The main way that class members learn new calls in from dancing class tips. To get the most out of this, it's important to get them all into good squares quickly if possible.
Squaring up
- If you suspect that one of your class members will show up a couple minutes late, make sure there will be a spot for them in one of the squares (this is have at least one square with fewer than 4 class members). Then keep an eye out and try to get them in as soon as they show up.
- Class members should have a club partner if possible. Tell the class this and the club this.
- As people are squaring up, you'll want to stand in the back so that class members can come find you if they need a partner.
- How much to rebalance squares is somewhat a matter of taste; it takes time away from dancing if you do it too much, but if a square isn't going to succeed, you may need to rebalance. When rebalancing, move couples, not individuals.
- Dance at least some class tips yourself. You'll have more fun and get a better sense of how class members are doing. Line up a partner and then have them save you a spot while you get the rest of the floor squared up.
- The caller will wait for your signal (thumbs up) that the squares are ready.
- Class members have the right to be in every class tip and they should be encouraged to. (however, if someone is sick or otherwise not feeling well, don't pressure them)
- For class, some of the normal square dance etiquette doesn't apply. You can demand more squares form, start new squares before all the others are full, and cut out club members to make spaces for class if needed. It's better to get more squares up than to pack the class into existing squares, but sometimes you don't have a choice.
If you see someone struggling with something, offer to walk them through it during the break.