[Organizers] Tips for a swing workshop

[Read Weaver]

I think this is quite good, though I’d add that it’s useful to specify some things not to do, because I’ve danced with experienced dancers who clearly think you should give weight by clamping your partner’s arm, or that you should lean your torso back or to the side. And since they probably think they don’t have to listen, it may require emphasizing “even some experienced dancers do this, but…”.

Also, it’s tempting when showing what not to do to exaggerate it, so people can see what you’re talking about. But when you do that, people think you mean “don’t do it in this exaggerated way” rather than “don’t do it at all."

Slightly more advanced (because not necessary, though easy) is to show people that you can walk in a swing just as well as buzzstep. And I think it’s likely worth talking about how to decline a twirl, and that it’s always fine for either partner to do so.

Consider discussing buzzstep vs slipping step, depending on what you’re seeing on the floor—there’s a local dance where there are several experienced dancers who do a slipping step, because no one at that dance has made a point to teach otherwise. It’s pretty easy to never change it, if you’re never taught otherwise, since it’s in the same double-step rhythm as a buzzstep (and why wouldn’t you lead with your left foot if you’re going clockwise? easy enough to see how the mistake happens). 

Read Weaver
Jamaica Plain, MA
http://lcfd.org

> On Jun 19, 2019, at 1:59 PM, Alexandra Deis-Lauby via Organizers <organizers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> 
> I’d suggest taking a moment in the evening dance after the 4th dance to go over swing technique. Explain where we want both flat hands (on correct shoulder blades as heights allow), squarish torsos, toes pointed in the direction you wish to walk, lots of connection on the rounded end (no gaps between those arms), rounded frames with space between the two people. Encourage and demonstrate feedback. “Higher hand please, I’d like less/more weight please,” “ask for what you need to make the swing feel good for you” 
> Have them try the swing from both sides so they understand how symmetrical the connection is. No one role is responsible for all the weight. They age equally responsible. 
> 
> Good luck! 
> 
> A
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On Jun 19, 2019, at 2:20 AM, Karlsruhe Contra Dance via Organizers <organizers at lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:organizers at lists.sharedweight.net>> wrote:
> 
>> HI Larry,
>> By "proper" I mean something more focused than a beginner workshop. Something you would not do during a normal weekly dance. But might have time to offer during a special weekend,  for example.  I do teach the swing in my beginner workshop, but just to help them get by in the dance. And to be honest, it's not the true beginners I am needing to help. If they have only experienced my teaching of the swing, they generally do fine.   I have a number of dancers who have come from another dance group and have never been taught how to swing well, but don't consider themselves beginners - and they aren't. They also generally come after the beginner workshop. They know figures. They are experienced at what they do. They have just never learned the importance of, and how to really share a swing. 
>> 
>> I don't want to be condescending to them, that's why I was thinking of trying to sell it as a workshop to improve your swing or be more creative with your swing. 
>> 
>> Hope that helps. 
>>   
>> From: Organizers <organizers-bounces+karlsruhecontradance=hotmail.com at lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:organizers-bounces+karlsruhecontradance=hotmail.com at lists.sharedweight.net>> on behalf of Alexandra Deis-Lauby via Organizers <organizers at lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:organizers at lists.sharedweight.net>>
>> Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2019 11:39:24 PM
>> To: Larry Koplik; organizers at lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:organizers at lists.sharedweight.net>
>> Subject: Re: [Organizers] Tips for a swing workshop
>>  
>> What is a “proper” workshop? A beginner workshop? 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>> On Jun 18, 2019, at 5:31 PM, Larry Koplik via Organizers <organizers at lists.sharedweight.net <mailto:organizers at lists.sharedweight.net>> wrote:
>> 
>>> Here's a video that Princeton Country Dancers created
>>> about the buzz step swing that might be helpful.
>>> 
>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaVSVtPRwlA <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaVSVtPRwlA>
>>> 
>>> Larry Koplik
>>> 
>>> On 6/18/2019 4:01 PM, Karlsruhe Contra Dance via Organizers wrote:
>>>> HI all,
>>>> 
>>>> I know, we learn to swing by swinging with other experienced dancers. But my problem is a lack of experienced dancers.
>>>> 
>>>> I would love to help my dancers get a bit more out of their swings the next time I have the chance to offer a proper workshop (other than "the basics") There is potential there. 
>>>> 
>>>> I was thinking of possibly selling it as "swings and swing flourishes" - but based on the level, the flourishes won't have to be terribly creative. 
>>>> 
>>>> I have never participated in a workshop of this type.  Can any of you point me to some resources or tell me about experiences that you have had? Or other ideas?
>>>> 
>>>> Thanks!
>>>> Rebecca in Karlsruhe, D.
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