One
of the easiest ways to annoy a leader is to hang on him. When in closed
position (partners together), followers should rest their arms on the
leaders shoulder and in the leaders hand very lightly. We want to give
the impression of being united, but we should remain in the same
position if the leader steps away (if you fall over or stumble, then it
means you are resting too much). Not only does this help with not
annoying the lead, but it also makes it much easier for the lead to take
you through the moves because you are ready to go. Once your arms are
in a nice, resting position, you can focus on your left hand that rests
on his shoulder. How should it look? This depends on your preferred
style, but there are lots of options rather than letting it just sit
there.
Knees Flexed
A common
complaint of beginning dancers is feeling too rigid or stiff. Most of
this comes with practicing different types of body movements and
isolation, but there is a simple trick that can make you look more fluid
right away. Simply keeping your knees flexed and staying on the balls
of your feet can completely change how you move by making your steps
look smooth and allowing more room for hip movement. On the contrary, if
you stay flat-footed you may lose your balance from depending on the
heel, move more slowly (one vs. two points of contact with the floor),
and look "tired" or "robotic. If your knees are locked, you may also
lose your balance since you have no shock absorber and you will be
slower to initiate movement, which may feel "heavy" to the leader.
Again, this is about always being in "ready position" to be able to
follow more easily. Aside from the benefits to your dancing, keeping
your knees flexed and staying on the balls of your feet also just makes
you look better (the hip action helps).
My last Article will be on smiling when dancing but it will be tomorrow, see you tonight at Royal Lamerta
