strathspey Archive: Miss Manners

I've often wondered how groups of dancers respond to "famous"
out-of-town visitors. At weekend workshops well-known teachers are
brought in, who of course attend the Ball. I've heard it said that one of
the unfortunate aspects of workshop teaching is that nobody asks you.
Is this true? I'd like to hear from people who teach workshops. Being
basically a shy person (believe it or not) I am myself hesitant to ask the
workshop teacher to dance, thinking that he/she may just want to sit
after teaching up a storm all day; but sometimes I've seen the teacher
sitting on the sidelines and maybe they were not asked. Then of course
the Mel Briscoes of the world practically have to hide if they want to sit
down!

I've also been asked in my class if it's OK to ask the workshop teacher to
dance. There is a concern on the part of the average dancer that "the
workshop teacher wouldn't want to dance with me anyway" or that
they might be too stuck-up to accept. The stuck-up concern is more
pronounced with some of the elegant British ladies who come in to
teach, who perhaps seem a bit standoffish to the average American
dancer, due to their British ways...Any thoughts out there?
Sandra Rosenau, Dayton, Ohio, USA
sjrosenau@tasc.com

regarding booking ahead. I have a solution to booking ahead. It's
called "booking behind". Instead of looking at people's heads when
looking for a partner, you look only at their behinds. Normally, you
can tell a person's gender from the shape of this part of the body, so
you can locate a suitable opposite gender partner. However most
people don't remember an individual's behind, so this guarantees a
certain degree of randomness in partner selection.

In a message dated 97-01-10 13:46:38 EST, you write:

> I'd like to hear from people who teach workshops.

Well, I am relatively new to the workshop circuit, and this is only 'mho'
... I love to dance and am delighted to dance anywhere, anytime, with
whomever will ask me!

But, I am finding the dilema of people (especially the men) being
intimidated by the 'guest teacher'. There is nothing to be afraid of, we
(the guest teachers) mess up as often as everyone else! okay I can't speak
for everyone.....but I know I do!

Recently Marjorie Mclaughlin and Bob Blackie taught our weekend. we all
ended up in the same set for Argyle Strathspey, (they were dancing together).
In the tournee's involving either of our couples, we got 1 tournee
correct! The whole set spontaneously cheered when we (the 'famous' teachers)
got the turns the right way! You could see the tension leave all the other
dancers when We messed up the first tournee.....and it wasn't deliberate!

Noone should be intimidated by any other dancer. We are all at different
levels and we can learn from each other. So go confidently and ask the best
dancer in the room! and ask the out of towners, whether or not they are the
guest teachers.
E

>From a Brithish lady who teaches workshops, tries to be elegant and tries not to be stuck
up!

Most of us teach workshops because we love dancing and wish to pass on our
knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to others.
I am always happy to dance with anyone who is kind enough to ask me. If I am tired or
injured I hope I refuse courteously. I am also happy to have a partner _sit this one out
with me_:>)

Linda Gaul
Pitlochry