I've helped to teach contra dancing to large high school gym classes a
few times. I'd suggest that you start with a grand march at the
beginning to help them feel the beat of the music, and to understand the
concept of dancing together. You can start from a simple circle dance,
then break into a line and do various arches and tunnels, as well and
marching in single file, as couples, groups of 4, 8, and 16, etc.
Then, pick very, very, very, very simple dances, dances where the
concepts of progression and improper, are not needed. Most of them would
never figure those things out in a hour. Try Virginia reel, and similar
dances. Even three different, and progressively more complex variations
on Sir Roger do Coverly, or Virgina reels, would work. (Save the reel
part for the last one, if you do it at all).
Remember, it's all new to them, and just succeeding at dancing in time
with the music, and with each other, is a success for them (and you).
Rich.
Grunzweig, Noah C. remarked on 5/21/2010 10:33 AM:
So, i hope this is being sent to the appropriate network. I was asked recently to call a contra dance for a highschool class of about 30-40 students. I would like to reach out for advice on working with not only youth, but total groups of non-dancers. in my experience, youth picks up rather quickly, but the last time i worked with a summer camp i spent waaay to much time instructing, so i wanted to see if i could get some pointers. any dance selections that you folks have found particularly friendly? the dance will only be one hour and i was asked to do contra dances. i am, at this point, planning on circle dances or mixers and a whole set dance like VA Reel; though, i would like to do a contra. dog branch reel or a dance where there is little or no crossing the set and pleanty of forgiving moments should there be confusion (which obviously should be mediated in the walkthru/lesson). so, that is where i am. any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciate.
peace.
Noah Grunzweig
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