I'm an elementary music teacher and a dance caller and I run a family dance in seattle.  I just do elbow swings with kids - no way would I bother with ballroom.  I wouldn't explain giving weight.  Children will automatically try to crack the whip and lean back.  They automatically give WAY too much weight.  You need to tell them to BEND their elbows on 2 hand turns and explain the lack of medical expertise for dealing with concussions!  (I say this with a smile, but they really will send each other flying!

Emphasize 8 beat phrasing, but don't count aloud, or they will all count out with you and drown out the music.  Best source of repertoire would be the Amidons dancingmasters.com  they've published several books. 

Have fun!

Amy Carroll

On August 4, 2015 at 4:10 PM Claire Takemori via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:


Thank you for all the replies so far ! One other question,
What are the key elements/movements that you would emphasize teaching with kids?

giving weight, hearing the music beats, swing, star, do si do, allemande...... ?

And I don't think they will do ballroom swing, so which swing is easy and fun for kids? 2 hands crossed? or right elbows?

Thank you so much for your help!

claire


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