strathspey@strathspey.org:44167

Ron Mackey

Re: Modern technology in preparation for the prelim?

Feb. 6, 2006, 11:51 p.m. (Message 44167, in reply to message 44164)

> And I think I would want to memorise all those standard
> phrases/formations before I try to teach them. Otherwise, it would be
> a total mess trying to remember 15 new things, rather than 5 new
> (class observing and adjusting) and having the other 10 (formation,
> phrases, music) down pat from having to do it for the exam.
> 
> But yes, it would be nice to practice too. :-)


	Hi, Alex
		Do you not have a tame teacher who would be 
prepared to let you loose with a class for 1 dance a night?  I was this 
fortunate and it was a great help.  But then I taught a class for 3 years 
before I took my prelim.
	If you are being taught a dance which you know (or are just 
watching) and can spare brain time, listen to what is being said and see 
if you can think of another way of giving the same instruction.    It is 
surprising how often one form of words make no sense when putting it 
another way gains instant reaction.  For example rights and lefts can 
sink in when called a chain for four, especially if they have already 
done a grand chain. 
	When thinking of a quick pousette consider dancing in a childs 
play-pen.  Back into a corner, turn (there is only one way) move to the 
next corner, turn etc.   Reading a manual is OK but, like learning a 
dance from a book, it sinks in better if you re-write it in your own words.