In the recent "easy dances" thread there was a brief discussion about attracting attention and keeping dancers quiet enough to hear the walk through, using humor. what tricks/words do you use to get people laughing (and therefore paying attention)? Here are a couple of things that I use. I find that as soon as they are laughing with me, they are also paying attention. 1. Men (or everyone, or ladies), Identify your right hand. (Then use it for a star or allemainde) 2. Take hands in a ring. Look at the person in your right hand. They don't know you are looking at them, because they are looking at someone else.... (Before a petronella turn) It's often just enough to make them smile, and pay attention, too. What are some other possibilities? Rich Hart.