Re: [Callers] Implied Messages in First-Timer's Orientation (Was: Head Mikes and Mike Heads)

I concur with what Mac said. "The thing you are missing is it just makes the new dancers more confident. Even if they don't need the lesson - they think they do. And it makes them feel better to have a preview of what is going to happen." I like doing a quick workshop with two goals in mind. Break the ice, making them feel welcome by doing something practical and easy. Secondly, correct my biggest concern which is controlling the wayward dancer. I likewise start and end by emphasizing fun and socialization. I point out that everyone here is going to flub something regardless of prior experience. That does nothing to allay their fears but does show we are on their side. Then I show them the promenade position and promenade a bit. If I have time I show right and left through. The reason for the promenade is it is such an odd arm position but valuable for control and for the RLThru. We can stand like posts through a swing and get through a dance, but turning the wrong way after RLThru is very hard to correct and seemingly hard to teach en masse. *Everything* else is progressive learning once they are at ease. I don't object to longer workshops, but I don't want to overwhelm the newcomer either. The larger scheme is to plant seeds and build bridges to make them want to come back, so I focus on happy-making, not style or moves. I can go (and have gone) deeper, into swings and weight and even a hay, but I prefer to let the caller be in the spotlight. The caller will be in charge, and will have her or his own ideas on how to teach moves. \bob