Leaders Are From Mars...
Followers Are From Venus

Lisa Kay-Harwin

Source unknown

Dancing is a relationship between you and your partner . When leaders and followers effectively communicate their roles, a magical connection is created on the dance floor. What follows are basic rules for leading and following:

Leaders role: Select, Communicate, and Assist.

Select and stylize dance patterns or amalgamations that are appropriate to the mood of the music being played.

Communicate your decisions to your partner through your body frame. Assertively and deliberately drive the follower in a clear direction, without sacrificing your frame or crushing your partner's.

Assist your partner in executing the footwork in a precise place and time in relationship with the music. Move, pivot, or spin the follower on the correct foot. Keep in mind that the follower needs enough time to react easily, gracefully, and in time with the music.

Follower's role: Sense, Alter, and Stylize.

Sense, through your frame, the direction in which the leader is going to move you. Focus on the leader's lead and match the feeling of leverage and compression.

Alter immediately and adapt your frame to the dance position selected by the leader. Instantly release yourself, propel and drive your own center point of balance in the direction indicated.

Stylize the dance patterns and amalgamations in a way that is appropriate to the style of the dance and the mood of the music being played. Communicate a fun, sexy, sassy attitude.

Goal:

To accurately accomplish movement together. When each person takes responsibility for their role, they will be much happier dancing on this planet together.

The Three "T's" To Dancing

Lisa Kay-Harwin

Source: World Swing Dance Council, Golden State Dance Teachers Association

Timing:

The dancer must be on the beat of the music, both in standard rhythms and syncopations. There are six time placements for each of the two beats in music (Dancer's count: &-a-one, &-a-two). Timing in syncopations requires the kicks, points, taps, and etc. to be on the down beat of music. The steps (or weight changes) take place on the "&" , or the "a" counts or both. When leading the pattern, the center point of balance (body) moves first before the beat and then lands on the down beat.

Technique:

The degree of skill one has to show. Now we are looking to see how the body looks in motion. Are there awkward moves that come from poor body alignment or lack of balance from improper foot placement? How well do you execute your spins and turns? How well do you control your center point of balance with your basic rhythm and syncopations in relationship to the music?

Teamwork:

Partners must work together. One partner should not be obviously out dancing the other. There should be a comfortable, equal "resistance" between the two dancers that shows an action/reaction while at the same time creating a balanced flow.

Dancing Etiquette

Lisa Kay-Harwin

Source: Golden State Dance Teachers Association

Dancing can be an exciting and wonderful form of social interaction. It is a great way to make new friends, however, if you don't have correct social skills, you can isolate yourself from other dancers. As a dance teacher it is my responsibility to teach dance etiquette.

Here are some common rules on the dance floor:

Use proper hygiene.

Brush your teeth and wear clean clothing. If you sweat profusely, bring a towel or an extra shirt to change into.

Do not yank or pull on your partner causing injury or pain.

Learn to lead from your frame not through your arms.

The better dancer adjusts to the situation.

To the best of your ability, dance at the "understanding" level of your partner. Showing off can intimidate and hurt someone. Leaders start out easy when you dance with followers, Give a single turn. If your partner seems to have good balance, try a double turn pattern. Get an idea and adjust to the level of the partner you are dancing with.

Don't instruct someone ON or OFF the dance floor unless they ASK you to do so.

"Unasked" advice is not only bad manners - it is unacceptable behavior. Don't criticize a partner no matter how much you would like to. Your job is to make the dance feel and look better from your side.

Be sensitive to your surroundings.

Be courteous to the people dancing next to you, as well as your partner.

East and West Coast Dancers must be sensitive to your slot area. If the floor is crowded, create a tighter slot. Remember an East Coast Swing dance slot is big and circular and a West Coast Swing dance slot is narrow and rectangle, no more than 3ft X 6ft. At country night clubs, dance in the middle of floor. The outside of the floor is the track or the line of dance for the two steppers.

Keep the dancing fun!