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

Teaching the Fishtail and Whaletail

by Betty & Clancy Mueller
New Whiteland, Indiana

Toward the end of our Basics Class (which usually includes five rhythms) that has run every week all year, we teach the Fishtail.

The class is comfortable with blending to Banjo Position by now and can do locks comfortably. So we just start in Closed Position and practice Two Two steps;; Walk, -, 2, - to Banjo;. Then we blend back to Close Position in Two Two steps;; and walk slow 4;;. Repeat the whole sequence.

At this point, we put them all on one side of the floor, moving in the same direction, to save time showing on both sides and to help orient them to the proper direction of movement. Now teach a little more diagonal movement to the walk, -, 2, to Banjo;. Very carefully and slowly walk the Cross, Side, reminding them the Man crosses in back and the Lady crosses in front, but moving "Slaunchwise" to the wall and Line of Dance. Walk again and again.

Combine the Two Two Steps;; Walk, -, 2, to Banjo; Cross, side, until they are comfortable. Now add the familiar fwd, lock; and walk it until comfortable.

Add music to the whole drill and remind them that the Walk, -, -; will be 2 slows and the four steps of the Fishtail will be 4 quicks.

Actually, we use music on each section and as we add on we add music so they really feel it. Experiment with music, but not to a current dance (use old records or flip sides) until you find a good strong beat that gives the proper rhythm.

Our next step is to use the already familiar Progressive Scissors ending in Banjo Position to do the four counts of the Fishtail. Then we add the different choreography after the Fishtail to acquaint them with what might be done in some dances.

When they have danced in a regular club (after graduation), the time will appear when they are ready for the Whaletail. Now you will just add a side, close, and the very same cross, side of the Fishtail to complete the Whaletail.

Going step by step is a slow process, but they seem to grasp it better when you take the time to build the figures. Just throwing it seems to confuse them and confusion adds to frustration and that particular figure now becomes a "no-no" or mental block.

On yes, after practicing on one side of the floor, put them back into circles in order to give the true way they will dance the figures.

Happy Teaching!!

Roundalab Journal, February, 1984