Leaders Like to be Teased

In my last post, I talked about the connection that is so important for leaders to have.  The continuous pressure and tension that allows communication between partners.  And a lot of people think that is the end of it.  After all, the leader is the one leading and choreographing the dance, so it’s his control and his knowledge of the dance that matters.  Wrong.  Followers have a tremendous influence over the dance as well, and their connection matters.  I can tell you from my personal experience that the number of steps that I can pull off while dancing doubles when I’m partnered with a girl who really understands connection versus someone who just knows the steps.  It allows for a lot more possibilities, and more possibilities means greater freedom of expression as an artist.  And the key for followers in keeping that strong connection is to NOT do what their leader wants them to do.  At least, not right away…

Leaders like to be teased.  More specifically, leaders like to be resisted.  I don’t mean that a follower should change the steps that her leader is leading or that she should try to choreograph the dance herself.  Only one person can be the leader.  However, when a follower moves, she should move because she is 100% sure that it is exactly what her leader wants her to do.  The best way to do this is to wait.  Just a fraction of a split second is enough.  Don’t anticipate.  Wait for him to lead you through every step.  If you know he’s going to spin you, don’t just spin.  Stay connected and resist him keeping yourself just a hair behind the step.  Imagine that just before you do the step, you’re saying to your leader, “Maybe I will, and maybe I won’t.”  Keep that in mind and the dance will be more playful and more creative than ever before, and your leaders will thank you.

Once again, don’t overdo it.  Reminding your partner that you can fight the step and actually fighting the step are two very different things.  Don’t make it a tug of war, and always respect the fact that your leader is coming up with all of these moves on the spot.  A good way to tell if you’re resisting too much is if it’s really wearing your muscles out.  That means you’re pulling too hard, so relax the connection, sink your feet into it, and try it again.  Also, make especially sure that you don’t bring your elbows behind your body.  It breaks the frame, and your partner has to work very hard to lead you from that position.  Just like the leader’s connection, be strong, not forceful.

If you really want to hit that fine line of perfect tension, make sure you check out our classes by calling (605)212-6230.

Followers Like it Rough

Okay, the title is a joke. Being physically “rough” with a follower is likely to get any leader slapped. At the very least, it’s going to be a lot harder for that leader to get dance partners in the future. However, there is an important point behind the joke in that followers actually do like their leaders to be strong and definitive with every step.

Far too often, even in the major swing scenes, I see leaders who are afraid to use any pressure against their partner when dancing. They tend to think of dancing as romantic and that their partners will appreciate a gentle touch. While I appreciate the sentiment (and I’m sure the followers do as well), this is absolutely the wrong decision. Both people can not be leading the dance at the same time, and if the leader is going to lead, he needs to do so with confidence and authority. Your follower is trusting you, so don’t think you need to ask her permission before every step. The biggest benefit of this is that your follower will very rarely be confused about what you want her to do. Leaders can think several steps in advance, but followers have to react on the spot. Use correct tension and your follower will never be stuck thinking about what step you want her to do. Be strong, but don’t overdo it. Remember, your job is to be clear, not forceful.

In practical terms, here are a few things leaders can do to have a stronger connection with their partner. Whenever you are in a closed position in any dance style (Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Salsa, Waltz, etc…) with your right hand behind her, push on her back. Try to match that same resistance by pushing on her right hand with your left so that it’s almost like you are trying to squish her. If you need her to stop, either to strike a pose or to change directions, push down with enough strength that she actually plants her feet solidly into the ground. Whenever you turn your partner, you don’t want to forcefully *crank* their arm, but make sure you do turn her completely. She will follow her hand all the way around, so make sure it gets all the way around. If you really want to hit that fine line of perfect tension, make sure you check out classes by calling (605)212-6230.

I hope no one got the impression that the responsibility for good tension is all on the leader Part 2 is coming soon!

Life, Swing Style

I’ve always loved the performing arts, not just dance. The arts academy where I learned to dance helped me find some great chances to perform, and I was lucky enough to spend a few nights singing with a big band.  And like so many others, I caught the buzz about wanting to be a real star.  So I took what was promoted as the “easy road” for people in my generation and decided to audition for American Idol.

I was still living in the suburbs of Sacramento at the time, and the closest place to audition by far was L.A.  But I’ve always hated Los Angeles.  Too crowded, too polluted.  No where else was close.  And it was a huge trip just to face the 99.5% odds that I was going to be eliminated in round one.  So I opted not to go just for the audition.  I was going to head to one of the major cities to dance.  I would find a swing scene who’s social dance coincided with the audition dates, and as long as I’m there… well, I might as well audition.  Out of all the places across the country that they were holding auditions, I ended up in Minneapolis.

Here’s the cool part-  I posted a message on the Twin Cities Lindy Hop message board saying that I was a dancer from California coming up to dance and needed a place to stay.  Within a day, a great guy named Justin contacted me back saying that he had an available guest room and I was welcome to stay as long as I liked.  Just like that, I had free lodging, transportation, and a guide for both the swing scene and the town.

