Kids at Dances

[cisvms!7...@compuserve.com]

*From: IN%"70661...@CompuServe.COM" "Bob Dalsemer" 13-MAR-1992 10:22:38.57
*Subj: Kids at Dances

When I moved to the John C. Campbell Folk School last September I knew from
prior experience that the local dancers often brought their kids to dances
since baby sitters were either expensive or unavailable on Saturday nights.

I wanted to encourage people to come even though I knew that parents who
insist on dancing with their toddlers as partners, or carrying infants as
they dance can discourage others. My partner and I brainstormed a bit and
came up with a solution that has proved workable.

We begin at 6:30 with a covered dish supper.At 7:15 or 7:30 we begin a
session of family dances and games aimed everyone. We do play party games,
dances like Alley Cat, Seven Jumps, Hokey Pokey, Patty Cake Polka, etc.. as
well as a few simple "adult" dances. At 8:00 we begin the regular dance
which is open to everyone (including kids) who can dance independently as an
adult (I remind parents that in many contras and squares as well as mixers,
you dance with other people more than your partner).

For the other kids we provide a babysitter (usually a local teen) who brings
some toys and plans some activities which may include videos from the library
or from parents. We charge $1 per child extra for the babysitting which no
one seems to think is too high.

So far this has worked well.

Bob Dalsemer, Brasstown, NC