I have worked to limit the optional newcomer's orientation to 20 minutes or less at our dances. This seems to work well for most schedules. This also makes it clear that no separate classes are needed because 20 minutes limits what can be covered and telegraphs to first-timers that this will be easy. We also specify that the caller is expected to start promptly at 8 PM with live music starting no later than 8:02.
As an open public social event it seems prudent to accept all comers graciously at any point during the evening and integrate them immediately into the dancing.. Callers ought to be able to handle this...even if it requires altering their planned program slightly. My experience is that the regulars will integrate newcomers enthusiastically if they know the caller will make sure that everyone will be successful and that the process will be fun. The worst thing anyone can do is to blame first-timer late arrivals for "ruining it for everyone." All of the regulars are welcome to arrive late for whatever reason. Requiring the first-timers to arrive early sends a message of exclusivity and unfriendliness. I enjoy seeing first-timers at any point during the evening--especially if there is a group of them. This is what contra dancing is for. It sounds to me like your caller handled it pretty well. Corralling the latecomers for a special separate session would have been the worst thing to do in that situation. - Greg McKenzie West Coast, USA ************* On Mon, May 20, 2013 at 12:03 PM, Hanny Budnick <[email protected]> wrote: > As usual, before the contra dance there is a half-hour session before the > starting time of the main dance. It is advertised, and beginners are > encouraged to come early. Depending on number of attendees and time left, > rudimentary basics are presented and 'lightly' practiced. > I would like this panel's recommendations for dealing with this situation: > the beginners session was offered and attended. The main dance had started > exactly on time when - ca. 20 minutes into the evening - a large group of > absolute newbies appeared and joined right in. > In light of this development the beginners session could have been > repeated and somewhat extended, even in an additional available hall in the > same building. Alas, no further help was offered except for the advice 'try > to find an experienced partner'. > Fortunately, the band for the evening was an absolute delight... > Hanny Budnick > ______________________________**_________________ > Callers mailing list > [email protected] > http://www.sharedweight.net/**mailman/listinfo/callers<http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers> >
