What is your opinion: should the lady be back-weighted on the swivels? Or she should be on her own feet and create the illusion of being back-weigted? I've heard 2 opposite answers from 2 different well-respected professionals. That means that both are probably correct. But what do you think? Which one do you like better?
2007-07-10 14:02:32 · 5 answers · asked by Snowflake 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Dancing
IMHO International ballroom/latin is highly canonized style of dancing. There _appears_ to be a strong consensus on how to dance everything "properly". Well, if you think about it there is no such thing as "proper" dancing. Technique is only a way to achieve some movement. And movement is something that is constantly changing through time and also differs from place to place (or teacher to teacher). Of course every teacher - based on well concieved self-interest - considers his own methods the only true one...
The thing you describe - chicken walk - is a very old move, it also exists in many other swing dances (called differently though and danced completely differently as well). Therefore, the only "proper" answer is that both methods are correct in the sense that they are two slightly different movements, which look very similar.
Dancing on your own axis is safer, gives you more stability, more control over your own dancing. Using your partner's balance (by leaning back) requires a contra-lean from him. Since jive (and international latin) is absolutely coreography-based (even when "improvised", it means mostly using coreographed parts - for both dancers -, simply in custom order), there is no problem with basing this move on a counter-balance technique.
Of course you may find that one or the other solution may work better for you because of the look you create (standing on your own axis and creating the illusion of a backlean is not easy), or because of balance problems (setting the ideal balance between the man and lady, the strength of pull and the center of balance between the couple may require more resources from both of you, which may ruin the "feel" of your dancing, may become too technical, or jerky).
With 15 years of dancing experience in several styles and being a teacher for more than half a decade I am still adamant that people should be allowed to create their own style. The teacher only has the task to tell the dancers the pros and contras and teach what he knows.
There are usually several methods to achieve any movement and all of them has its benefits. Of course there are always "working" and "better" solutions. However, if you cannot do what is considered "better", it is best if you do what works. Also, you are free to choose. Always. If you are able to learn 6 methods for a chicken walk, you should try so and then choose your preferred one. Or mix up a new one from those (or even add methods you invented) that fits your taste.
Never forget: a teacher is only master because he DOES look for answers how to make a move better. This - in many cases - means that he does not follow tradition or his own teachers, but cooks up something new. Of course cooking up something new l'art pour l'art is something else - that's tinkering -, but if something makes your dancing look or *feel* better, you should try.
Aron
Budapest, Hungary
http://www.holgyvalasz.hu/
2007-07-10 22:34:15 · answer #1 · answered by Aron 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Classic Rock songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. New songs from Fergie, Riahnna, Soilder Boy Boys 2 Men Motown YMCA(That'll get everyone dancing!) Cha-Cha Slide(See how low people can go) Good luck!
2016-04-01 08:05:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank God we guys don't have to do that! Lindy people seem to like being strongly back-weighted. They obviously haven't danced with me after I've had a few drinks (kerplunk). You can have your weight over your heels and still be self-supporting, though, and I suspect the answer lies in there, someplace. If you have problems while being on your own weight, you may be losing your hand connection. You definitely need that countertension.
2007-07-10 15:02:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think back weighted would help give the girl the tension she needs to make the step look right. But also any variation is a compliment and being unique is always a pleasure to watch.
2007-07-11 02:22:24 · answer #4 · answered by tman 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the lady should be back-weighted
if she jsut creates an illusion, that's harder
I'm a jive dancer and from my experiences i can say that weight should be on her back
2007-07-11 02:50:14 · answer #5 · answered by Emily 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