Re: [Callers] The Beginners' Lesson Tips?

I don't like relying on the "experienced dancers" to teach a buzz-step swing as I know some of them have bad habits and I would like to minimize how much of that is passed on :-) I explain there are three parts: - the beginning - negotiating how to get into a comfortable position, especially with a preceding balance - the middle - the swing itself - focusing on being gentle and caring about your partner - how to avoid dizziness - the end - absolutely critical - this is where it all goes wrong and the lady ends up on the left - describe the position as an arrow-head, with the joined hands being the point and aim the arrowhead in the direction the caller calls - this is also the chance to explain the terms up, down and across - then open out and keep in contact (another element that beginners need to be taught - stay in contact with as many people as possible as often as possible) If time is short at the very least I cover: being gentle, avoiding dizziness and finishing with the lady on the right. A good way to practice the swing is to make a big circle, put on some music and call: Into the middle and back Swing your Neighbour Into the middle and back Swing your Neighbour . This give new dancers a chance to have lots of swings with different people and get used to finishing on the right side and at the right time, but without any pressure - they can recover from faults on the "into the middle" - which you can call multiple times if necessary until they are ready for the next swing. More details at http://www.contrafusion.co.uk/Contra.html#swinging 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