Programming Why is it so important Zero Box

Programming Why is it so important? Zero Box Get-outs: Touch ¼, Split Circulate, Single Hinge, Boys Cross Run, Allemande Left Con ve : Tip 2 call r Patte irculate C t i l p S all ing c Sing man o Pian ntion Calle rs = Happy Dancers Mel Wilkerson - wilkerso@bigpond. net. au

Programming - Definition • The planning, scheduling or performing of a program • The process of instruction or learning by means of an instructional program • The process of preparing an instructional program A guide by which to do something

IN SQUARE DANCE CALLING TERMS Programming contains 4 key things: • Having a defined goal or “end state” • Define actions needed to achieve goal • Performing the necessary actions • M. E. R. I. This applies to all Square Dance Programming

Programming - Steps Step 1 – Identifying the Goal • The “event” where the dancers are: – Successfully challenged and win, – Participated in a structured and enjoyable activity, – Are entertained and had fun, and importantly – Want more.

Programming - Steps Step 2 – Identifying the Path • The path must be dissected into parts • Each part can be a mini program – Identify the actions needed to achieve each part – Sequence - what order do these actions occur

Programming - Steps Step 3 – Putting the plan in action • Start – Getting behind the microphone – Performing the defined actions • Deliver – What the dancers see – Teach the movement or call your tip – All the background work pays off – You are an interactive entertainment device programmed to give the dancers enjoyment

Programming - Steps Step 4 – M. E. R. I. (answers: How did it go? ) • Monitor – The progress of the plan/actions • Evaluate – what worked/didn’t work – You must be honest and objective – Both Good and Bad matter • Report – make notes while fresh • Improve – review for improvement Become the best you can be not the best that you are

Programming Is Not A Natural Skill A successful program: • Is the successful finish of tasks and actions • Is designed to build upon itself and grow • Has each task focused on the target goal • Has each action focused on the tasks A successful program makes each tip, night, class, season, event A WORK OF ART

The Key To Success Remember: • Worry about your part only. – Your tip, your evening, – your club, your class or season • For events - be a piece in the machine – The organiser has a part – is that yours? – The coordinator has a part – is that yours? – The callers each have a part – what is yours? A successful program has all the parts doing what they should

TWO LEVELS TO EVERY PROGRAM 1. Individual – doing your part 2. Bigger picture – all the parts working • You may be doing both levels or only one • There are lots of component pieces • The levels apply to each program - identify the pieces – actions and tasks for each The bigger picture is THE GOAL Every part (big and small) has to work in the big picture

ANALOGY TIME Artists Callers Paints in depth Calls with variety Shows ability Shows skill Demonstrates skill Piques interest Entertains & Interest Pleases the audience Pleases the dancers The goal is to gain favour with the target audience THE CONSUMER

ANALOGY TIME Gallery Curator Event Programmer Places art works Places callers Schedules showings Schedules tips Showcases individual Balances performers Maximise time/space Maximises halls / tips Builds rapport Dancer experience up Sells paintings Sells new callers A well thought plan with a fixed goal is required for success

PROGRAM FROM THE BOTTOM UP • Teach a single call • Program a feature move • Program a bracket or tip (patter / singer) • Program a session or whole dance • Program a season (lessons or club) • Program a special event The process is the same for each

PROGRAM TO TEACH A SINGLE CALL • Target Goal – “teaching outcome” • Tasks – Know the material and how to use it – Have a lesson plan prepared – Know the definition – Understand the movement mechanics – Everything else Confirm the outcome for dancer enjoyment and success

PROGRAM A FEATURE MOVE • Target Goal – “Hoedown outcome” • Tasks – Know the ELIGIBLE calls available – Know movement mechanics and how they fit – Plan the structure for challenge with success – Maximise the feature without overwhelming Confirm the outcome for dancer enjoyment and success

PROGRAM AN ENTIRE TIP • Target Goal – “Complete Tip outcome” • Tasks – Determine the patter focus for patter – Ensure singing call compliments the patter focus • Choreography and music – Tip builds on/affirms previous dancer knowledge Confirm the outcome for dancer enjoyment and success

PROGRAM A SESSION OR DANCE • Target Goal – “Session / Dance Outcome” • Tasks – Each tip builds on its predecessor • Scaled for enthusiasm clime with rise and fall – Each tip compliments the previous material • Choreography and music selection important – Program flexibility for unforeseen circumstances Confirm the outcome for dancer enjoyment and success

PROGRAM A SEASON / CLUB • Target Goal – “Desired Season Outcome” • Tasks – Teaching order – Administrative stuff – Program nights / teach schedule / party nights – Program flexibility spaces Confirm the outcome for dancer enjoyment and success

PROGRAM AN EVENT Target Goal – “Desired Event outcome” This should always be a successful and enjoyable DANCER experience • callers are responsible for their part only • Caller scheduling must be for dancer benefit • Caller EGO is not a consideration • Programmer EGO and Bias to be avoided Suck it up. It is about the dancers not you

PROGRAM AN EVENT (cntd) • Event programmers must have a thick skin • Callers programmed on ability and capability • Programmers must be objective • Caller scheduling must be for dancer benefit • If you want a better slot – be a better caller • Known and unknown considerations Confirm the outcome. Dancer Enjoyment and Dancer Success

Programing factors Known • # callers, levels, time, themes, dignitaries location, # of dancers etc…the list goes on – This is assessment, evaluation and math – This is actually the easy part. Unknown • Weather, dancer capability, performer sickness – pandemic, power failure etc. – Easy fixes – instant reactive decision, – No bruised egos Good programmers build in “what if”

Hints and tips Write the program down • Identify goals and tasks • Build in KPI to keep you on track Schedule event programs carefully Print it out well in advance Seasonal programs need a calendar • Program open slots for flexibility Keep your programs. Refer to and update Callers are tools in a Programmers Tool Box

Planning and programming framework • Preparation – Program logic • Implementation – Ongoing M. E. R. I. • Review – Test the program assumptions – Assess progress towards goa – Review program management and delivery – Identify issues and recommend improvement Be honest and objective It is about the dancers not you.

“I” is for Improvement You had a Goal. You made a plan. Identified what you needed. You prepared. You put it in action. You completed the program. It’s over. . When you review it is time to be objective and “your own worse critic”. Anybody can be the best they are M. E. R. I. programming means You will get better at being your best

Programming Big Picture Final Outcome Goal KPI KPI Task Task KPI KPI KPI Task Task Task Task Task Task Task Task Schedule and calendar Flex Review and improve

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