Monday madness
Mar. 21st, 2006 11:14 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
billeylerLast night's official first night of Wilde Bunch class 61 took off with a HUGE turnout (for us). At one point, we were dancing FIVE squares, with a number of other angels sitting out. I can't even remember the last time we had five squares up.
I was a bit stunned there were so many new faces. I'm PRAYING they stay through the June 12 crossover. Jack, our (acting) class director even lost count, since not everyone appeared to sign in. There could have been as many as 24 new dancers.
Definitely using the KISS method for teaching the beginners. Framing the bits and pieces into actual dances, and keeping the dances simple. Everything last night was themed around circles, stars and arm turns, pretty basic stuff and very danceable, with very perky music.
On the other hand, the C1 lessons have slowed down to an absolute crawl. I don't think I can add any new calls to their minds without having a blowout. Last night was split recycle, switch to an interlocked diamond, and scatter scoot, not too bad. Many of the many-part calls seem to be getting confused in their heads, like linear action, scoot and ramble, and scoot and little. I don't blame them, considering they show up every week, but I'm thinking they should make SOME stab at looking at the definitions. After all, I learned C1 all by myself to Ed Foote's tapes, never having even seen C1 dancing in 1987.
One woman in particular, who I may have to ask (and her partner, too) to reconsider continuing the lessons, just wanders around aimlessly waiting for someone to grab her and guide her to the correct spot. She wants to cover her total lack of ability with the words, "I thought that's where I was supposed to go"...it's become a mantra, and I had to refrain over and over from saying, "Why DIDN'T you go there." But that would be unkind.
But the energy of the actual Wilde Bunch club class was invigorating, to be sure.
Oh, and last night was the actual 23rd anniversary of the Wilde Bunch, to the day. It was celebrated with a mention, and finger foods. I did see a cake in the back that said, "Happy Anniversary, Wilde Bunch."
Another sad point was that the only Round Dance club in Albuquerque gave notice that they're folding their regular Weds club nights at the center. Sigh. They still have lessons on Tuesdays, but who know how long that will go on.
I was intrigued that the Wilde Bunch board wanted to negotiate with me on my raising my rate for Mondays to $50. Jeez, I mean really. That for 22 years of calling for them, 3 1/2 hours of class/club on Mondays, and the overhead costs, and they're arguing that $50 is too much? Amazing. Anyway, the club finances should be MUCH better these days with Alan as treasurer, keeping a watch on the funds.
I was a bit stunned there were so many new faces. I'm PRAYING they stay through the June 12 crossover. Jack, our (acting) class director even lost count, since not everyone appeared to sign in. There could have been as many as 24 new dancers.
Definitely using the KISS method for teaching the beginners. Framing the bits and pieces into actual dances, and keeping the dances simple. Everything last night was themed around circles, stars and arm turns, pretty basic stuff and very danceable, with very perky music.
On the other hand, the C1 lessons have slowed down to an absolute crawl. I don't think I can add any new calls to their minds without having a blowout. Last night was split recycle, switch to an interlocked diamond, and scatter scoot, not too bad. Many of the many-part calls seem to be getting confused in their heads, like linear action, scoot and ramble, and scoot and little. I don't blame them, considering they show up every week, but I'm thinking they should make SOME stab at looking at the definitions. After all, I learned C1 all by myself to Ed Foote's tapes, never having even seen C1 dancing in 1987.
One woman in particular, who I may have to ask (and her partner, too) to reconsider continuing the lessons, just wanders around aimlessly waiting for someone to grab her and guide her to the correct spot. She wants to cover her total lack of ability with the words, "I thought that's where I was supposed to go"...it's become a mantra, and I had to refrain over and over from saying, "Why DIDN'T you go there." But that would be unkind.
But the energy of the actual Wilde Bunch club class was invigorating, to be sure.
Oh, and last night was the actual 23rd anniversary of the Wilde Bunch, to the day. It was celebrated with a mention, and finger foods. I did see a cake in the back that said, "Happy Anniversary, Wilde Bunch."
Another sad point was that the only Round Dance club in Albuquerque gave notice that they're folding their regular Weds club nights at the center. Sigh. They still have lessons on Tuesdays, but who know how long that will go on.
I was intrigued that the Wilde Bunch board wanted to negotiate with me on my raising my rate for Mondays to $50. Jeez, I mean really. That for 22 years of calling for them, 3 1/2 hours of class/club on Mondays, and the overhead costs, and they're arguing that $50 is too much? Amazing. Anyway, the club finances should be MUCH better these days with Alan as treasurer, keeping a watch on the funds.
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no subject
Date: 2006-03-21 09:57 pm (UTC)I'd be happy to donate my time IF the club didn't charge dues. After all, it is more of a hobby than a vocation (for me, at least). Some people like Kris and Andy have time and resources to do it for free.
But I was convinced early on that my time has in herent value, and having spent $10K or more over the years for equipment, music, training, travel, and on and on and on, there's no way I'd donate my time anymore. Some people can (and would).
Or I could just stop! :-)
no subject
Date: 2006-03-22 04:20 pm (UTC)Not to mention your talent! and the hours of preparation that the dancers never see. Newer callers do have to donate some time and pay some dues to get experience and exposure, but after 20+ years, your "donation" now comes in the form of the advice/encouragement you give to newer callers. You certainly shouldn't be calling for free - getting you for $50 is a real bargain for the club.