Thank you angels for everything you do.
Angels are so important to not only a successful class, but a fun one. New dancers need us to show them how much fun square dancing really is. They need us to show them it is ok to screw up while still having fun. Something I have learned is that it is ok to screw up in fact it can be more fun. I would like to thank all those square dancing friends who taught me how to have fun.
This page is dedicated to all our angels from all our clubs who work so hard supporting the new dancers, the club, and square dancing. They are the ones who show up week after week, year after year, and do it with a smile. Thank you to each and every one of you.
When you become a class angel, there are some simple rules to remember:
BE ON TIME- You may be the cause of three other couples sitting out during a teaching tip.
BE OBSERVANT- Make sure that every student is in a square during the teaching tip. BUT don't wait for them to square up - Invite them to your square.
LET THE CALLER RUN THE CLASS- Don't take it upon yourself to start splitting couples. When it is time to break up a group or separate a couple, the caller will indicate this by his or her teaching methods.
DO NOT TALK IN THE SQUARE when the caller is giving instructions. Learning to listen to the caller's commands requires concentration. No person can listen to two persons at a time. All should be listening to the same caller.
DANCING STYLES- Some dancing styles that dancers have adopted are out of place in class. Basics should be kept in pure form. The proper Do Sa Do, hand and arm holds, a quick touch to acknowledge position, and no short cuts will ensure new dancers of the proper position for the next call.
ANGELS ARE HELPERS, NOT PUSHERS- Students must learn to react to each command. To gently guide someone is fine, but we accomplish nothing for the student if he or she has been pushed through an action and doesn't know what was supposed to be done. Angels' action should be firm but gentle.
LET THE CALLER KNOW if a dancer has not grasped the concept of a call after a reasonable time. The caller can review the call during the next tip. It is not a good idea to "teach" a call during a break. The student needs the time to relax and clear the mind. What if you teach it wrong?
DRESS FOR STUDENTS- Do not encourage students to "go right out" and buy square dance clothing. As you know, women's clothing can be expensive. Their first dance will be soon enough.
DO NOT TAKE DANCERS TO DANCES THAT ARE ABOVE THEIR DANCING EXPERIENCE- Youwill be surprised how many times club members tell students "Come on, we will pull you through." This will discourage many new dancers. Your caller will let them know when there is a dance at their experience level. Now is your chance to join them where both of you can have fun together.
FRIGHTENED-Square dancing is a frightening experience. Keep that in mind at all times with new students even after they "graduate". Every time a mistake is made, they think they caused it.
DANCE WITH THEM- Do you want to keep the new students in your club? Then you must dance with them, talk with them during breaks, encourage them. One of the biggest complaints heard from new dancers is that they are not sure the old club members want them.
HUGS ARE THE BEST THERAPY
FRIENDSHIP STUFF: Summer Quotes
In every girls life; there's a boy she'll never
forget and a summer where it all began.
A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.
Summer's filled with breaking the rules, standing apart, ignoring
your head, and following your heart
