The “Four C‘s” are the cornerstones of this program. The ideas below are discussed throughout the duration of the residency as needed and they fit perfectly with concepts that schools are trying to instill in students.

Courtesy– means we are polite to each other. This means dance will always be fun, no matter who your partner is. You should be able to dance with anyone in the room, with a good attitude. At a dance you should be able to politely ask someone to be your partner, thank them when that dance is over and ask someone new to be your partner. Courtesy is required on the dance floor and highly recommended off the dance floor. People who dance regularly know this and use courtesy as a general rule. It can always be with you, wherever you go. It is nice to be nice and helpful and it feels good. It hurts you to be mean.

Cooperation– willingness to try new things with a good attitude. If there are more gents than ladies, some gentlemen may have to dance the ladies part or vice versa. Everyone should be able to help in this way.

Concentration– Pay attention to what we’re doing. Stay on the beat, listen to the music and the caller–without talking! Pay attention to the new dance vocabulary you have learned so you don’t fall behind the beat. When you fall behind, you cause others to fall behind. Dance is a physical expression of the music.

Community– Folk dancing is age-old community building.  For centuries, dance has been one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to celebrate traditional heritage as well as the common human experience of joyful connection.  Think about all the various interactions you have in your community regularly, some of which involve challenge and stress.  Now think how those difficult interactions could be eased if your community members were people you danced with!

People need to feel connected to each other. Organized social dance is a healthy way to acheive this. It provides a sense of participating in and belonging to a greater humanity.  It may be one of the few chances some students have to connect with their peers. This dance week, with a culminating “barn dance” will be one of the best things your school does to achieve a sense of community.

People need to feel connected to each other. Organized social dance is a healthy way to acheive this. Sometimes it’s the only connection students have. It provides a sense of participating in and belonging to a greater humanity.

Pioneer, Gold Rush, Westward Movement? Please read this article about dances of the old west. Teachers may like to use parts of this article.