June 15, 2006, 11:47 p.m. (Message 45568)
Is this not a general issue though around 2 couple progression dances? If I have 5 couples in my class I often use 2 couple progression dances to allow everyone to participate. But it does mean that the couples starting as 1 and 5 have little chance to dance the "opposite direction" position. If the number of couples reach 7 they have no chance. Campbell Tyler Cape Town Dear Campbell, With the small group I am currently teaching I use the following techniques - Firstly, I tend to continue to dance three-couple dances. Five couples - We form one set and I get the fourth and fifth couples to dance the sequence once each - ie fourth couple dances once and finishes in second place then the fifth couple starts. However, I must admit that this does leave the bottom two couples standing around doing nothing at the end of the dance. Seven couples - We use the 'beg and borrow' concept - ie the top three couples form one set while the bottom four couples form the other set. When the first couple in the bottom set are dancing their second-time through the (usually) free couple at the top acts as fourth couple for the top set. The dancers in the top set are more active and should be the more able and/or fit dancers. Six couples - I get the group to form two three-couple sets. If the dance is suitable (ie the beginning and/or ending of the dance is not to frenetic) then I will ask the dancers to perform the dance and go to the bottom and then repeat with a new top couple. We usually do the dance only six times. However, if the formations do not allow for this then I will get the two sets to dance alternatively. The downside is that dancers are standing around watching and not participating but at least we can continue to do three-couple dances. Regards, Iain Boyd Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com