Re: [Callers] Implied Messages in First-Timer's Orientation (Was: Head Mikes and Mike Heads)

[Andrea Nettleton]

If I just had 5 minutes with a new dancer, I would teach three things: 
1) We are all here to enjoy each other and the dance.  Have Fun! 2) Your 
greatest survival tool is a firm connection through your hands to your 
body.  Keep some tension in your arm so people can help guide you 
through the dance.  Floppies=no connection=no help.  Eye contact 
functions the same way. (OK, that might be slipping a spare in). 3) 
Swing.  We do lots and lots of it, so it would be good to understand how 
it works.  You and everyone else will enjoy the dance more if this part 
works well.  Obviously, if I get to do a real lesson, many of the points 
Michael, Greg and David make are ones i would touch on.  Many of the 
basic figure will be accessible to new dancers simply by observing the 
rest of the dancers.  Little teaching is needed for them.  CT is a bit 
counter-intuitive for some, but figures will come if you give the dancer 
and open mind and a little survival technique.
Andrea