Tipping Points

This is a slight modification of a list of tipping points prepared by Kathleen McDonagh about six years ago.  I think these line up well with our recent discussion of recruiting and keeping new members, and, just as importantly, to increase our own enjoyment of folk dancing.

50  Tipping Points - June 2, 2012-May 25, 2013.

Compiled by Kathleen McDonagh.

1. Arrive 10 minutes earlier for dancing.
2. Forward the AIFD newsletter to a friend.
3. Look up and smile across the circle.
4. Call or email a folk dance friend who hasn't been to dancing in a while.  Remind them of how much we enjoy their presence.
5. Learn the names of two new dances.
6. Learn the names of two new dancers.
7. Participate in the teaching (even if you already know the dance).
8. Stay 10 minutes later for dancing.
9. Make AIFD your date night destination.
10. If you haven't been to dancing in the past year, commit to coming four times this year. Start this week.
11. Invite a friend to join you.
12. Learn five calls to Daichovo Horo.
13. Thank the programmer.
14. Chat with your neighbor during the lesnoto.
15. Wear a folk dancing tee-shirt to another venue and be open to questions.
16. Tell a friend about AIFD's September  open house.
17. Come to AIFD two Fridays in a row.
18. Invite friends to the open house.
19. Wait on the floor for a new dance to start.
20. Learn to lead a dance.
21. Come enjoy great teaching this week.
22. Dress up for the Halloween party.
23. Remember a folk dancer who touched your life.  Pay it forward.
24. Invite a newer dancer to join you in line or partner you for a couple's dance.
25. Attend the concert on Saturday or Sunday, rather than a Friday.
26. Don't say, "It's been a long time since we've seen you."  Say, "It's so wonderful to see you at dancing! We've missed you."
27. Try to learn a dance you've never done before by dancing behind the line.
28. Dance five dances in a row. Request a dance.
29. As you dance, try not to watch your feet (we promise they'll still be there).
30. If you know the words, sing along!
31.  Make dancing a part of your life for the new year.
32.  Don't be shy about wearing a name tag.
33. Get some AIFD business cards and leave them places (e.g., with your tip at the cafe, in a library book, on the bulletin board at the grocery store, etc.)
34. Four words: Folk Dance Flash Mob.
35. Help make our Facebook page an extension of our AIFD community: post an interesting link, tell us what you like about dancing, or just say hello!
36. Help put away the chairs and equipment at the end of the evening.
37. Share a personal folk dance story.
38. Don't be afraid to get a little silly.
39. Please remember to hold up your own arms; your neighbor will thank you.
40.  Don't forget to sign in when you come to dancing!
41. Be sure to thank the attendant at Hancock Recreation Center!
42. Consider running for the AIFD board. Elections will be in May. Contact a board member.
43. Grab a partner and join that mixer!
44. Champion a folk dance: choose a dance you love, learn it well, make sure to request it often, be prepared to lead it, and encourage other dancers to get up and dance it with you!
45. You're never too old to learn a new dance.
46. Wear a folk costume to dancing just for fun.
47. Dance with your children.
48. Never assume a dance is too hard for you to learn.
49. Let us know what we've been doing right!  Email us at contact@aifd.cc.
50. When you travel this summer, check out the local folk dance groups.