[Callers] beginners' workshops at dance weekends

My dance organization, Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca, likes to offer a beginners' workshops before an evening dance. We are now discussing whether or not to make this official policy for ALL events, including the day-long Fiddlehead Frolic in April. The Frolic begins in the early afternoon and, in 2011, will probably include a welcome contra dance with the featured band, then a couple of breakout sessions (contras with a second band vs. music workshop w/featured band; ECD vs. squares), then a contra medley; followed by potluck and an evening dance. What are people's thoughts about the value of a beginners' workshop at such an event? --Katy Heine