Subj : Guide To New Dancers
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Mon Dec 19 2022 00:03:20

  The following was from the November, 1997 issue of "The Modern
Square", Arkansas' Square and Round Dance publication of the Arkansas
State Square Dance Federation...originally from Tel-Star, October, 1995.
These are guidelines for new square dancers.

1. DANCE AT OTHER CLUBS. Your home club needs your support, and there
should be a special place for the club where you learned to dance...but
you are missing one of the great things about square dancing if you only
dance with your home club. VISIT WITH OTHER CLUBS IN THE AREA FROM TIME
TO TIME, AND WHEN ON TRIPS...BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE A VISITOR. It is
suggested that you call or write before visiting, as dancing schedules
and locations are subject to change...this is important if you are
traveling.

2. BELONG TO A CLUB. Clubs are needed to organize and establish a means
of enjoying the fellowship of square dancing. To survive, they need an
active membership where everyone helps. Volunteer...don't wait to be
asked.

3. DANCE TO OTHER CALLERS. During lessons, you tuned into the caller who
taught you, and you will always have a special place for him or her.
Every caller has a different style...that is part of the fun.

4. DANCE IN THE FRONT OF THE HALL. The tendency for the new dancer is to
hide in the back of the hall, where he thinks the caller can't see his
square break down. A good caller watches the whole floor...including the
back squares. Don't be afraid to dance in the front square.

5. DANCE WITH EXPERIENCED DANCERS. Sometimes an outreached hand from a
more experienced dancer is all your square needs to keep going. Everyone
dancing today was a new dancer at one time, and can remember how it
felt.

6. TOUCH HANDS AFTER EVERY MOVE. Establish your position by touching
hands after every move. If you're lost, at least you'll have company.

7. KEEP DANCING. To use all the information you have learned, and to
make it become second nature, it is important to practice, practice,
practice.

8. BE AWARE OF YOUR LEVEL. Look for dances advertised at the level you
know.

9. STAY AT YOUR LEVEL FOR AWHILE. The level you dance has nothing to do
with how good a dancer you are. It has to do with how much time you are
willing to devote to your hobby. You may never choose to move to another
level, and that is fine. Don't make a choice until you have danced
mainstream for at least one full year...don't let anyone rush you out!!

10. SQUARE DANCE FOR FUN. The odds are pretty good that someone is going
to make a mistake (even a caller makes one sometimes!). Don't worry
about whose fault it was...it doesn't matter. Regroup, and keep smiling.

11. FINALLY...Jump right up when the music starts. Get in the first open
square, don't pass one up! Introduce yourself, smile, and have fun!
Thank everyone when the tip is over.
--- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
 * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

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