As Richard said, it helps to focus on key concepts, rather than particular calls. There's a lot of great suggestions already in response to your query. I find it useful to organize the session around an outline, based on the styles of a couple callers who mentored me. 1. Have the dancers find a 'partner' and form a circle. Have the band, even just the fiddler, play a clearly-phrased tune - typically a jig. Have dancers circle L, circle R - internalize the feel of simply walking to the music, and feeling the eight-bar phrase. (Sometimes i teach the swing here, while the dancers are still in a circle, so two more experienced dancers can demo it in the center. This depends on how many beginners versus experienced dancers i have.) 2. I have the "gents" role face out. Emphasizing the elbows-down hand and arm position, i have them lean back, keeping the tension in their arms: this is shared weight. Ok, straighten up. Drop left hands and allemande R. Now allemande L. 3. Now, you've got your left hands joined. Join your right hands behind the lady's back.... promenade position. I have them promenade around the ring, (can have them reverse direction to teach the courtesy turn) and then promenade up to face the band. Turn to face that 'partner'. Voila: contra sets. cross, ladies chain (remember that promenade position? here's a courtesy turn!) etc cetera. The truly fundamental concepts, though, like weight sharing, dance roles, feeling the music - are already established and easy to build on, and starting with the circle formation helps bring everyone in and allows you to interact with them more intimately and demo things with ease. As JD said, don't assume a move (e.g. a hey) is too 'difficult' for beginners. Most moves can be done easily if you find the right reference points and simple language to talk the dancers through them. I prefer to emphasize the concept of passing one shoulder with one dance role, and the opposite shoulder with the other; sneaking in a half-hey early in the evening and a full hey a couple dances later. Simple, positive.... amen. Don't forget that as the caller, you have a unique possibility to facilitate the learning curve, especially if the 'regulars' are cliquey. Ways to do that? After a few dances, have the noobs all raise their hands. Praise them, say they're doing great, and invite a round of applause. Sometimes i sneak in the suggestion that experienced dancers ask them to dance. Above all, though: have fun!!! If you're having fun, chances are the dancers will be having fun too. David "Tavi" Merrill