Re: [Callers] How to Teach a Hey

Rich asked: I, almost exclusively, call at open public contra dances so I almost never program a hey figure before the break--if I use one at all. From a contra dance perspective I would apply the words, or time spent "teaching a hey" during the evening to the goal of integrating the hall. That would take less time than the teaching of just this one figure...and it has many other benefits. When I do call a hey in a well-integrated hall I introduce the figure in the walk-through saying: "This next figure is a hey. It's a weaving figure and you end up ______________ Just do what others do and act cool. Ready? Ladies start, right shoulder, HEY!" The *worst *way to teach a hey is during the optional newcomer's orientation. - Greg McKenzie West Coast, USA