[Organizers] How was your first experience at a contra?

You all, I'm curious to hear YOUR first experiences at a contra, whether when young or not. As I think back, it took me three attempts over about 15 years, from young to less young, to get over the threshold and really start enjoying myself (not counting those grade school square dance classes). My first experiences stunk. Once I got into contra, I was always concerned when I brought friends who were new to contra whether they'd have fun. The most perilous moments were 1) when they (or I) needed to find a partner and, then, 2) absorbing the disapproval of hot shot dancers when one messed up. Now, as an organizer, I'd like to stay aware of the confusion and concerns of first-, second- and third-... timers. Would anyone mind sharing? Rob Dancing in Arkansas _______________________________________________ Organizers mailing list -- organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net