Does your nearest MJ class teach the Semi-Circle?

[Andy McGregor]

Gus has called me out as someone who doesn't know if the semi-circle is taught throughout the UK. I'm sorry to confess that I do not know. But I can find out but asking this question.

"Does the class nearest to where you live teach the semi-circle?"

To add an element of authenticity please make sure it's your nearest class, not the one you most frequently attend - this could be more distant.

The semi-circle I'm talking about is the one the teacher asks you to do when starting the routine. He/she usually says "semi-circle to the left and both step back": sometimes the semi-circle goes the other way.

Please feel free to post on the thread say where your nearest class is and what they do. Then we'll all be able to answer the question Gus posed about knowing the geographic distribution of the semi-circle - it seems like it's important to Gus that we know this information.

[Andy McGregor]

The nearest MJ class to where I live is Brighton LeRoc. YES, they DO teach the semi-circle.

[geoff332]

All the Ceroc Oxford venues I've been to use the evil semi-circle.

It's might be worth mentioning that this particularly survey will give you more information about the geographical distribution of posters on the forum than it will about the geographic distribution of the teaching of the semi-circle; the sample is inherently biased and biased samples produce biased results reflecting variations in the sample rather than the variations in the population. That and the numbers will most likely be small enough to consider each case. Generalising from these results to whatever we think "reality" may be wouldn't be particularly valid.

[onkar]

At Cambridge they do.

Onkar

[Andy McGregor]

Originally Posted by geoff332

It's might be worth mentioning that this particularly survey will give you more information about the geographical distribution of posters on the forum than it will about the geographic distribution of the teaching of the semi-circle; the sample is inherently biased and biased samples produce biased results reflecting variations in the sample rather than the variations in the population. That and the numbers will most likely be small enough to consider each case. Generalising from these results to whatever we think "reality" may be wouldn't be particularly valid.

Of course you are right about the sample. If I was being paid to conduct this survey I would find a way of producing a stratified sample that reflects the population. If it really mattered, I would simply call the people who run the classes and ask them - If I called them all and got an answer it would no longer be a "sample" at all.

However, it's very easy to knock a survey sample. It's also easy to be accused of asking a biased question. But this is the only survey we've got so let's get on with it and take what we can from the result, bearing in mind the limitations of the sample.

[Lou]

Originally Posted by geoff332

It's might be worth mentioning that this particularly survey will give you more information about the geographical distribution of posters on the forum than it will about the geographic distribution of the teaching of the semi-circle; the sample is inherently biased and biased samples produce biased results reflecting variations in the sample rather than the variations in the population. That and the numbers will most likely be small enough to consider each case. Generalising from these results to whatever we think "reality" may be wouldn't be particularly valid.

That's a very good point.

It would be a bit more helpful if people would post a bit more info after they voted, just to say where their local class is. Then, you could stick the details into Google maps or something & see the spread of classes including, say, red dots for semi-circles & blue dots for not.

BTW... I think my closest class is Love LeRoc at Stanmore (I did try to find a closer Ceroc class, but the Ceroc HQ website wasn't working properly when I put my postcode in). They do NOT teach the semi-circle.

[Andy McGregor]

Originally Posted by Lou

BTW... I think my closest class is Love LeRoc at Stanmore (I did try to find a closer Ceroc class, but the Ceroc HQ website wasn't working properly when I put my postcode in). They do NOT teach the semi-circle.

I am so proud of Brian from Love LeRoc - guess whose teacher's training he did

[gebandemuishond]

Now my closest MJ class is Nantwich, and last time I was there the semi-circle was taught. Will confirm tonight.

Dan

[marcusj]

In Ceroc Central they teach the semi circle in the beginner class only, anyone who has a clue leads properly in the intermediate class and freestyle, and those that can't lead, dance, or hit a beat just f*ck it up like they usually do !

[geoff332]

Originally Posted by Andy McGregor

However, it's very easy to knock a survey sample. It's also easy to be accused of asking a biased question.

Equally, it's very easy to make generalisations - and policy decisions - on the basis of a bad survey. I'm not sure which behaviour is more common, but I do know which has less desirable outcomes.

Originally Posted by Andy McGregor

But this is the only survey we've got so let's get on with it and take what we can from the result, bearing in mind the limitations of the sample.

