--- Greg wrote:
"I get the attention of the hall and say: "If you are new to this kind of dancing
please find a partner who has danced for at least one night..."
I certainly agree with Greg that having experienced dancers partner with newcomers
can be really helpful. I'd suggest that the instructions be changed, however,
so that the experienced dancers are encouraged to seek out a newcomer. Newbies
have no way of knowing if someone is experienced or not, whereas the regulars
at a given series will probably be able to spot new faces.
Similarly, in some situations I'll ask experienced dancers to raise their hands
and to wait, and will request newer dancers to ask one of those people as a partner
for the next dance. The old hands (old feet?) are more being the center of attention
that would be the case if I asked all the newcomers to raise their hands.
Just another thought,
David Millstone
