Do It Again And Again - Part1

by Al Stevens

Someone once said that it takes 86 times of doing one basic, the same way, before a person can do that particular basic with confidence. Now, if we use this as a rule of thumb, we can understand why it takes so long to teach a beginners’ class. It is interesting to watch the progress of a new dancer who, after having been instructed on a Mainstream movement (i.e. Square Thru), attempts to dance that call. For example, it might take sixty-four beats of music to get the class through its first Square Thru with everyone ending up in the right pIace. This is longer than it should take, but the important thing is that they made it all the way through their first Square Thru. Congratulations, Class!

In most cases, everyone is in a hurry to get new beginners on the dance floor. The beginners were told that within a certain number of weeks they would be square dancing - weeks, not one or two nights. Compare the beginners class to a baby. When a new baby begins moving around the play pen, he is slow. In a short time, by holding onto the side of the play pen, or crib, the baby learns to stand. Some people get impatient and decide that it is time for the baby to start walking. However, if you’II remember, learning to walk took time and a lot of help (also a lot of picking yourself up off the floor). How many times does a small child have to be instructed and helped along before he can do a simple task such as walking?

Back to the 86 times rule. After the new dancer has danced a Square Thru 86 times he should be fairly accomplished at it. Most of the dancers get through the basic in anywhere from 16 to 20 beats of music. It should be noted here that music with a strong rhythm section helps the new beglnner; however, it is still a good idea to use a variety of music.

Articles written about how to teach square dancing do not stress the importance of doing a basic over and over again until it is done well and with confidence. Think of it in relation to other activities: professional musicians, singing stars, bowlers, golfers, football and basketball players, and the many others. How many times do they repeat the same lesson? Rest assured, they repeat it many, many times. Most professionals are on the job - learning eight hours a day.

lt is easy to want to rush the new beginner into the club. But please remember, the new dancer has a tremendous amount to learn before he/she can possibly dance as well as the average club dancer. Many times we take his ability for granted, but if you put him in a different hall, even with the same caller, you will see that he really needs more time to learn to dance and react automatically.

lt is a good idea to have another caller come in on occasion and call so the beginners will have an idea of what to expect in the future. Remember to advise the guest caller as to the class’ capabilities and what basics have been included thus far.