The following information is published with ROUNDALAB's permission from the ROUNDALAB Reference Manual compiled by Richard & Jo Ann Lawson, 1987.

Cue Words - Editorially Speaking

Jack and Carol McLaughlin

A great deal of work has gone into the standardization of cue words with the idea of helping the dancers. If a cue word has, in fact, been included in the ROUNDALAB standards, then leaders, particularly ROUNDALAB members, should use it. Personal disagreement with the final decision is no excuse for not supporting that decision.

A case in point is the cue "Twirl Vine". That has been determined to be the proper cue when the woman is to do a twirl, and the man is to do a vine. The decision to deviate from the usual practice of giving the man's cue first was made on the logical basis that the preparation and first step for the woman is different for a twirl than it is for a vine, and that she needs to hear the "Twirl" first. In spite of this, many cuers still insist upon using the cue "Vine Twirl", and many cue sheets are published with the incorrect cue words. ROUNDALAB members are well represented in this group of cuers and choreographers.

In the same vein, why do some cuers use the most complex terms when cueing an easy level dance, e.g. Phase V or VI cue words for Phase II or III dancers? Are they trying to display their vast knowledge or just confuse the dancers? Isn't cueing supposed to help the dancers rather than showcase the cuer? Such cuers are like callers who cannot call a MAINSTREAM dance without reaching into the PLUS program.

The point is this: If the leader members of ROUNDALAB cannot follow the standards and rules of cueing, how can they and the organization expect to lead the Round Dance World? Let's all concentrate on getting our own acts together by practicing what ROUNDALAB preaches.

Roundalab Journal, November, 1984