Hi Chris and everyone, I've really enjoyed your postings, Chris. For the beginner's lesson, I have often gone back and referred to the handout on Seth Tepfer's web site. David's comments are great too. It's a balance between some technique (pick and choose wisely a few figs) but I agree it's equally if not more important to set the stage w them. I find that the most important thing, after reviewing other caller's lessons and watching others, is to find your own style and be yourself. It is a short period of time and you also want to end a few mins ("ideally" five mins) before the dance starts to get the beginners partnered up and leave time for restrm, water etc. I also *try* to check in with the beginners during the break and make sure they are getting introduced around, etc. I didn't see anyone mention, you can also teach the first dance of the evening as another approach. I personally don't do this, but I've seen it done well, if you have enough time. Not likely in 15 mins. Like most things, "it all depends" on how many beginners, how many experienced dancers join, etc, etc, etc. I think that's what most of us like about calling is the spontaneity of it all and the need to always just stay in the moment with it all! You'll be great, keep it simple, focus on a few key things. Be yourself. Let us know how it goes! Karen Fontana Chris Weiler <Chris.Weiler(a)weirdtable.org> wrote: Gaaahhhh! I just realized that I have to teach a beginners workshop tomorrow night. Having not done this before (except informally as a dancer) I'm a little nervous. I've seen plenty of them done (both well and poorly) so I have an idea of what I want to cover and roughly how I want to do it. Any hints? How much do you prepare/plan/improvise the workshop? Thanks! Chris _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers karen_fontana(a)yahoo.com H650-691-9663