--- Greg wrote: "I get the attention of the hall and say: "If you are new to this kind of dancing please find a partner who has danced for at least one night..." I certainly agree with Greg that having experienced dancers partner with newcomers can be really helpful. I'd suggest that the instructions be changed, however, so that the experienced dancers are encouraged to seek out a newcomer. Newbies have no way of knowing if someone is experienced or not, whereas the regulars at a given series will probably be able to spot new faces. Similarly, in some situations I'll ask experienced dancers to raise their hands and to wait, and will request newer dancers to ask one of those people as a partner for the next dance. The old hands (old feet?) are more being the center of attention that would be the case if I asked all the newcomers to raise their hands. Just another thought, David Millstone