Partner dancing is a joy, but we all make dance mistakes. Followers may miss subtle (or not so subtle) cues. Leaders may send mixed messages, or they may forget what the signal is for a certain move. Even couples that have been partner dancing together for years continue to learn to lead and follow each other. In any case, it can be difficult to know what really happened. In a rear-ender collision, the car that plows into the car in front is technically responsible but the car in front may have stopped really suddenly – both are really ‘at fault’. Continue reading "Guest Article: Saying “Sorry” in Partner Dancing"
Dance Partner Tricks for Connecting
So, you still want more? Now that we’ve used our new connecting skills with our simple leads and follows, let’s delve into some of the advanced dance partner tricks that will give your connection a special smoothness and fluidity. Continue reading "Dance Partner Tricks for Connecting"
You and Your Dance Partner: Common Leads and Follows
You’re finally ready to start moving with your dance partner to some of the more common ballroom patterns. These patterns are used in multiple dances, but the leads and follows are virtually the same. I recommend you make sure you know the footwork already. Follower instructions will be italicized after the leader’s instructions. Continue reading "You and Your Dance Partner: Common Leads and Follows"
Connecting for Dancing Partners: How to Move
A good connection with your dancing partners is like food for your dog - keep providing it, and they’ll always come back for more. Last time, we looked at the basics of taking a ballroom dance frame. Now it’s time to get you two moving with a few more all-important commandments: Continue reading "Connecting for Dancing Partners: How to Move"
How to Connect With Your Partner
As they say, the devil is in the details. When we lead and follow in a ballroom dance for instance, our movements combine lots of little elements to create this wonderful thing called ‘connection’. Continue reading "How to Connect With Your Partner"
Rekindle Romance with Ballroom Dance
For centuries, ballroom dancing has been a fun way to meet other people, make connections, and fall in love (or back into love). Perhaps the most enthusiastic students I’ve encountered are older couples, seeking to rekindle romance that has until recently lost itself in the rush of setting play dates, buying houses and cars, and pushing for the next promotion. Why is dancing such a great way to reconnect to your loved one? Continue reading "Rekindle Romance with Ballroom Dance"
What Men REALLY Want (On the Dance Floor)
Now that we’ve delved into what draws the ladies to the dance floor, it’s our dancing gents turn! In Western culture, male dancers tend to begin dance with nervousness at best, and shame at liking such a ‘sissy’ activity at worst. Yet, men stand to gain just as much from ballroom dance as their lady-friends. Let’s look at what men really want from ballroom dancing, and what keeps them coming back. Continue reading "What Men REALLY Want (On the Dance Floor)"
Dance Turns 2: Leading / Following the Spot Turn
Ah, the spot turn - easily one of my favourite movements in all of partner dancing. Last time, we took a look at the underarm turn as the informal ‘spot turn’. Now it’s time to look at the true spot turn; that is, a couple turning together around a common point. Don’t know what I mean? Check this out: Continue reading "Dance Turns 2: Leading / Following the Spot Turn"
Dance Turns: Leading and Following the Spot Turn
Turns are a huge part of any dance, and spot turns are probably the most common of the lot. So it’s amazing how few dancers know how to do it properly. As I’m sure you know, a poorly executed turn can lead to wrenched arms, loss of balance, or even a nasty fall. Here then, is a quick look at the basics for leading and following a smooth and comfortable spot turn. Continue reading "Dance Turns: Leading and Following the Spot Turn"
The Basics of Ballroom Dance Frame
Pic of ballroom frame
Welcome to one of the most overlooked elements in beginner ballroom dancing - and one of the most important. Step on your partner’s feet a lot? Feel off balance frequently? Having trouble connecting with your partner, or feeling the lead or follow? You can blame most of that on a poor ballroom frame.
The ballroom frame has many definitions, but my favourite is one quoted teacher and friend, Arpad Raymond: Continue reading "The Basics of Ballroom Dance Frame"