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

Teaching Beginners

CALLERLAB

  1. Teaching newcomers to square dance is more than teaching the names and definitions of the figures.
    1. Teaching people to listen
    2. Showing how to find position in relationship to others
    3. Styling and Manners
    4. Indoctrination of ideals
    5. Historical background
  2. Callers too often set up dancers for failure.
    1. Repetition of choreography patterns
    2. Teaching easy part first
    3. Using the short cut instead of the definition
    4. Showing a move but not calling it repeatedly
  3. Teaching information sometimes forgotten.
    1. People learn in different ways (audio/visual)
    2. Attention span and length of tip
    3. Frustration limit
    4. Humor and anecdotes are helpful
    5. Keep your cool
    6. Let the dancers know the caller/teacher is human
    7. Work a pattern directionally that relates to the next figure to be learned
    8. Make each lesson as much like a dance as possible
    9. Encourage questions; especially in the breaks
    10. Use your angels if you have them
    11. Teach harder material earlier in the evening
  4. Prepare dancers for the world.
    1. Mention dance programs
    2. Tell about local associations and CALLERLAB
    3. Bring sample magazines
    4. Get someone to give sewing information for outfits
    5. Tell dancers how to re-form and get back in
    6. Describe "defensive" dancing
    7. Give information about available dances and encourage participation!