I love the community feeling of being a Lindy Hopper.  Camps, exchanges, and workshops are always great about finding hosts so that out-of-towners don’t have to worry about paying for a hotel.  Social dances are always wonderfully welcoming to newcomers no matter where you are from or how experienced you are.  And I’m happy to have had the privilege of returning the favor for Lindy Hoppers who have come to visit Sioux Falls.

The auditions played out just like I thought they would.  I was eliminated in round one.  But the dancing in Minneapolis was awesome, and I wouldn’t have traded the trip for the world.

Bluesin’

Blues dance is a style that defies description.  Even more so than Lindy Hop.  Some of the dances I had at the Emerald City Blues festival last November ranked among the most intimate experiences I’ve ever had.  One of them included a professional massage while on the dance floor (that was my all-time favorite dance until recently when a blues dance involved hair pulling).

Blues dance is about one thing:  Connection.  How to feel so close to your partner that moving them is a natural as moving your own body.  Blues can be a very sexual experience.  Imagine the raw desire of bump & grind mixed with the control and precision of Argentine Tango.  Whether or not it’s a sensual experience for you, Blues is more than fun.  It’s unforgettable.

Blues classes are every Sunday night from 9:00-10:30.  You don’t need a partner, but because of the nature of the class you must be over 18.  To learn more about our Blues class, call 605-212-6230.

Dip Tactics

Dipping your partner (or being dipped) is one of the most fun and exciting aspects of swing dance.  It’s a great way to end any song and is practical for breaks and just about every ballad ever written.  But it’s good to remember that dips aren’t just another step.  They’re a trick, and there is a right and a wrong way to approach them.  While it’s always best to learn how they’re supposed to feel in a class with a professional instructor, here are a few basics to keep in mind when you try them on a social dance floor.

For Leaders:

Yes, it’s going to be easier if you’re a body builder and your partner disappears when she turns sideways.  But that’s very rarely going to be the case, and it’s still okay to dip someone even if they’re twice your weight.  The key is preperation.  Never rush into a dip.  Hitting that beat perfectly is little consolation if you drop your partner in the process.  So take your time.  Always, always, always, always dip your partner to your left side.  Your right hand should be flat palmed behind their back inbetween their shoulder blades.  Your left hand can be on their shoulder, behind their head, or holding their hand depending on where you need extra support.  Twist your partner so that she is perpendicular to you facing your right.  Only when she is positioned comfortably and your hands are supporting you should you start the dip.  Step as far out to your left as you are comfortable with and lean your partner back.  Remember not to make her uncomfortable.  If she only wants to go so far, don’t push her.  And remember that even the lightest followers weigh close to 100 lbs, so use common sense. Bend your knees and don’t lift with your back. Above all else, never, ever, ever grunt like you are lifting something heavy… at least not if you ever want to dance with her again.

For Followers:

You might think that because you’re really lightweight, you can trust your partner to hold you easily. Or you might think that because you’re a little bit heavier that you can’t trust anyone to not drop you. Both perspectives are wrong, but as it happens, they both have the same solution. The key is to not surprise your partner. With added momentum from a free fall, you can get heavy in a hurry. And if all that weight comes at once, even a strong leader can stumble. Start off by being patient. You might know well in advance that he’s going to dip you, but don’t actually shift your weight until he starts leaning you back. Wherever your hands are when he starts to dip you, push down to start to take some of the weight off your legs. That means that there will be much less of a weight difference for your leader during the dip itself. When you are being dipped, try to bend at the waist and the knees, almost as though you are sitting down in a chair. This helps to keep your weight over your leader’s center of gravity. Leverage is important here, and the closer you are to your partner the easier it will be.  Once you are at the lowest part of the dip, you have the chance to add your own styling.  The more bold you are, the more beautiful the step will be.  And brushing your leg against your partner or running your fingers through his hair is a quick way to drive any guy wild.

To learn all the coolest dips, call to register today!  605-212-6230

The nature of swing




I want to share with you a conversation I had the other day. I was talking with a swing dance friend of mine from out of town who, for the moment, we’ll call “Jane.” Jane is still fairly new to the Lindy Hop scene, but she is an excellent businesswoman.  She and I were discussing how to expand and bring new classes and opportunities to Sioux Falls (I don’t remember it word for word, so I might be paraphrasing a little).

Jane: “Why don’t you offer classes to younger kids? You can make a lot of money from parents who want their 4 or 5 year old to take dance.”

Me: “That’s true, but I don’t really feel comfortable teaching kids that young when the style is, by its very nature, about sex and chaos and rebelliousness.”

Jane: “It doesn’t have to be about that. If the dance is just chaos,
what’s the point of steps? Why wouldn’t you just do whatever you want?”

A momentary pause…

Jane: “Oh, wait. That’s how you dance, isn’t it?”

Me: “Now you’re getting it.”

This conversation really made me laugh, because there’s so much truth in it about what swing dance is. When Jane and I dance, she is always a little surprised at the variety of steps and styles that I use. I’m always a little surprised myself. Very rarely does a night of dancing go by where I don’t try something I’ve never done before. It’s chaos, and it’s awesome.

