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.
