De
Lauze in his 1623 work argued that 'None should have the liberty of teaching
without a certificate from people who would be chosen for this purpose,
before whom it would be obligatory to render some proof of the justness
of their actions, together with their capabilities.' This may have been
necessary in an age when the raising of an eye while bending a knee could
be regarded as an affront and a natural movement as immodest, but anyone
should feel free to lead the dances described on this web-site.. My only
advice is to:
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Be
prepared to call the dances you have chosen without reading instructions
word for word and to deviate from your program to suit the need
of the moment. If a single circle will be too congested, switch
to a dance in a double circle. If a couples dance will leave out
too many women, try a three person dance. If the planned dance might
be too challenging, call a simpler one.
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Call
ahead of the need, use as few words as possible and address everyone.
You will lose people's attention if you call too late, repeat yourself
or direct your comments or voice to only one group. Reduce the prompting
as the dance progresses and find different words or perspectives
for instructions that need repeating.
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Remember
'who, to whom, with what and what' - first identify those from whose
perspective you are about to call, then identify to whom or in which
direction they should face, then mention if they should be ready
to give right hands, lead with a left foot or take eyes, and only
then name the movement.
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Finish
with everyone involved and avoid finishing when there are couples
waiting out at both ends of a column, when newcomers have just joined
in or when some instruments, as part of a musical arrangement, have
just dropped out.
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