Yes, when you take a dance class you learn steps. But that’s not the point. Not even close. Dance is about having fun. There are no rules. There is no right and wrong. But rather than think that you can do whatever you want, remember that the trick is being able to communicate whatever it is that you want to do to a partner. Learning steps is just a means to an end. Imagine dancing with someone and being able to use steps and tricks from hip-hop, tap dance, belly dance, break dance, even disco,* and not only have your partner follow you, but make it look flawless! Like it was the plan all along. This is the glorious benefit that you get from all of our classes. Freedom.

If that’s something you want to experience (and it’s even better than it sounds), then treat yourself to one of our classes. Become an artist, and share your creativity with every person you dance with.

*I have personally used each of these styles when dancing Lindy Hop.

Sink your feet into it

A few notes about connection.

Having a strong connection to your partner is very important.  Use force when you dance.  Don’t be afraid to resist each other.  Keep that tension, because the tension is what creates that little extra “Oomph” that really makes the dance swing.  Having a strong connection to the music is also key.  Listen to the feel of the music.  If the music is smooth, let your steps glide.  If the music is jumping, throw in some bounce.  And, of course, stay with the rhythm.  But while we often talk about dancing with your partner and dancing with the music, we often overlook dancing with the floor.

When you dance any of the street styles, having a strong connection to the floor is absolutely essential to dancing a lot of the most stylish steps.  And just as having a strong connection to your partner doesn’t just mean touching them, having a strong connection to the floor doesn’t just mean keeping your feet on the ground.  It means feeling it.  Sinking into it.  The music has a heartbeat, a pulse, and if you’re paying attention you really can feel it through the floor.  Take your steps deliberately and powerfully.  Shift your weight with every step.  Imagine as though you were dancing in a foot of mud.  Feel the ground *squish* underneath you.  As you become more connected with the floor your steps will become much more controlled.  Your communication with your partner will be much more clear and it will feel like you are flowing with the music more than ever before.

A perfect example: if the leader spins his follower on one foot many times in a row, she needs to be able to keep her balance.  How does she do that?  She bends her knees, she keeps her arm in tight, she resists against her partner, and she sinks into the floor.  The more pressure she puts against the ground, the more she steadies herself, and the more spins she can do without getting dizzy or losing her balance.  So take your dance to the next level.  Whenever you step out on the dance floor, remember… sink your feet into it!

Tips for the aspiring dancer

Waltz is easy. Lindy Hop is not.

When I teach someone to dance, I don’t just teach them steps. Steps are useful, but they’re a very small piece of a much larger picture. I’ve said many times before to many different students that the dancers do not choreograph the dance. The music choreographs the dance, the leader interprets it, and the follower dances it. But music, especially jazz, isn’t always straightforward. It’s chaotic, passionate, and powerful with many different levels to explore and enjoy. In it’s own way, music is alive. And the choreography that the music gives us doesn’t always lead us to something we already know how to do. Those are the moments when the street dances come to life.

Swing dance makes a wonderful pastime. If you just want to take lessons for a month and try it out, we will welcome you with open arms. I promise you’ll have a great time. But if swing is something that captivates you, if you watch the masters and think, “I want to dance like them,” then be prepared. It takes time, energy, and a lot of practice.

Is it hard? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Hell yes.

Here’s the good news. Everything you learn, you get to use from day one. Take the steps that we teach you and go use them! Go dance! Even in Sioux Falls, there are plenty of places with music and a dance floor, and that’s all you need. The practice and the experience are invaluable, and besides, isn’t that why you’re learning to dance in the first place?

So the key is to find the right class that can make you want to get out and dance after the first day. If you’ve got that, “BRING IT ON” attitude, go for Lindy. If you want something easy to learn, East Coast Swing. Something more exotic? Salsa. Then, whichever one you choose, don’t just take the class. Explore the dance on your own. Listen to the music, think about the steps, find a way to mold them to fit your own style. The key to being a street style dancer is to understand something about the music that no one else does. That’s how you build a style that’s unique to you.

That’s how you get to be a star.

A few opening words

My name is David Tritel, and I am the owner and instructor for the Sioux Falls Swing Experience.

For over a year now, every time someone finds out that I moved out to Sioux Falls from California, I hear the same question.  “Why?”  Well, lots of reasons… but only one important one.

Swing dance is my life.  I live it, I eat it, I drink it, I breathe it, most importantly, I dance it.  It’s brought me more joy and excitement than anything else in my life, not to mention friends across the world.  And the more people I talk to, the more I realize that most people don’t have an activity that they are passionate about, or a community to be part of that brings them that kind of joy… yet.

Sioux Falls is a wonderful place.  Once you get past our world-famous winters, you find a beautiful city that is one of the largest commercial and cultural centers in the Midwest.  The people here in Sioux Falls are important to the rest of the world, but they are missing out.  There are ways to live so that you can look at yourself in the mirror every day, proud of who you are and what you are part of.  There are ways to make your life passionate and exciting and, most of all, fun.  Swing dance is one of them.

I moved here to share with Sioux Falls the wonderful experience of swing dance that someone, many years ago, changed my life by sharing with me.

 

For more information about Swing and Salsa dance in Sioux Falls, call (605) 212-6230 or write to lindyhop@swingexperience.com.