From: corun@access.digex.com (Corun MacAnndra)
Subject: Re: Dancing at Pennsic
Organization: Express Access Online Communications, Greenbelt, MD USA
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1992 17:18:13 GMT

My Lords and Ladies, I bid you greeting.

I previously sent a note on this topic, but unfortunately I sent via a direct
reply which did not get posted to this discussion area. I think it went to 
the originator who is probably very confused right now. Anyway, I will try to
recall all that I wrote and present it again, properly this time.

A problem I have noticed throughout the Society's events is proper period
amplification, i.e. the human voice. I have had some training in vocal
projection, and would be happy to teach this skill and some exercises to any
who wish it. A properly trained voice can be heard throughout an event,
without bringin injury to the speaker's vocal chords. The screamers in all
those B horror films never ruin their throats, and stage actors are able to
be heard giving a stage whisper by those in the cheap seats at the back of the
house. This is not a difficult skill to learn, and the exercises can also
be of benefit for merely learning better breathing control. Heralds in 
particular would benefit from this. Many's the time I've been to an event and
had the Herald next to me not be heard two tables away because the Oyez didn't
get everyone's attention (I won't go into my diatribe about rudeness to
Heralds). Anyway, for those interested, I can be found at the camp of the
Dark Horde Moritu, and will be at Pennsic not later than this Saturday. If the
Heralds or Dancemasters wish to have a formal class held, I am most willing.
A note to the Heralds, this might be of especial benefit to your cryers at
War. Talan and Jaella know where to find me.

On another note. At the last Pennsic Planning Committee (yes, there is one)
meeting, the subject of a dancefloor for the barn was brought up. Now I know
it's a little late in the game for this War, but think about this over the
next year. If people are willing, a dance floor could be constructed in
pieces, brought individually to War, and put together there. The Coopers
would not have to worry about storage as the pieces would go home with their
builders, and the dancers wouldn't get so many shin splints from dancing on
the unyielding concrete. This will take coordination in the construction, so
as not to have pieces that don't fit together. Everyone will have to build
the pieces the same way. If you've ever been to a wedding reception and
danced on one of those portable dance floors, you get somewhat of the idea
here. A sheet of plywood is eight feet by four feet. If twelve people brought
two, that would give an area of seven hundred square feet, or approximately
(depending on the layout), 32 feet by 24 feet. If we get enough interest in
this, we could cover most of the barn floor.

Now I hear you say "How am I going to get two sheets of plywood to War?" To
which I answer, lay it on the roof racks first, and everything else on top
of that. It doesn't make for the most aerodynamic of rides, but it's not too 
bad at that. I am neither dancemaster nor dancer (though my Lady is trying
hard to cure that last), but I am willing to bring some dance floor to War.
This could work. Remember, it's the Society for `Creative' Anachronisms.

In Service,
Corun