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

Round Dance Seminar presented at Seattle National Convention, 1981, Friday, June 26 - 4:00-6:00

Teacher Training

Betty & Clancy Mueller
New Whiteland, Indiana

How many ways are there to recruit new teachers? The quickest way but not the best way, is to draft a person to fill a vacancy in an emergency. It may or may not be someone that has the ability, but is available or has the time to devote to the problem at the moment. Some of these people go on to be very good leaders and the group will hold together and weather the crisis. A warm body is better than nothing, but if the drafted teacher doesn't dig in to learn and improve the dancers will soon look elsewhere. Frequently, a couple that loves Round Dancing and moves up after graduation (or sometimes before graduation) to another level, shows an interest in the movement and either keeps moving up, burns out entirely or starts thinking about the whys and hows of the dance and its makeup. "Monkey see - Monkey do" is another source for new teachers. Your dancers will imitate a leader in style, poise, footwork, attitude and even dress. They see the happiness of the relationship between teacher and dancer and want to be part of the movement. Sometimes a dancer will become so dissatisfied with their present leader that they try teaching to see if they can improve the movement in their area. If you are successful you are hooked!

Adequate leadership can vary as to your needs. A person can never be over trained. Make use of every opportunity to learn in all phases of teaching. Just being able to execute the basics does not make you a leader or teacher. After learning the mechanics of dancing you need to think of the dancer - teacher relationship. Some teachers have a natural Charisma while other have to work at it. A little psychology goes a long way towards making a dancer feel comfortable or needed. You can't play favorites and expect everyone to be happy. A little humor sprinkled in makes the program more enjoyable. There are many sources of learning in Leadership - Legacy, Roundalab, Accredited Round Dance Schools, National Panels, Clinics and Seminars, Indiana's State Square Dance Callers Association has a three day workshop every summer with excellent National Leaders in Squares and Rounds on staff. There is much to be learned there if you go with an open mind and listen. Many associations make these workshop available, but you have to have the desire to go and learn.

Timing can come under several categories. One is dancing with the proper timing to music. Another is being able to pre cue for the dancers. Then there is Cadence Cueing (on beat cueing) that is important in teaching timing to your dancers. If you have a properly written cue sheet, timed according to the rhythm of the music, you can teach yourself the timing with the knowledge of musical measures and proper dance punctuation. (There are schools, books and magazines that print this information.) The best method to learn to time your pre cue is to tape yourself and dance to your cues. You soon find out if you are ahead, behind or right on and then practice to adjust. Properly timed cues make for smooth dancing and you can soon see if the dancers are hurrying up to execute your "stacked cues" (too many too fast). It doesn't hurt to combine cues such as Waltz away and Together, rather than Waltz Away Waltz Together. You still have four words, but it is smoother and your words flow if you give the full command as the dancer executes beat 2 of the previous measure rather than to give Waltz Away on beat 2 of the previous measure and then Waltz Together on beat 2 of the next measure. In two-step rhythm give your cue when the dancer is doing beat 3.

Setting goals and accomplishing them can keep you current and prepared for your teaching responsibilities. There's nothing like the satisfaction and secure feeling of being prepared for your class, club, weekend or whatever. You can present yourself as a true Professional when you are fully prepared. Bluffing your way through or failing to admit you are human and do make mistakes will not set well with your public. You really should stay far enough ahead of your group that you can have a positive attitude and command their respect to your knowledge. Now that you might be considered an "Experienced Teacher" you need to remember you are always learning. There may be a new angle, twist or method of teaching a Basic step. Be receptive to new ideas and be humble enough to try a different way. Keep current with Roundalab standards and help the Round Dance Movement to standardize so we all can dance and understand each other regardless of where we travel. If you don't agree with the standardization, don't knock it, but get involved and help.

Teaching Techniques can be one of your best assets. Again a little psychology with either the new or the experienced dancer can come in handy. Don't assume anything! Several of the common mistakes of teachers is to say - "now you all know this" or "you can all do this" — (maybe someone didn't learn that dance). Every class we teach is different and they don't follow the same pattern, but we have a plan in mind and goal for their future. Basics are so important, but a few routines along the way can keep their interest and give them a feeling of accomplishment. Have more that one way to teach a step. Using current peppy routines, mixers and good old standard numbers can be spark plugs for them.

Hash Cueing is a valuable tool to prepare them for listening and dancing to cues. We even "hash cue" in the higher basics for practice in executing newer steps rather than teaching a new routine without some preparation. Use LPs for the big band sound the give them good music that makes you want to dance. Give them a variety of melodies and rhythms to avoid monotony.

Know your activity, Be Prepared, use some psychology and join the happy group of Teachers. Teaching is work, but rewards are many and problems are challenges to be conquered for personal satisfaction and happiness for all. When that ugly duckling with four left feet finally becomes smooth and coordinated, you know why you are hooked as a teacher. It doesn't hurt to idolize a National Round Dance Teacher, but develop your own style - then share with others as others have shared with you.

Roundalab Journal, December, 1981