Even 10 minutes a day (more is better!) of practice will help to burn what you have learned into your “muscle memory” or “motor memory.” Further, to effectively accomplish this, it is better to practice for as little as 10 minutes a day – every day – than twice a week for an hour (each).
But what constitutes “practice”? I invite your feedback!
Isaac Newton discovered it while observing an apple falling from a tree. Due to gravity, the one thing to which our bodies are physically connected on the dance floor is the floor itself. So make the most of it by utilizing lilt and dancing INTO the floor – which actually makes for a LIGHTER connection to the floor.
Another axiom of physics is momentum – i.e., a body in motion tends to stay in motion. In dancing, this is what enables a dancer to complete a turn/spin (or a 1-1/2 or double turn) on one foot after initiating momentum. For instance, a spot turn in salsa that starts with a pivot [turn] (a half turn on two feet) is actually easier to complete with faster music due to greater momentum.
by Dean & Dawn Garrish
(Damascus, MD)
The single biggest secret of success in social dancing is to make your partners happy. Once you succeed at this task, your popularity will soar and you will never have a shortage of willing and enthusiastic partners with whom to dance.
Realization of this fact is an important first step. Then, one needs to master the skills needed to actually implement this policy. Among the many ways that you can make your partner happy are:
* making your partner feel appreciated
* no uncomfortable leads
* entertaining your partner
If you are a social ballroom dancer, try country-western line dancing. If you are a swing dancer, experiment with hip hop. More “serious” ballroom dancers can try hustle or lindy hop dancing. If you participate in a lesson when you dance socially, but have not taken any regular group classes, this might be the opportunity you are seeking to learn a particular dance – or maybe some ballet, tap or jazz. Or, for any dance style, you might consider the one-on-one benefits of private lessons and/or competition. No matter what dance direction you choose, mix it up in order to keep it fresh and fun!
by Caitlin Rose Foster
(excerpted)
Whenever we dance, we do something that is special, different and unique to ourselves that not a single person can replicate because only we can move that way. It is tremendously personal, yet is something that some people feel entitled to judge.
Our inner critic is probably the harshest one of all. We can always come up with ideas about how we might not be good enough. We can say that there are more qualified people who can do what we are trying to do, so we really should just leave it up to them right? Of course not!
Instead of picking ourselves apart, we should pat ourselves on the back for being brave and putting ourselves out there.
by Pattie Wells’ Dancetime
(excerpted)
1. Rolling heel leads for forward walks: flex the knee and trace the floor with the toe until it is one stride length forward, then push off the supporting (sending) foot and do a quick flip of the foot to land with a soft heel lead. Roll from the heel through the whole foot until you reach the toe and repeat.
2. Use rolling count rather than straight count, e.g., &a1, &a2 rather than 1&2.
3. Use an action-reaction or initiate-respond technique for lead/follow. This means that the leader initiates the movement and the follower responds to the movement rather than doing it at the same time or trying to anticipate the movement.
If you get into the habit of dancing around at home in the spare moments that you’re listening to music,it won’t be long before you start to get the hang of things. After that. the more time you put in, the more you’ll refine your style.
1. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! (Water is best.)
2. Take frequent breaks.
3. Consider bringing a change of clothing (especially shirt/blouse) – your partners will appreciate it!
4. For temporary relief, run cold water over the insides of your wrists and/or on your palms.
5. More than ever, stay away from scents (perfumes,colognes, etc.) – which are often magnified by sweating.
by RealBuzz
People dance because they are inspired to dance by a beat or rhythm. At its most basic form, a dance might start with a foot tap to a catchy rhythm, and taking the movement further, it becomes a dance.
To be a good dancer you need to be able to feel the music and express that feeling with your body.
For the beginner dancer, it is important to become familiar with the rhythm, so get your hands on some music related to your chosen dance style and listen to it at every opportunity. Try out a few basic steps in the comfort and of your own home to build up your confidence.
by Richie Kerwan (excerpted)
(Latin Dance Community)
Just because you can do a certain move with certain people doesn’t mean that everyone will be able to follow you. It’s really disheartening and frustrating to a follower if she/he has a lot of trouble following you just because you’re trying to show off and don’t care if she/he can keep up.
Start slowly – adjust to your follower’s level and you can still have a great dance.
