RETAINING DANCERS

 Retaining dancers is one of the most important tasks within the square dance movement. It is the responsibility of all dancers, the caller, cuer and officers to exert all efforts to retain their dancers. There are many reasons that dancers leave the activity. Some reasons are beyond anyone's control such as health, moving, change in work schedule, finances, age or a change in family situations. There are other reasons for dancers "dropping out" that the dancing community can do something about, such as unable to maintain the level of dancing, peer pressure, not feeling welcome, too much responsibility too fast, problems within the club or other things that make the dancer uncomfortable. It is the responsibility of the caller, officers and members to avoid a situation that contributes to the dropout of any dancer.

There are three phases when a club can lose dancers (1) in Beginner Lessons, (2) in the transition from lessons to the club (3) and in the club. In lessons the new dancer may be a slow learner or very insecure. The club members should help them feel secure by helping them with the figures under the direction of the caller, and assure them that they are progressing and will achieve their goals. The club members should meet the new dancers and establish a relationship prior to their first "Club Dance". The new dancers are entering a new magic, mythical world, and without tender loving care, they may decide square dancing is not for them. Some club members may isolate themselves from the new dancers or unintentionally snub the new dancer which may drive the new dancer away from the club. There are many of those who would like to become more active in club functions or club management, but are afraid to volunteer or are unsure of the associated responsibilities. It is imperative that the club be responsive to the needs of new and existing dancers.

The caller has the responsibility of being sure the new dancers are ready for the club, keeping the evening dance program moving along at a pace that the dancers will enjoy. He can also help with keeping cliques at a minimum, and maintaining excitement and enthusiasm in the club activities.

Although the officers run the business of the club, they also must keep peace and harmony within the club. One of their prime duties is to make everyone feel WELCOME at the club. Each member must be made to feel that he or she belongs. A proven method is to invite every member to participate in some club service, such as, serving the food, welcoming the visitors, setting up the building for the dance or cleaning up after, sending cards to the members that missed the dance or are ill, etc. The officers can help the new dancer by dancing with them and introducing them to other members and visitors. The officers must assure the planning, preparation and conduct of an exciting dance night, that will be remembered and enjoyed by the dancers.

Club members also have responsibilities. They can add fun, fellowship and enjoyment to the dance by speaking to other dancers, smiling, being friendly and by being considerate of the feelings of others. Club members should be respectful of the opinions of others. They should attend all club functions and be willing to help in any part of the club operations. Members should set an example for others to follow and demonstrate to others that they can contribute to the operations of the club and are interested in the club activities. Every club member can help maintain harmony by remembering "Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you".

Many new dancers and slower learners need extra help. A workshop before the club dance or the separation of the slow learners may assist in resolving these problems. It is very important to encourage them and not "PUT" them down. Some dancers may find the dance program is not "Challenging" enough. This can be solved by having a higher level or "hot hash" tip periodically during the dance. The dancers that don't feel they can do it will not feel put out. The caller can help by preparing and presenting a program and using figures in such a manner that the dancers will feel that they are being challenged.

The club caller, officers and other dancers may inadvertently put pressure on a new dancer. The caller may want to call a more challenging dance, so he teaches all the latest figures. Some dancers may want to come have fun and relax and not become perpetual students. The officers may ask too much of a dancer's time through visitations and meetings or ask them to do too much and not just let a new member have fun. Club members should not "look down" at the dancer who cannot go visiting, learn all the new figures or do work within the club. There may be valid reasons that a member cannot do all these things.

There are some members who want to participate in club activities and some who will do very little. It is important that the club members understand and respect the degree of involvement that each member is willing to give. But it is equally important that all members understand their obligations as a member of a volunteer social activity and to do their fair share of the work. New dancers may be very eager and may take on duties that they are not qualified or prepared for. In so doing, they may get discouraged or may receive complaints if they have not fulfilled their duties properly. Since this is a hobby that is supposed to be fun and if their job becomes too difficult or becomes a burden, they may drop out and seek another hobby.

Every individual associated with the club must understand and recognize their responsibilities and their roles in the retention of dancers. Retention of dancers does not happen automatically but requires careful thought, study and planning to be successful. A club leader must be successful as Dancers are the life blood of the Square Dance Activity and the Square Dance Club.

Copies of USDA Publications & Educational Materials may be obtained from:
USDA PUBLICATION CHAIRMAN

 JIM & EDYTHE WEBER
1316 MIDDLEBROOK DR
LIBERTY, MO 64068 
(816) 781-3598 Fax: (816) 781-3041