I haven't done a dance in years, but my church wants me to have dancing after I play for dinner. This is their Valentines dinner dance.

I know the music I want, and know enough to keep it going in the same style while people are on the floor, but is there a certain protocol as far as announcements are concerned? Is a lot of banter needed?

I have played at our Church for entertainment and also for dancing.
I think a bit of banter makes for a more interesting evening and
also to rest ears for a short time between numbers.

I mentioned bands and vocalists who made the particular song
famous and what year the song was recorded. My audience seemed
to enjoy that and brought back memories of that time. I kept
it short and sweet and the evening went very well. Lloyd

Bernie,

My personal M.O. is if there are people on the dance floor [after you finish a song] awaiting to see what you play next...obviously, no banter is necessary.

But, I'm sure you, and all the nice folks on this Forum all subscribe to this same philosophy.

Ron in Florida

When playing a song, many dancers get up to dance late into the song causing us to play the song longer.

I noticed that by announcing the title or genre before the tune gets their attention sooner.

Some dancers have to listen for awhile to determine the rhythm. If we announce "Now we would like to play a beautiful Rhumba......., the Latin dancers will get up immediately. It helps to let them know you will be playing a Tango, Bachata, Cha-Cha, Waltz etc. and the response time is much quicker from the dancers.

Don't play your Polkas too long unless you have 911 on speed dial

Regards,

Jerryghr

All great advice. Keep it coming.
Thanks

Bernie when selling securities I asked my manager what I should say to the people I call.
His answer; “Tell them what you would want to hear”. Amen!

1-Keep an eye on the dancers they will let you know how long to play the same type of dance.
2-As you are playing decide what the next type of dance should be.
3-The longer the pause between you go into the next type of dance the more dancers you will lose.

Try to build their excitement: Starting with a moderate beat and building to an exciting one. As they begin to slow down play a ballad that they all know. No pausing between songs.

Bernie this is an adventure from reading your music and keyboard changes to reading the audience. I have no doubt that you’ll do a great job.

John
PS, Bantering is added when you have accomplished the above. One step at a time.C.

"No pausing between songs."

Not even after a polka?

Bernie - A good entertainer/emcee will look at the crowd to "read" them. Their faces, body language, and possibly, breathing will tell you what they want. As a general rule, people don't expect a lot of yapping between songs, but friendly, thematic tidbits can help "connect" you to the audience. Pick a face, and talk TO them. For example:
"This next song was inspired by that lovely lady in red, over by the water fountain. Let's all share it together"
Breathers are ok after long medleys, or fast tunes, but don't let the airspace go dead - interact and let them know you're taking that break for their benefit.
ie:
"Whew ... you guys have so much more energy than I do! Beautiful job - I'd only be able to finish half that dance - well done! So ... here's a nice slow dance. Pick a partner that's fun to hold close. (big smile)"

Let the crowd tell you what they like. They always do. If you come across as sincere, they will warm right up to you. Let the music speak for your emotions.

Thank you UD.

Great advice, along with that from my other friends.

Bernie go watch people playing dances that know what they are doing playing dances and get some tips by watching what they do on stage and watch the dancers reactions... then apply your way of doing it using that as a starting point,.....I wish you were closer, also have some good mp3 dance music & backing tracks, etc ,.. also your gonna need it besides the KB ...good luck

Bernie, these are all good tips, but there are a couple of other things I have found - through MY experience - that you should be aware of ...
1)Unless your congregation is different, people who attend church dinner/dances are not usually out for the same type of 'good time' as would be a group going to a dance club, or even some other type of function, i.e. a wedding or social club dance... I have found church groups to be much more reserved, especially if the Pastor or whomever is in attendance. Even after dinner, when the lights have been lowered to create more of an atmosphere, and the 'dance' music is playing, people may shy away from the dance floor ...
EXAMPLE: I played solo at a wedding for a young couple from our church and a good number of the congregation was there ... they danced all night and had a great time ... At the annual church dance, I played the same music, and most of those same people only got up once or twice to dance to a slow song.

2) I have had more success playing 'dances' when I've had at least one more musician with me - generally a sax player ... I guess to some people it seems more like a band than one guy behind a KB ...
But, as Donny said, along with what YOU play, you should be prepared with some mp3s of the more popular dance songs ...

Best of luck, and let us know how you make out ...

PS Next Friday I am playing our church's annual dance with a sax player ... looking forward to it, but I've played it for the past 5 years and I pretty much know what to expect ...

“Not even after a polka” Bernie yes!
Something like moonlight serenade.

John C.

You have always been right there willing to help, and I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I don't have time to find any dances, but this is a small gathering of fellow churchgoers, and there is no pressure. I will, however, have some good MP3 music in my arsenal. Thank you.