Following on topics we've had on weekenders and the possible influx of newcomers because of media coverage I thought I'd bring up the subject of teaching people to dance. Mainly because I happened to see it happening over the weekend. I won't name the venue because the promoters had nothing to do with it.
It was absolutely excruciating to watch, three people trying to do the basics and doing them very badly. Yes I know it sounds picky, yes I know we all started somewhere, but c'mon, don't teach people at a venue. What about the rest of us, we've paid to get in as well, and don't want some numpty freewheeling around the dance floor, with total disregard for someone else's space. If you're going to teach, then at least pass on the basic etiquette. Maybe also let the students know that they almost certainly aren't going to be able to 'dance northern' after 10 minutes not least because they have no connection with the music. I realise I'm making a lot of assumptions about the 'Students' I happened to see the other night, but they weren't good believe me.
What it also made me wonder, is the way the scene is going to go? Instead of finding the music, people are more interested in finding a social event that they feel comfortable with, hence requiring dance lessons to somehow fit in?
Bottom line, if you really must 'coach' please do it away from a venue, and tell the students to practice at home