Planning a dance evening

We weren't able to attend last night's calling party, but I do have a few comments (natch) on planning a dance evening .

Ted's random thoughts:
- Start with a couple of easy dances.

- Let the dances build on "moves" taught in earlier dances. For example, once you've taught a "hey for four" feel free to use a dance with that figure in it again in the evening.

- But not the next dance! Try to vary the moves in consecutive dances. (Sometimes I really BLOW this. Whenever I do, I really feel stupid as a caller.)

- As an example of this, vary the formation of the dances. Intersperse a couple of Beckets in with the typical improper sets. And don't be afraid to call a proper dance! They can be fun, too.

- The last dance of the first half should be a really GOOD one. Some dancers will respond to their feelings after that dance to determine if they stay for the second half.
[Martha: Now you know why I suggested that you call the "Levi Jackson Rag" as the last dance of the first half. I think it fits that category. -- No pressure!]

- Similarly, the first dance of the second half should "hook" them into staying for more.- Dancers really do get "brain dead" by the end of the evening. So the last couple of dances should also be easy. But easy doesn't mean 'beginning" or "dumb." Rather, they should be flowing and intuitive.

- I sometimes like to end the evening with a medle of simple-flowing dances. Just a personal like.- At the end of the evening, acknowledge the band and thank the dancers for a fun time.

Hope this helps, Ted