Re: [Callers] When did pre-dance beginners' workshops start in YOUR area?

[Read Weaver]

In the late '80s/early '90s, the JP (Boston) Contra dance had a  
beginners' session from 7:30-8:00, and charged a lower admission  
during that time to encourage everyone, new and experienced, to come.  
That stopped some time while I was away ('93-'00), not sure when.  
Now, If we happen to know we'll have a bunch of new folks we'll have  
them come early and have a beginners' session before 7:30, and if we  
find ourselves with a bunch of newbies we'll sometimes do something  
during the break. We've always had a larger number of newcomers than  
most established dances.