How to deal with less experienced dancers coming in after workshop?

  • Ask one to dance.
  • yes!
  • Talk up (create a culture of) experienced dancers pointedly dancing with beginners
  • Glen echo's buddy system
  • Experienced dancers should dance with at least one new dancer each night
  • Give discount if arrive in first half hour
  • Greenfield sometimes does "free if you come for a beginner's workshop thing" and it seems to work well.
  • Commit at least two of your dances every time you go dancing to including new folks
  • Go easy on them and teach -- a first-time dancer can feel comfortable (and hooked!) after one successful dance.
  • For the love of God, DON'T be bossy or superior. They'll never come back.
  • If you see someone struggling, talk to them after the set and see if they have questions.
  • If someone really doesn't want to do lots of extra twirls, don't force them to!
  • If you want to refuse an extra offered twirl, smile!
  • Dance angels?
  • Extra instruction during break!


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