I really like Greg MacKenzie's question,

>>The real question is: What is your purpose?  And what is the purpose of the
>> majority of those who attend?  Are you trying to "preserve a tradition," to
>> "open folks to other dance traditions," or simply "to offer an open
>> community social dance with live music," or a combination of all those.
>>  ...Or are we doing something else entirely?  The answer will surely vary
>> for each dance series or event.
>> 
>> This is a question seldom discussed yet it seems to be a central issue
>> regarding how we organize dances and what the role of the caller is.  I
>> think that discussion would be very useful.
>> 
>> What is the purpose of our event and what is the caller's job in realizing
>> that purpose?

I agree - this is indeed something I've never heard discussed. I've also never heard any particular stance on our purpose shared with dancers by boards, or with callers & bands by dance managers when booking. We have just sort of been each taking our own individual ideas of what we're up to for granted, I guess. Building community is another aspect we might throw into the pot. But who should be in on the deciding? Further musing: is it even a matter for deciding, or does the purpose of any ongoing activity sort of grow and shift organically to suit the times and those co-creating it? 

Thanks for the provocative question, Greg!

Tina