I have a somewhat different approach that I take when I do a short beginners' session at my home dance. I think the most important things folks need to know are the rules of this alien subculture into which they've stepped-- welcome, nice to see you here, thanks for coming early; we know the dance is in trouble when we see just the same faces on the dance floor format of evening: easier dances come first so don't watch hall logistics: line up near front so I can give you extra help social norms: experienced dancers whom you don't know will invite you to dance, your tendency is to apologize and tell them you don't know what you're doing-- they already know that! that's why they've invited you to dance We all learned through the kindness of strangers. Overview of a dance-- you and your partner will go through a series of sinple figures ** that I will teach carefully ** that involve you and a neighboring couple; at the end of that, you're with another couple and then you do the same moves, and so on. every dance will be taught and walked through, sometimes twice, and I'm up there calling out the moves so you don't have to remember them reminder that there will be many helpful dancers on the floor eager to assist you demo of handy-dandy fall-back position when you're totally confused: smile, look around you, and keep both hands extended-- this makes it easier for neighboring couples to help you repeat welcome Maybe add to that a little something about no fancy steps needed, hum Arkansas Traveler and demonstrate forward and back, and that's about all there's time for If you have a few minutes left, use it to chat up some experienced dancers in the hall and ask them to invite in the newcomers for the first few dances. My 2 cents, David Millstone