[Callers] Using music in beginner session

[Woody Lane]

Hi Ken,

Actually, not in a line. I start with all the dancers in a circle (I'm 
in the center so I can easily be seen and heard, even with a wireless 
mic). They work with their partner for moves like the allemandes, 
dos-i-do, gypsy (or whatever I call it), swing (walking swing), balance 
& swing, etc.

Then I get them into groups of 4 (two couples). Again, the foursomes are 
in a circle around me so they can see and hear me. That's when we do the 
various moves needed for contra dancing -- circle L (and R), circle 3/4, 
circle 1/2, courtesy turns, pass through, R&L through, ladies chain, 
1/2-hey, full hey. Maybe the petronella turn and/or star, depending on 
the group and my program. Then I ask the musicians to play a tune and 
hash call many of these moves, as I outlined previously. There are some 
other details in there during this session, but that gives you the gist. 
Oh yes, at the very end, I bring the newcomers together in a close 
huddle, off mic, to talk about some of the conventions of contra dancing 
(partnering, feeling safe, refusing a request, whom to notify for 
problems, etc.)

I don't get them into lines. I don't worry about their learning about 
lines or progression during the lesson. I know I can teach that easily 
at the beginning of the first contra, when the entire room is lined up 
so we flow directly into the first real dance.

Woody
------------------------------------------------------------------------

On 9/13/2019 5:01 AM, K Panton via Callers wrote:
> Woody:
>
> it's been many years since I danced to your calling.
>
> Q: in your intro session, how have you got the dancers configured 
> (circle, long lines)?
>
> Your comments suggest, to me, that you have them in long lines throughout.
>
> Ken Panton
>

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.sharedweight.net/pipermail/callers-sharedweight.net/attachments/20190913/7be7eb0f/attachment.html>