Frequently Asked Questions
Transmitting a performance via SKYPE to a remote location is not covered by ROUNDALAB’s music performance license. The contract does not include “the right to broadcast, telecast, cablecast or otherwise transmit the performances licensed hereunder to persons outside of the licensed premises”.
Performance licenses provided to US members do not cover performances outside the US. It is important to investigate the license requirements of the event and locality.
A single event (class or dance) with multiple sessions on a single day would be one dance. A single event with multiple sessions over multiple days (i.e. a Friday, Saturday, Sunday) would count as three dances. An afternoon event following by a separate event in the evening would be two dances.
Audio and video recording for your own personal use only is permitted. Use of these recordings in other settings may require additional licensing and permissions.
Sharing of copyrighted music is not covered under our music performance contracts and is an illegal and unethical practice.
ROUNDALAB’s initial (1990) and ongoing contract with ASCAP and BMI requires licensing of all United States members of ROUNDALAB. In 2017 SESAC required the same contractual language before they agreed to the ROUNDALAB contract for the price quoted.
Both organizations provide performance licensing for either square or round dancing. However, CALLERLAB does not offer SESAC music licensing nor performance licensing for a teaching partner.
Conventions are held in June each year, frequently scheduled to end just before the National Square Dance Convention.
Conventions locations are chosen to be geographically close to the National Square Dance Convention, sometimes in the same city and facility.
RAL conventions focus on educating the round dance cuer and teacher. Although the instruction is directed toward the cuer/teacher, many non-cuer/teacher round dancers attend RAL frequently and find it to be a great experience. They learn information and techniques at RAL that are not presented in any other convention. We encourage all round dancers to attend.
The convention registration includes the opening night reception, three-and-a-half days of education sessions by leading round dance instructors, business meetings (which can be very educational and are the heart of RAL), three evening dances on a beautiful wood floor, six refreshment breaks, the Friday evening awards banquet, electronic education syllabus, all convention packet materials, networking with round dance leaders from around the world and much more.
The projected costs for convention are as follows: 30% for the Friday banquet; 22% for flooring; 20% is to pay for the opening reception and refreshment breaks throughout the convention; 12% is for convention packets, dangles, etc.; 6% to recoup site selection costs to find this convention location; 10% for office supplies and administrative costs.
Yes! There will be one to three educational opportunities at any given time. Typically, any time there is a session that is dedicated to cueing, there is also a simultaneous session or two that is not dedicated to cueing. There are sessions for all phases and experience levels. One of the most common “complaints” is that people had to choose between multiple sessions that they wanted to attend. Sometimes couples split up and attend two sessions at the same time and then share what they learned with each other later.
Daytime is casual attire, although we request no halter tops, shorts, etc. Evening dances are casual attire or round dance attire, as desired. Many dress up for the awards banquet, but that is not required.
YES! Sharing meals together is one of the best features of the RAL convention. Sit with Board members and cuers and teachers from all over the world. Make new and lasting friends, connect with friends you have not seen for a while. You will also have a seat ready when you are ready to eat, you won’t need to find a restaurant (make a reservation, wait in line, etc.) Also, the meal package helps RAL meet our Food and Beverage requirements, which helps lower convention fees and improves our nightly room rate.
The hotel can accommodate special meal requests. Be sure to include special needs on your registration form. If you have questions, please contact the RAL office.
Yes, sometimes parents, children, friends of convention attendees wish to attend the awards banquet. Contact the office for further details. Banquet tickets must be purchased in advance.
Yes. Evening dances are open to all round dancers. Tickets are $10 per dancer per evening.