[Callers] How to teach various steps to beginners?

[Bob Green via Callers]

To expand on what Amy said, we have been doing house dances we call Calling Parties every Wednesday for the last 8 years. One of the most important parts of this is a inviting new dancers to attend. This has proven to be useful on two fronts: it gets new people to bond to the group; it gives you the chance to see if you can teach the dance successfully. 

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> On Jul 7, 2015, at 4:43 PM, Amy Wimmer via Callers <callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> 
> Hi Claire,
> 
> A list of what has helped me:
> 
> I have learned lots just by closely listening to callers I like as they call.
> Take notes.
> Ask if you may record them.
> A very valuable tool is house dances, where a small, supportive group
> gathers for the purpose of learning together. (We're doing this
> tonight in Seattle)
> Get a small group of callers together to talk about the way they teach moves.
> Look for calling workshops.
> Try open mic dances.
> Check out the books available through CDSS.
> 
> -Amy Wimmer
> Seattle
> 
> 
>> On Jul 7, 2015, at 1:10 PM, Claire Takemori via Callers <callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi.  I just called my first contra dance at camp last week.  I didn't die, so I'm thinking of working with our son's nature class to do some family dances.
>> 
>> In the meantime, I will try to call a contra when I can as a guest at our local dances.
>> 
>> Do you know of a source/s (would you share yours)  that has good clear wording for how to teach things like Hey, Pull-by, California Twirl, Petronella, Rory O'more, etc?
>> 
>> I will ask good callers if I can record their teachings when I'm at dances with lots of beginners.....
>> 
>> Where else can I learn good, simple wording?  I sure don't want to reinvent it myself......
>> 
>> Thanks!
>> claire takemori
>> 
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