If the only tool you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail. Being the only survey we have doesn't change whether or not it's valid. That's the sort of logic a governments use to start illegal wars: "We have seriously flawed evidence telling us that Iraq has WMD. We know the evidence is flawed, but it's the only evidence we have - let's invade."

[Martin]

Looking at the poll results so far, looks like most places teach the semi-circle.

I so miss that "move" - standing in class, ready to begin and the lady makes this nice "rainbow" shape with your hand that you were just about to use to lead her.

It has been a long time since I have heard anyone ask the class to "do a semi-circle" before they start dancing. But then, that is my own silly fault for no longer dancing in the UK.

In fact, I cannot actually remember the last class that taught this, must have been some years ago.

I guess I will have to wait until my next trip back to the UK to enjoy the traditional delights of Modern Jive.

[bigdjiver]

Originally Posted by geoff332

...Being the only survey we have doesn't change whether or not it's valid. That's the sort of logic a governments use to start illegal wars: "We have seriously flawed evidence telling us that Iraq has WMD. We know the evidence is flawed, but it's the only evidence we have - let's invade."

Human beings tend to be rationalising creatures, rather than rational ones. Any evidence that supports what we want to believe is far more valuable than any evidence that points to us being wrong.

I had the privelege of enjoying a Michaela beginners lesson at Bedford the other week and it was a joy to experience. We had humour, break the ice activities and style tips. There was also the three moves, and the semi-circle.

I have no opinions on the usefulness of the semi-circle to beginners. I only ever conciously use one in beginners lessons. I did have the privelege of running queries on the huge CC database and Michaela has an extraordinary record for getting beginners to come back. Without any equally strong evidence to the contrary, that is sufficient for me to accept her lead in this.

[Gadget]

The "semi-circle" is part of the Borg Manual isn't it? I would be surprised and wary of any Ceroc venues not teaching it.

("Surprised" because it's part of the whole 'one ring to rule them all' ethos so that every venue in the land is taught the same way. And "wary" because I think it's a good thing: if the teacher has decided to eliminate one of the core identifying features of the teaching, then what are they going to replace it with and why do they think they are 'better' than all the combined might of the collective?)

[Steven666]

ALL my local classes teach the semi circle.

In fact I'm not sure of any place that don't off the top of my head. Guess I'm so used to it now.

[Steven666]

Originally Posted by Andy McGregor

sometimes the semi-circle goes the other way.

Aye, to the followers left or right when I've not even started to move!

[StokeBloke]

Originally Posted by Gadget

if the teacher has decided to eliminate one of the core identifying features of the teaching, then what are they going to replace it with and why do they think they are 'better' than all the combined might of the collective?)

Perhaps they feel the need to teach lead/follow that actually means something; not just spurious arm movements that disrupt the connection between the dancers because it's part of "the one true way"


Is this why CTA qualifications don't seem to mean much outside of Ceroc (semi)circles?

[Lynn]

Originally Posted by StokeBloke

Perhaps they feel the need to teach lead/follow that actually means something; not just spurious arm movements that disrupt the connection between the dancers because it's part of "the one true way"

Do any followers ever get tempted to actually 'follow' the semi circle?

TBH its one of the reasons why I don't do the beginners class (that and it seems to set off my shoulder pain, leading heavier and taller beginner ladies cos I am so small and light) as I would be doing it as a lead and I don't want to have to do the semi circle - or as is more usually the case, have my arm wrenched round by the follower if I dare to try to leave it out.

The semi circle = first thing beginner ladies learn to backlead.

[Lou]

Originally Posted by Gadget

The "semi-circle" is part of the Borg Manual isn't it? I would be surprised and wary of any Ceroc venues not teaching it.

Now that the Ceroc network is working again, I've confirmed that my local Borg venue is Watford* - and I can assure you that Carole does NOT teach the semi-circle either.

I doubt Andy McG can claim influence this time...

Perhaps I'm inside the fabled non-semi circle?



*(But Stanmore is my closest class - so it's a moot point).

[DavidB]

It is nothing to do with dancing. It is to reduce the carbon footprint of Ceroc.

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[Andy McGregor]

Originally Posted by Lou

Now that the Ceroc network is working again, I've confirmed that my local Borg venue is Watford* - and I can assure you that Carole does NOT teach the semi-circle either.

Are you sure her chip has been fitted properly?