Know the music and steps thoroughly, then teach the dance in the most direct and involving manner possible. Be very familiar with the particular tape deck, set the volume control appropriately, make it a habit to reset the counter to zero. Demonstrate and teach near the tape controls, even if it requires moving the group.

With an experienced group show the whole of the dance once or twice and immediately involve them, if necessary with a basic version, as the finer points can be elaborated on later. Stop and clarify the steps, without preambles, commentaries, or justifications &endash; just brief, specific intructions related to the actions. Repeat the above process if the dance has a number of sections.

When demonstrating in a circle move around to allow all dancers to copy steps from behind.

Make a clear distiction when you want dancers "watching" or "doing". Train them to notice it, perhaps with a game like "you clap the rhythm of my feet on the floor as I move now I clap and you move".

Say "ready, and" or sing the musical introduction to begin movement together. Call next step ahead of the change, just before the end of the phrase. Other signals to conduct the movements could be a handclap for go or stop, three quick claps to change direction in the circle, a "Hey!" to warn of an approaching change.

The musical phrases express the duration of the movements so sing the melody while walking through the dance, rather than mechanically counting.

With a difficult group it may help to begin with a small demonstration group, but give everyone some task e.g. body percussion or instrumental accompaniment.

Keep your sense of humour and enjoy the little surprises that arise. Nobody, including yourself, wants a session that is a "downer".

To establish a dance programme regular sessions are important. Sessions should be 45 minutes to an hour. In session one teach four or five dances and dance through them at the end. Revise and teach one or two more next session and so on. Begin each session with some "warm-up" activity to avoid injury, perhaps one of the less vigorous dances. Introduce new material early each session, but vary with some well known favourites. Choose a "high" number to start and finish.