We had a discussion the other night - not about how many walkthroughs, but
about how many times the caller should call before dropping out.
Obviously, it depends.
So, for the purpose of this discussion, let's assume a new-dancer to
intermediate dancer to experienced dancer ratio of 1:2:1. If everyone were
evenly scattered by dance level, each group of four would have two
intermediate dancers, one beginner and one very experienced dancer. Let's
not assume that the dancers are evenly scattered, but are slightly clumped,
so that beginners do encounter each other occasionally, sometimes with only
a couple of intermediate dancers to help them.
Let's further assume that the dance is in the part of the country where two
walkthroughs is considered appropriate - where, even if the first
walkthrough goes just fine, the second one cements the learning and leaves
you in a position to "dance it from here." Let's further assume that the
dance lasts about nine minutes (17 times through).
Here's the question: If you have taught an easy dance clearly, *and the
dance appears to be going well*, how many times through the dance should you
call? Once or twice with full calls ("join hands and circle to the left"),
once or twice with shortened calls ("circle left") and then nothing? Or five
times through with full calls, three times with shortened calls, then
nothing?
How much is too much? How little is too little?
M
E
--
For the good are always the merry,
Save by an evil chance,
And the merry love the fiddle
And the merry love to dance. ~ William Butler Yeats