Same but different...

Re-reading my last blether I felt initially that all I needed to do was tell people to read that one again. All the comments about busy-ness, and time passing, not to mention never knowing how a class would go could have been written about this week's class too. As usual we had a completely different mix of people in the session, but this time we weren't joined by so many old friends, instead we welcomed (and welcomed back) some new ones. It was brilliant to be joined by even more intrepid newcomers. They did so well (even if they might not have thought so themselves) and hopefully they enjoyed themselves.
I'm very aware that the class is a very steep learning curve initially. There are so many levels of dancing ability and experience attending, literally from total beginners to demonstration level, it's definitely a challenge to keep everyone interested. Dances are mainly chosen for their 'fun factor' rather than classic style or ease of learning. On the other hand the class itself is very welcoming of newcomers and it's always easier to learn when most of the rest of the people in your set know what they are doing; it's a brilliant way to learn if you can stick the pace, however...
Eventually I hope we'll have enough people interested in 'going back to the basics' to resurrect a 'beginners' class. Monday afternoon 'basics' sessions, also at the UKCA, worked very well in the past as an additional resource (but it wouldn't have to be on Mondays if that wasn't convenient). I know many people prefer to have the moves and steps of a dance taught thoroughly before having to do the whole thing - in contrast to just walking a dance through and going for it -however much fun that might be for more experienced dancers! Let me know if you are interested and if we can get enough people to make up at least a set we'll organise the best time for a class and give it a go. In the meantime I hope I'll see you again next Tuesday.