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

Progressive Teaching/Dancing Program

Harmon & Betty Jorritsma

(Excerpts from cover letter: "Everything here is progressing as usual and Round Dancing is certainly on the upswing! Our programs are unusually well-attended and we're sure happy about that. I think the teachers here in Southern California are blessed with an unlimited supply of dancers. ... We have worked consistently to upgrade and improve our teaching techniques and procedures for teaching basics and have, what we consider, a very well-organized program now. ... Perhaps some of our ideas will help others who are trying to organize a progressive program.)

TUESDAY: 7:00-9:00 p.m. Easy Basics - September through June annually.

Emphasis on steps, positions, directions and rhythms. After third week, easy routine such as mixer or Left Footers One-step. Continued emphasis on basic steps and rhythms but work into routines. Early-on routines include St. Louis Blues and Mexicali Rose. First 15 or 20 minutes of each session "hash" cueing. First 18 weeks more emphasis on steps and basics than on routines. Upon satisfactory completion recommend move to Thursday Easy Workshop. Option also given to go directly into intermediate basics class. We prefer the easy basics graduate at the easy level for one year before progressing into the intermediate level.

THURSDAY: 7:00-9:00 p.m. Easy Workshop - Indefinite, ongoing, enter any time.

Must have knowledge of easy basics. Emphasis on ease, enjoyment, rhythms, routines. Teach all easy, "rounds-of-the-month" plus easy classics. Develop skills in two-step, waltz, cha-cha, tango, rumba and foxtrot. Classic routines include Birth of the Blues, Folsom Prison Blues, That Happy Feeling, Tango Mannita, Green Door, Neapolitan Waltz and Feelin', etc. Dancers may choose to remain at this level indefinitely. We recommend at least one year. Interesting program is developed to maintain enthusiasm. Organized as "teacher operated club" for those desiring sense of belonging. Official name is "J's ROUNDERS".

TUESDAY: 9:00-11:00 p.m. Intermediate Basics - September through July

Emphasis on steps, directions (including diagonal), positions (including contra, modified). First 18 weeks emphasis on steps and styling. Use of popular Rounds-of-the-Month and Classics. Sufficient use of "hash" cues to develop comfort with intermediate steps, example: Waltz - Whisk; Manuv; 2 trn waltzes;; twrl/vine; thru fac close; dip; recover; Repeat until the whisk is mastered and then proceed to "hover". (Substitute "hover" for "Whisk" in above example). Then substitute "Spin turn; box finish" for 2 turn waltzes, etc. No haphazard learning occurs - each week is planned and builds on the previous session. Last 30 weeks emphasis on comfort, confidence and routines. Classics and easy routines are interspersed for relaxation, confidence and full program. Upon completion recommend move to Thursday Workshop.

THURSDAY: 9:00-11:00 p.m. Intermediate Workshop, ongoing, enter any time.

Must have knowledge of easy and intermediate basics. Emphasis on style, relaxation and confidence. Teach all easy, intermediate featured classic routines. Further develop skills in various rhythms. Classic routines include Answer Me, Alice Blue Gown, Feelin', I Wanna Quickstep, Kon Tiki, Rose for Elizabeth, Third Man Theme, Spaghetti Rag, Dream Awhile, Stardust, etc. Reteach as needed to develop skills and avoid sloppy dancing. Organize as "teacher operated club for cohesive continuity. Both Thursday sessions are organized as "J's ROUNDERS". Program is developed and advertised to eliminate excessive attrition and boredom.

Refreshments for all above sessions include punch, coffee, cookies and candy. Occasional special event/holiday parties are held. A monthly calendar of our activities is prepared and distributed at the end of each month. Dancers are encouraged to attend activities where we are cueing. Attendance records are maintained for all participants. Attendance averages 65 couples per night.

MONDAY: 7:30-10:00 p.m. Intermediate, High Intermediate & Classics, Ongoing.

Enter anytime. Recommend completion of one year dancing at the Intermediate Workshop Level. Emphasis on total enjoyment of intermediate, high intermediate and classic routines. Teach all rounds-of-the-month and classics in appropriate categories. Program includes all popular routines cued from annually updated list (97 at this writing). Dancers vote on classics for reteach. Recent reteaches are: Patricia, Hold Me, Fascination, Twelfth St. Rag, Adios, After the Loving, Stamp-Stamp-Stamp, Let's Dance and Arms of Love. Program is developed to interest all dancers and provide ample dancing for all (approximately 30 routines per evening). Organized as "teacher operated club". Official name "Hacienda Rounders" in existence 18 years with two charter members. Refreshments include punch, coffee, cookies and candy. Monthly birthday recognition party; occasional special event parties. Attendance records are maintained. Birthday cards and Get Well cards are mailed to all members at appropriate time. Present records indicate a membership of 123. Average attendance is 75-80 couples per evening. Interest and enthusiasm are very high and crowded conditions encourage smooth dancing. Annual Club Roster including addresses and telephone numbers is provided each member. All efforts are made to maintain a close family atmosphere while sharing the fun and enjoyment of round dancing.

3rd SATURDAY ROUND DANCE PARTY: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Open to all experienced dancers

Now in its Ninth year... planned as a special monthly party affair for all our dancers and their friends. Special theme and decorations each month. Low lights... centerpieces with candles and special refreshments. Dancers volunteer to help with decorating, hosting and cleanup but are not expected to furnish anything. Each helper is recognized in the printed program for his participation. Occasional special entertainment or door prizes are featured. New Rounds-of-the-Month and Featured Classics are taught at 7:30. Visitors from out-of-state and teachers are recognized at the break. This is truly an evening with a "touch of class" in a ballroom that is air conditioned and has a hardwood floor. Munchies, punch and coffee are served throughout the evening but the special refreshments are served at a scheduled break. The program includes 36 popular routines in addition to limited requests and the 7:30 teaches. Attendance averages 100 couples.

Roundalab Journal, August, 1984