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

Round Dance Leadership

Frank and Carolyn Hamilton
Laguna Hills, California

Frank and Carolyn Hamilton began teaching round dancing when they organized what was probably the first all-round dance group anywhere. Following are some of their thoughts on leadership and the responsibilities of those who aspire to bring the pleasures of this activity to others. The Hamilton's teaching career ended two years ago when they retired but they are still actively participating in square and round dancing.

Webster says, "To lead means to guide by influence or conduct." Leadership is the all-important key to the success or failure of any activity. A form of professional status has been attained in the round dance field. Those who wish the activity to grow must realize that mere enthusiasm and desire will not suffice as the sole qualifications for leadership. We must strive to improve in competence and judgment.

The general public — so responsive to personality and salesmanship — often lacks the ability to discriminate in judging the soundness and technical aptitude of leaders. Any experienced dancer can "teach" a routine to dancers who know some of the basics — only a few can teach people to dance so that they will truly enjoy the experience and present a graceful, happy impression.

Qualifications of a Round Dance Teachers

One aspiring to be a round dance teacher should have:

1. A sincere liking for people. He should enjoy working enthusiastically, happily, and patiently with them. Round dancing must be fun!
2. A warm personality and neat appearance (dancers tend to imitate, so the instructor's attire should be suitable, conservative, and clean).
3. A pleasing voice and the ability to express himself clearly.
4. The habits of reliability, regularity and punctuality — and a willingness to prepare adequately for the job.
5. Good judgment, tact, and a fair and objective attitude in controversial matters.
6. A strong desire for self-improvement through study, observation and experimentation with methods used by other successful leaders. He should not, however, actually imitate others.
7. A good sense of rhythm and timing — formal musical training is helpful but not indispensable.
8. A working vocabulary and understanding of accepted round dance terminology.
9. A knowledge of, and ability to do correctly, the basic steps and figures used in round dancing. One need not be an exhibition dancer himself, but he must set as good an example as possible.
10. An acquaintance with the best of the older round dance classics as well as the latest hits, even though his groups do mainly the very new routines.
11. The ability to teach effectively with a fun slant, and to diagnose and help solve individual and class problems. Training in educational philosophy and methods is, of course, helpful.
12. The willingness to assume responsibility for his own mistakes and to minimize those of his dancers. he may fail sometimes — but he is not a failure until he tries to blame others for his failures.
13. An awareness of the fact that round dancing must be kept within the reach of dancers with average ability and interest — even though his own skill and enthusiasm may tempt him to set a pace of quantity and complexity beyond their reach. Wholesome "challenge" must be balanced with moderation.
14. A sincere interest in the overall square...

Reprinted from The Roundance Manual written by Frank Hamilton and first published by The Sets in Order American Square Dance Society in 1962. The Manual was revised in 1970...

Square Dancing, June, 1972