Do It Again And Again - Part2

by Al Stevens

By now you should realize how important repetition is to the teaching and learning process. If there is any reason to believe that the class had trouble with any part of a movement, go back and do it again. Sometimes the speed setting on the amplifier turntable can make a difference in how well the dancer will move through a given basic. To see how this will affect dancers, try increasing the speed of your favorite hoedown and notice how even your regular dancers have trouble with a new Quarterly Selection. The point is, take your time. Give the dancer a good chance to understand how a basic works. No matter how long we have danced, when we undertake a new basic, we are still learning. It will not take an experienced dancer as long to learn, but the first few times a figure is presented are very important in determining if the beginning dancer or even the seasoned dancer will enjoy and understand the figure.

The first two or three nights of beginning lessons should be used for fun and getting acquainted. Square dancing can be strenuous to a new beginner. Football players don’t rush right out on the field and play football; they start with conditioning. Did you ever have a sore arm after a Sunday afternoon baseball game? Many new dancers are not in condition to go full speed all evening, so take it easy. It is also evident that when some people start something new and different they tend to be shy and may be easily offended. They may fear that someone will see them make a mistake, and if too many mistakes are made they may not be back the next time. It is a good idea to take it easy the first two or three nights that a group is together. Reassure them that no one is going to judge their ability to dance or to be part of the group. Let them know that they are really needed in this great activity.

The gentleness and patience of the caller or instructor is very important. The tone of your voice can certainly have a great affect on the dancers, even more so with beginners. Never mention their names over the P.A. system. If you do mention their names, you may notice the jitters beginning and often times a blush reddening the mike. As callers and instructors, we sometimes have a tendency to forget that we are working with human beings.

Singing calls should be introduced as soon as possible. A caller usually has one or two records that can be used, but again remember, these are beginners. Take plenty of time to get them through a simple figure. You can use a hoedown for a singing cal as well. The difference being that in a singing call you usually have the ladies progress around the square either to the corner or to the right-hand gents. Once again, be sure to check the tempo so that the dancers will be cornfortable in getting through this simple figure. Be sure to praise them for doing a good job. Before you feel they did a poor job, check your work first. You may have had the tempo set too fast; there may not have been enough voice or perhaps too much music. Take your time and remember, "If time were money, we would all be millionaires."