[Callers] Re: Advanced dances gone awry

Hi all, As has been discussed, there are two challenges: 1) How do you describe the session? 2) How do you get only the right people there? In the 1980s the Ripley Wayfarers ran a monthly session in Alfreton. It was called a "Dancers' Dance", and, to the best of my knowledge, it was not advertised. You only heard about it if someone thought you were up to the right standard. We had great fun doing dances like Dutch Crossing. The "advanced" sessions that I run now we just call a "Masterclass". We advertise it as " If you find all the dances easy at the Tuesday afternoons or at the Saturday ceilidhs and you would like to try something a little more challenging then why not join us." I rely heavily on dynamic programming. First, to ensure that each dance works for the number of dancers who get up to dance. Second, to adjust the skill level to match the participants. We recently had two fit, intelligent people come along (independently). They each had only been to one of the easier sessions, but had no problem picking up the dances. Some people get it! We also have the occasional dancer turn up who has been dancing for years and still can't handle a more challenging dance. The regulars help them through it; we never turn anyone away.             Happy dancing,                    John John Sweeney, Dancer, England   john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent