David Bailey wrote:What, you think AT-ers are less exclusive? Rubbish, they're much more snooty than any wussy friendly cuddly WCS scene could ever be, believe me.
MikeyR wasn't saying "I hate MJers", he was just expressing his honest opinion about some difficulties he was having teaching MJers. Now, this may reflect his teaching approach, it may reflect genuine objective problems in "transitioning", or it may be plain wrong.
But I'd rather he expressed an opinion which we can debate, instead of being jumped-on for daring to say something not entirely fluffy and positive.
And this isn't a forum for promoting WCS events - although sometimes that's difficult to remember. So "being diplomatic" is not required.
Sorry for not being around to take part in this "discussion".
Firstly, I want to say that I came to WCS from Modern Jive which I danced for 5 or 6 years and albeit some time ago now, a couple of years that time was teaching regular classes and workshops.
How Long have I been dancing WCS, as a Leader 10 mths as a follower 2 mths. I have been involved with teaching the basics of WCS for about 5 months (because people have asked me to).
What is the objective of the Trent Park venue - To provide a friendly, nuturing atmosphere in which to Learn to dance WCS(But not in one evening).
My crime? To venture that opinion MJers are harder to teach WSC to than non dancers? Or to write and submit a post that was a little too generalised ? I will let the reader make up there own mind.
Before I try to qualify my opinion, I will do a little Pop Quiz. Is there anyone out there in Forumland that either runs a WCS venue, teaches at a WCS venue or frequents a regular WCS class that has ever seen me sit out or not partake in, a beginners lesson at a class or workshop weekend ?
Why ? Well I will let you make your own mind up on that too!
To qualify my opinion. It is based, purely on my limited experience! But could it be that because my years doing MJ and my transition gives me a little better understanding of the problems?
Also as with MJ learning it and teaching it are not the same thing. it seems to me that a lot of those comments are coming from those who learn. In theory, Yes I agree somebody with dance experience should be easier to teach, not necessarily bourne out in practise.
If I was to venture a reason, I would suggest attitude more than anything else. Why? Again IMHO MJ has sold well because it easy to learn to do(though not all do, do they?) and provides a large social element, the basics are very basic and to progress above the "Intermediate" really one must search out themselves.
WCS, just like many other dances, is not easy to learn and even harder to perfect. Iam sure those other dances just like WCS get their fair share MJers who turn up and get frustrated because it is just not as easy. It is fact that whilst WCS is largely very different, some of the patterns look very similar, the music that is used in the dance is used in MJ, which seems to lead most people to think they can pick it up just as easily. The non dancers
who come back on a regular basis seem to pick it up quicker, that has been my experience!
It is a major part of Trent Parks mission Statement to provide a positive friendly environment in which to learn this dance because not everybody learns at the same pace and we believe the learning process should be a positive one.
I understand that most people on here have never met me and so a post on here is how you will judge me! But to those that have met me, danced either MJ or WCS with me, do you really think I have an elitist attitude about WCS?
You notice I qualified that comment
, but MJ vs NON MJ? Cannot make that distinction.
