Ron Mackey writes, September 7:
Could it be said that the more the emphasis is on fun the less the tension
and embarrassment for the newcomer?
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Answer, IMO:
Yes; that must often be said.
Many dance-group settings make me--and some other adults, seniors,
even--feel treated as a school child.
Advice to all:
Eliminate the attitude and atmosphere fostered by the terms <Teacher> and
<Class>, by eliminating these terms.
Advice to beginners:
Don't <Take Classes>; but <Go Dancing>.
And bring the attitude the latter term fosters: One of unwinding,
recreation, laughter, fun.
There is no reason that this attitude must preclude the desire to learn.
Fostering that desire requires leadership. It makes a case for the old
adage: If the student has not learned, the teacher has not taught.
Fortunately, one can find Leaders in the ranks of RSCDS teachers.
Maybe this quote from a southern (US) lady, printed before in these pages,
should be posted wherever we learn SCD:
If you ain't havin' fun, you ain't doin' it right.
Bert
