We have two more official volunteers, including Karen Justin to work with Nancy Kelner's Publicity Committee.

Leigh Walker

Swingin' Tern