That the dance works in 8-step chunks, and the music tells you when the move is about to change. You can use a circle formation to teach that, circle left and right , into the middle, a few times while you doodle (preferable) or count (only preferable if you can't really sing).
Giving weight - or whatever term your community uses. This is also teachable through the circle formation. Swing basics, especially hand placement and the importance of mutual support. A demo of the buss step is a bonus. THEN, I move to the line formation and explain hands four, and progression. I probably use a figure or two to demonstrate how the foursome moves within itself, and how to move to the new four. It's a very full 30 minutes - but it works. Dorcas Hand Houston -----Original Message----- From: callers-boun...@sharedweight.net [mailto:callers-boun...@sharedweight.net] On Behalf Of D Bar Sent: Sunday, October 02, 2011 2:17 PM To: call...@sharedweight.net Subject: [Callers] The Beginners' Lesson Tips? Howdy, I am going to be calling one of my first gigged contra dances in a week! I have a half-hour to introduce newbies on what's what in the dance prior and I am wondering what do other callers find has been the most effective use of that half hour? I imagine going over improper formation [ladies on the right etc.], and a few of the base moves are good. But I'd like to see if anyone else has some good hints I can work with! Thanks, Davey _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list call...@sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
