sitting out songs.

[tribaltagz]

When I was younger, the way I remember it was that gourd dancers always sat out the opening song until the "hard" push, then danced the rest.
Now, I see that oftentimes gourd dancers sit out the first song of every set. Why? Is there a reason for this?

[park]

I have seen this done both ways. I have been taught that, in more formal settings, in deference to the host society's Headmen, only the Headmen stand up to dance after the push you describe.

[Josiah]

When I was younger, the way I remember it was that gourd dancers always sat out the opening song until the "hard" push, then danced the rest.
Now, I see that oftentimes gourd dancers sit out the first song of every set. Why? Is there a reason for this?

Things change over time
But this that you are describing are the most common that I have seen just about everywhere

I have also noticed that some sit down at each song then stand on the first hard beat after the song has started

Also when closing the gourd dance everybody stands and dances the last 4 songs

We had a thread a while back about when were you suppose to stand
Most stand and dance on the first hard beat of the song
I was told that you dance when it feels right
Too often we get caught up into a rigid way of doing things and forget we are there to dance and hear good songs
Its why I Gourd Dance in the first place
Because the songs make me feel good!

[Zotigh]

When I was younger, the way I remember it was that gourd dancers always sat out the opening song until the "hard" push, then danced the rest.
Now, I see that oftentimes gourd dancers sit out the first song of every set. Why? Is there a reason for this?

No Whipman. No dancy. :D

Gourd societies have headsmen. Leaders. It's in respect to those leaders that we members stand when they stand. If we don't stand and dance, there is a Whipman to 'urge' us.

But, at non-society dances there are no leaders. No whipmen. Many folks don't know when they should stand. Some treat the "head gourd dancer" as the leader-substitute (I think that is disrespectful to the real leaders of the Gourd Societies), and they stand when he stands.

I've heard of folks not dancing the first verse or song, but have no idea where they get that from.

When I am at a non-society dance I simply stand when I feel ready. No certain point of the song. Just when I feel ready.

[tribaltagz]

Aho

I appreciate everyone explaining. When you're younger, you don't pay as much attention as you should I think (at least I didn't) so I would notice things but never knew the reasons why and was taught not to ask too many questions, that the teachings would come to you in their own time, so I didn't ask about alot of things I would see. I'd just watch and listen.

[Kio-Manche]

Step On It!

First song of a set, when the singer's "Step on It", is when I start.