[Arjay]

I'm curious what everyone likes to attend and experience in workshops....
I'm always one for feedback and creating fun, interesting, and informative workshops.

[Scott S.]

For me, the best approach is what I personally think of as a "Lego" approach. This is where people are NOT taught patterns, but instead are taught two or three unusual little moves and then challenged to figure out how to insert those moves into existing patterns.

Instead of being handed a ready made pattern, students are handed "Legos" and encouraged to assemble them on their own. It helps inspire creativity and gets people thinking about customizing their moves to the music and the moment rather than regurgitating "cookie cutter" patterns.

**Edit:
Another thought came to mind and I apologize if this takes a bit to explain... but I don't know any term for it:

Arjay, what about actually teaching that it's not only ok for a follow to play, but that it's important for a leader to be able to play back off of it? Simple lead/follow is ok but it looks better if the follow embellishes with some styling. It takes things to the next level.

Then, when the follow actually gets to really play, it goes one level higher...

But the height of a great dance seems to be when the lead is able to play back. The original lead is built upon by the follow's play, and then the leader almost seems to sight follow the follow.... if that makes any sense.

It really boggles my mind that so many follows seem to be pleasantly shocked when I enthusiastically encourage them to play... they seem to react as if no one ever encourages them to experiment. For me, it forces me to play back and takes the dance to places it couldn't ever go without that kind of spontaneous improvisation.

[CrazyKate]

I like workshops where the instructors get personal - be it having a couple dance in front of everyone, and give feedback to have the whole class work on ... or just that the instructors make it around to everyone in the class to tune people's dancing as the class goes on.

On a not-so-personal level, I prefer technique classes over patter classes. There are enough leaders out there that "know" patterns, but don't have the right technique for them - so it should get to be safer for me. Also, if my technique sucks, my dancing will suck...

Fun & entertaining helps as well.

[Dima]

I like watching workshops that are not WCS, like your Hip Hop one. I get to pick out things I can incorporate into WCS.

[dancin_weezie]

I loved Angel & Debbie's "Jack & Jill Survior Island". I realize it's not for everyone (mainly competitors), but it gave a really cool look into a couple of different judges brains and also how everyone else in the class perceived the dancers.

BEWARE: The 4 couples picked to "compete" must be able to take constructive criticism in front of a group well!!!

[chandra]

The one critique session I went to with Jordan and Tatiana was my favorite workshop so far!
I really like smaller workshop environments with more personal interaction and feedback... Probably why most of the time I skip workshops, and just take privates instead! hehehe *oops

[Arjay]

thought this thread would be kickin....
am i to assume that because not many people post means that not many of you attend workshops?

should i change the topic to why don't you attend workshops???

[Arjay]

oh yeah...thank you to those that have...much appreciated...i am monitoring this one....

[Kelly]

I admit, I do not take workshops very often (actually haven't attended a workshop in years, usually take privates)....however the workshops that do appeal to me as an Advanced/All Star dancer are ones based on technique and styling. I think as a follower I'm more drawn to classes that don't focus on patterns but whats going to make my dances better with my partner. I also would be drawn to classes dealing with musicality. I think both technique and musicality are two things that you cannot get enough classes on and that you constantly need to be revisiting.

[CrazyKate]

I know I already responded with what workshops I like best, but I also don't go to many.

My #1 reason: I'm up until a ridiculous hour doing late night dancing.

Other reasons...

Too many are pattern-based. Maybe I just need to see through the patterns to get the technique from workshops.

If workshops are for a certain level (ex: intermediate/advanced), it isn't enforced. Some of those workshops will cater to the lower levels, thereby slowing the entire class down. Some of those workshops will leave the lower levels behind, thereby making it painful to dance with those people 'cause they don't know the technique for the basics that the material works off of.

Lately, if I go to a workshop, I usually go to observe how someone teaches. I'd like to get into teaching, so I figure I should do my homework & figure out what I think is more effective.

Of course, at BTP this weekend I'm hoping to take Arjay's hip hop class & Marty & Valerie's balboa class just so I can learn some new stuff.