The following information is published with ROUNDALAB's permission from the ROUNDALAB Reference Manual compiled by Richard & Jo Ann Lawson, 1987.

Your Attitude Shows

Jeff Grossman and Joyce Hooper
Portland, Oregon

While typing the article above for Derek and Jean, a few thoughts came to my mind so I thought I would add my two cents worth.

Attitude is most definitely where it's at in a proper learning environment - and without a proper attitude all sorts of problems can develop. Jeff and I start instilling this cooperative attitude from "Day One" of the basics class.

First: we explain that this is a couples activity and that the hardest part of round dancing is learning to "do it" together as one unit. And because human nature has seen fit to make gals different from guys (thank heaven!), each person has a different way of thinking and becoming one unit - but it's always interesting. So first - we make a commitment to each other to help each other become one unit.

Second: Only one person can criticise the couple unit and that's either Jeff or me. They are not allowed to "pick on" themselves (we will do enough to satisfy them) or their partner - as Jeff and I will do it if it's needed.

Third: We teach our couples how to talk to each other so it will create a positive reaction. Our theme is accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. When couples are having difficulty we have a "do" and "do not do" list of helpful words to use.

Do not say:
Why didn't you step in...
Why weren't you where you were supposed to be...
Why did you pull me on the pivot...
Do say:
WE had difficulty doing that step. What can I DO differently TO HELP us do this better????
Result:
Cooperation in doing the step correctly.

Fourth: Every teacher knows that no matter how hard you try, or what you say, tensions seem to rise amongst couples when learning to round dance with their respective partners. Jeff and I have found a "gimmick" that really does a great job of eliminating tension and/or keeping it to a minimum. We take away the decision of "placing blame" or "finding fault" by a very simple technique. Jeff and I decide who is going to make all the mistakes. We tell the ladies - tonite gals, no matter WHO physically makes a mistake in your unit, it's your fault. But be careful guys cuz next week - all the mistakes will belong to the guys! Jeff and I mark the sign-in sheet either "Ladies Week" or "Men's Week" so they know when they sign in, who gets all the mistakes that night.

When Jeff and I are teaching - and I make a mistake - (which of course I rarely do), I'll ask: whose night is it folks? And the class responds: Men's! And, I'll smile and look at Jeff and say - "your mistake. Please be more careful!" Everyone laughs — tensions are gone — and the teachers become more human.

Yes, Derek and Jean, attitudes are very important to creating pleasurable round dancing experiences and positive learning environments.

Can we hear from someone else??????

Roundalab Journal, Winter, 1986