Beginners in with experienced dancers (formerly Teaching and guns)

Miriam L. Mueller

March 13, 2006, 8:54 p.m. (Message 44689)

If you will forgive a non-teacher speaking up, I will relate my
experiences with such mixed classes.

1) Although it is not SCD, I attend a monthly English Country Dance that
always has a few total beginners (never danced ECD, sometimes never
danced before). The early part of the evening is always geared to
straightforward but increasingly complex fun dances. The experienced
dancers make sure the newcomers and beginners have experienced partners
who reassure them that they CAN do this. With reels for example (heys in
ECD), they are told to weave in and out, we walk through it once or
twice, the experienced dancers point the way, and most have little
trouble with them. 

2) In Mobile, Alabama, some years ago, I danced with a non-RSCDS group of
enthusiasts. No certified teacher, experience range from several years in
that group to newcomers, age range 15 - 75. The sense was that everyone
was learning together. Had a great time.

3)  As relatively new dancers (not total beginners) several of us would
turn up to dance with an experienced group who welcomed the extra bodies
(feet?). They gave us experienced partners and got us through amazingly
complex stuff.

In all instances, everyone shared good humor, laughter, tolerance of
whatever level people were dancing at, and enjoyment of the dancing and
the learning. It may or may not be relevant that NONE of these groups was
an official RSCDS branch.
        Mimi/Miriam Mueller       San Francisco, CA

Wendy Grubb

March 13, 2006, 9:48 p.m. (Message 44690, in reply to message 44689)

In our class in New Orleans we often have new dancers
or we have dancers that do not come regularly.  Since
our class is more social in nature and many dancers
are not as interested in technique we adjust to having
beginners fairly easily.  I do find it frustrating
sometimes when I have to totally throw my lesson out
if I have too many beginners and not my usual group of
more experienced dancers.  I have found our group
welcoming and frequently (although I review the steps)
I tell the newcomers just to get where they need to be
skipping or even walking and the rest will come later.
 Our goal is to have fun while learning and get some
exercise.  Since Katrina, when we restarted our class
in January we have been averaging 2 sets of dancers
each week - last week we had 18 which was great.  My
only wish is for regular attendance so we can move
forward more easily.  Some of my group only likes to
dance "old favorites" and some like to try new things.
 I try to have some of each.
Wendy