Right after I sent my last message I realized I hadn't mentioned the most important point directly.

The goal of the beginners' workshop, and the goal of teaching during a walk-thru, is not to produce dancers with perfect technique and a complete repertory of moves. The goal is to help dancers have a successful (and safe) dance experience. That's why telling people where the restrooms are, and reminding them to drink lots of water is WAY more important than teaching them to twirl rather than courtesy turn out of a ladies' chain.

If you are running a special workshop focused on style or the nuances of a particular move (you can spend a lot of time discussing how-to-hey) then sure go for the gold, but for a workshop, go for the smile, and the "gee, this is fun, I think I'll come back" moment.

Dale

On Sun, Jun 21, 2015 at 11:34 AM, Bob Green via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

On Jun 21, 2015, at 5:44 AM, John Sweeney via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

Yes, of course I always tell dancers that they can walk instead of buzz, but
the buzz-step is so much more fun that it seems crazy not to teach it when
every dance is going to have a swing and usually two.

I see a workshop coming on: "The Art of the Walking Swing". While I think it is true that it is probably easier for most people to get a swing "up to speed" with a buzz step, a skilled walking swing has a slightly subtly different but every bit as exhilarating feel as a buzz step. From this discussion it appears it is becoming a lost art. I am going to try an experiment - walking swings only for the rest of June.

To me, what makes for a good swing is a balance of forces, and that is the piece that is both difficult to teach and difficult to maintain. I can't even count how many times I have gotten feedback from folks who tried contra but didn't go back because people insisted on high speed buzz step swings until they were so dizzy they wanted to puke. A quote from my early dance education: A good lead can get their partner to go where they want them to go. A great lead takes them where they want to go."

I do think it is good to teach the buzz step for those that want it. I got my teach-the-swing technique from Becky Hill, and it has proven to be just about bullet proof. It starts with ring-around-the-Rosie to develop the idea of the balance of forces and negotiating the pace with the person you are dancing with. While maintaining that balance of forces in the traditional man's women's right, you walk into ballroom hold. The buzz step is taught like a left-foot propelled scooter. It can be practiced first without holding a partner to get the coordination and timing. I have never tried teaching the buzz step out of ring around the Rosie, but I think I will try it next week.

Interesting discussion. Thanks,

Bob Green

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