Information for Angels
Taken, with minor alterations,
from the former website of retired Central California caller Jim
Penrod. Jim said he got it from the Minnesota Square Dance
Callers' Association notes.
They are the wonderful people who
Introduce square dancing to others,
Bring others to square dance classes,
Aid the caller/teacher by filling the squares
so that all class members may dance.
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 into 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 person: the 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 hoedown (dance) will be soon enough.
- DO NOT TAKE NEW DANCERS TO DANCES THAT ARE ABOVE THEIR DANCING
EXPERIENCE.
You will 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 NEW DANCERS:
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 student 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.