I always say that during orientation - please dance with experienced dancers the first time through. But I think that you can only do so much. If they don't want to partner with other dancers, that's not the worst thing in the world - they will dance with neighbors who hopefully will guide them as they go. I think that the more we try to force them to partner with someone else, the more likely they will be put off by that and they will leave and never come back. We can only suggest what they can do - we can't make them do it though.
Perry ________________________________ From: Kalia Kliban <ka...@sbcglobal.net> To: Caller's discussion list <call...@sharedweight.net> Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 2:21 PM Subject: Re: [Callers] Integrating Newcomers ( was "Circle Mixers for newbies") On 10/25/2012 9:41 AM, Greg McKenzie wrote: > I use the optional newcomers orientation, explicit instructions, careful > programming, clear and precise calling, as well as many implied messages to > make it clear that integration of first-timers is not only essential but > also fun. Very rarely I will see a couple of first-timers dancing > exclusively with each other. But this occurs only after they have ignored > multiple explicit and implied instructions and have fended off several > attempts by regulars to partner with them. In that case I will intervene > myself, personally, on the dance floor, approach the couple, and explain > the nature of our dance event. That has always had the desired effect. What do you say to folks who have ignored or brushed off every other attempt to effectively encourage them to partner with other dancers? I'm curious what you say that doesn't get said in the orientation, and if it works when you say it later, why not just say it during orientation? Kalia _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list call...@sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
