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

Teaching Round Dancing - Our First Love!

by Bob & Martha McNutt

After over thirty years of teaching and leading round dance groups, we have come to the conclusion that teaching new dancers is the most rewarding of all the experiences connected with the activity. We have taught at least one class each year since 1951, and sometimes more. We have been aided in this endeavor by many very fine leaders of our activity, many of whom we have never met. We have tried many of the methods recommended, not all of which have been satisfactory for us. By using those that have been satisfactory, we believe we have developed a method that works for us.

We believe this to be the answer to those who would teach. Never cease to learn yourself. Retain those things that work for you and leave the things that do not for others - for whom they may work just fine. Teach the basics as they should be taught. Utilize the tools you have chosen to work with to the very best of your ability. Always remember everyone who joins your class does not desire to become a perfectionist. Respect that - but never lower your own standards regarding dress, conduct, your own execution of the dances and basics being taught. You will soon find that your example is being imitated by those you are teaching. There is no better method of teaching than by example.

We always stress the five basic elements which are so essential to good dancing: Rhythm, Positions, Movements, Blending, and Styling - which, if the other four are taught properly will automatically follow. Teach each basic as though it were the most important one to be learned because it may well be.

You ability to cue properly is most important to those whom you are teaching. No one can teach if they cannot cue. Proper timing is of the utmost importance. Poor cueing can actually be a deterrent. If you will teach each of the five elements well, you will find that most dancers will prefer to dance to the music rather than the cues, after they have learned the routine being danced. Cues, in my opinion, are teaching tools and also reminders of the smooth flow of the dance. Improperly used cueing can be boring, and detrimental to the execution of the dance. You wouldn't expect a perfectly healthy person to use crutches so why force a crutch on a perfectly capable dancer.

Roundalab Journal, Summer, 1983