I've been teaching beginners since 2009. One thing that has always been a struggle is the varying abilities of the individuals and catering for each one. You can't hold back the ones who are learning fast and you can't rush the ones that are struggling. When it comes to teaching them a choreography you have to have the right choreography for that class. One that isn't going to be too easy but also not too difficult.
When I was a beginner I learnt 2 choreographies. The first was my teacher's beginner choreography. My class was quick on learning and so we handled it well. I look back on it and think that there was no way I could teach that choreography to some of my beginner classes I've had over the past few years. The second choreography only I learnt, not the rest of the class, so I could dance a solo at the end of year show. I learnt it in 2 weeks. I tried teaching it to beginner class earlier this year and it didn't work out too well. They weren't ready for that level of dance.
Over the years, Mel and myself have choreographed a few different beginner dances. We've learnt a few things along the way.
Have a variety of different style and level dances prepared. As you are getting to know your beginners, decide on which choreography best suits their abilities and personalities. I find that a certain culture starts to form in the class. Each person brings a different dynamic to this culture and we end up with a certain "vibe" in the class. Some groups lend themselves to faster, energetic dances and others are more flowing and gentle.
Choose music that is easy to understand. As we mostly to do Egyptian fusion in my studio, we usually use pop for our beginner choreographies. It's easier for the Western dancer to understand. Trying to explain the structure of a baladi or raqs sharqi to a beginner can be quite daunting for them. Pop music usually has an introduction, verse, chorus, bridge and possibly an instrumental section. They are used to hearing these components in Western music so the leap to Oriental pop isn't too hard. I actually choreograph according to the sections in the music. I label each section for them and teach that as a "extended combo" (example: intro, 1st verse, chorus, 2nd verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, chorus, repeat of intro, end). I find breaking it up into these smaller sections helps not only with structuring how I teach it, but also helps them remember the sequence of the moves (as it's all broken up into smaller sections) and the sequence of the sections.
Repeat sections. We often like to repeat the chorus. It doesn't have to be a straight repeat. It can be the same moves done in the opposite direction, in a different formation or on the spot versus travelling (for example in the first chorus you can have hip bumps on the spot then travelling circles and the second chorus you have travel the hip bumps then do circles on the spot). This helps them to remember and gives them a grounding point. It also trains them to hear the repetition in the music which be useful when you are teaching them about structures in oriental music.
Keep the moves simple. It's their first choreography. You want it to be a joyful experience. You can teach more intense combinations during the drill section of the class, but you want the choreography to be about dancing, not about concentrating so hard you forget to express yourself (or pull a strange face). Practice connecting with each other, smiling and having a "party" while teaching them. Let them feel the music. I think a choreography looks better if the dancers are having fun with a simpler dance, than concentrating too hard with a technical piece.
Right now I'm teaching a fun, jazzy choreography to my beginners. There's lots of repetition and it's not a technical piece, but it's not the easiest I've taught either. They seem to be enjoying it. Obviously every time I add a new bit the concentrating faces return, but the parts they are comfortable with are coming together nicely. Last night they actually were laughing, trying to work around each other as they travelled during the introduction. When the fun starts happening then you really do feel good as a teacher. Your students are enjoying their choreography and not feeling so scared of having to remember a whole dance.