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:
Woody:
it's been many years since I danced to your
calling.
Q: in your intro session, how have you got the
dancers configured (circle, long lines)?
Your comments suggest, to me, that you have them
in long lines throughout.