Re: [Callers] Using music in beginner session

Hi Ken, Actually, not in a line. I start with all the dancers in a circle (I'm in the center so I can easily be seen and heard, even with a wireless mic). They work with their partner for moves like the allemandes, dos-i-do, gypsy (or whatever I call it), swing (walking swing), balance & swing, etc. Then I get them into groups of 4 (two couples). Again, the foursomes are in a circle around me so they can see and hear me. That's when we do the various moves needed for contra dancing -- circle L (and R), circle 3/4, circle 1/2, courtesy turns, pass through, R&L through, ladies chain, 1/2-hey, full hey. Maybe the petronella turn and/or star, depending on the group and my program. Then I ask the musicians to play a tune and hash call many of these moves, as I outlined previously. There are some other details in there during this session, but that gives you the gist. Oh yes, at the very end, I bring the newcomers together in a close huddle, off mic, to talk about some of the conventions of contra dancing (partnering, feeling safe, refusing a request, whom to notify for problems, etc.) I don't get them into lines. I don't worry about their learning about lines or progression during the lesson. I know I can teach that easily at the beginning of the first contra, when the entire room is lined up so we flow directly into the first real dance. Woody ------------------------------------------------------------------------ On 9/13/2019 5:01 AM, K Panton via Callers wrote: