[8/21/2008 SteppersUSA News]
Certified Feedback
By Markie Bee
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So how do we get past the; "Well, I've been dancing and teaching for a long time. How is anyone going to certify ME" syndrome? The only way this dance has a shadow of a chance of growing toward full general acceptance in the world is to talk about and do something about creditability as seen by both those on the inside and those on the outside of stepping. Introducing new people to the dance is the key, but first things first... In the hopes of stimulating more conversation about instructors certification of the basics my crusade continues. I asked Tanya Nash (www.nsaab.org)  to weigh in on what was said in the letter I shared yesterday, and this is what she had to say:
I believe the original or what people call the Ole Skool should be taught as well as explained what the difference is between the 2 styles. I have never taken a class with Cynthia but I have worked with several of their students here in Chicago. The timing is the only consistent thing I noticed that was not the same as what women such as Lady Margrette and Tina, Lola- women who are consistently coined as the top women and best women dancers are doing when they dance. This is the only difference between the 2 "styles" - timing. This difference effects what can be done to a follow in the dance. The Heavy Hitters that are actually too young to be ole skoolers simply know how to adjust to the rhythms and habits of both new and ole skool partners. The idea is to be able to dance with anyone when you go out. You have to be able to lead both as a male and follow both as a female before you should be considered a Heavy Hitter or Top dancer or teaching anything beyond the basics. This goes for male and female instructors. This does not imply that you have to know everything if this were possible but you should know more than the average person dancing. I have seen the children in many of the CPS schools dance as I also have taught in more than one, and I do not see anything that resembles what I see at the parties that are promoted on the steppers set. There is no timing, there are incomplete basics this can be attributed to the seriousness of the children however I believe it also comes from instruction that does not impress the structure of the dance new or ole skool. I agree in one fact the basics should be the same steps anywhere. The basics includes the 8 step pattern & timing however you choose to count it (though 8 count seems to be simpler and quicker to learn than 6 in my own opinion and I loved learning on a 6 count!) a full left turn, a full right turn, and a half turn. Every move that can be created comes from these 3 basic turns. The basics should include for men an 8 step pattern, 5 versions of the "stroll" pattern ( these help men learn to travel and dance simultaneously) and their personal turns (left, right, and half) These elements allow anyone to continue to practice and develop their skills.
I continually support instructors and training that teaches all of these elements in a fashion that does not intentionally increase the amount of time consumers (students) spend in classes.
Whether you are an instructor, or student, I would love to hear your comments on certification. just send a comment to webmaster@steppersusa.com

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