Hi Maia,
Use simple dances with great music and build the move repertoire
slowly. I use Circle Mixers to teach basic moves, then contra dances
like Jefferson & Liberty, Family Contra, Flirtation Reel and New Age
Petronella - these are great examples of dances which have a easy
progressions.
Use great music at 120bpm so that there is lots of energy.
See http://www.contrafusion.co.uk/Contra.html#swinging for an
article on how to teach swinging.
Here is a simple circle mixer that is mainly for practice at swinging
and ending with the man on the left, lady on the right:
The Exchange Swing (by John Sweeney)
Circle Mixer
A1: Into the Middle & Back; Neighbour Swing (= New Partner)
A2: Circle Left; Circle Right
B1: Partner Allemande Right; Partner Allemande Left
B2: Partner Gypsy Meltdown
Another easy one for first-timers:
Virginia Reel Circle Mixer #24
Circle, Men on inside facing out
A1: Partner Allemande Right
Partner Allemande Left
A2: Partner Dosido
Partner Seesaw (Left Shoulder Dosido)
B1: Partner Gypsy Meltdown (Right Shoulder Gypsy into a Swing)
B2: Promenade around the circle
Men move on then face new partner
Happy dancing,
John
John Sweeney, Dancer, England j...@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 &
07802 940 574
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
