We have a school dance coming up shortly after school starts.I've never taken dance lesson and I don't have the chance to anytime soon.At the school I'm going to, they do partner dancing.At my old school you would be considered a major nerd if you danced like that anytime other than the last song.So-the boy who is most likely to take me to the dance knows the basics(they teach them in their PE class) and says he did pretty well with the unit.I've never partner danced and I have no clue where to start.My brother is willing to learn with me from a book or DVD so that we have some idea but I don't understand how you follow.A boy tried to show me once but said I wasn't following right.Does anyone know what that means?He said it's how dances communicate the next step-how can I pick that up? He said if I learn to be a good follower, then no one will know that I dont' know how to dance. It's up to the boy to lead the dance-therefore it's up to him to tell me what to do? So lost...Thanks!
2007-07-17 07:15:38 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Dancing
In order to be able to follow, never place your weight on both feet. Have one foot support most of your weight while the other is sort of relaxed. Initially, place your weight on the foot that's opoosite of his supporting foot. Like, if his weight is on his right foot, and he's facing you, place your weight on your left foot. Step to the side when he steps to the side. Step back when he steps forward. Change weight from one foot to another when he changes weight or when he prompts you to change weight. Don't change weight by yourself.
2007-07-17 07:37:49 · answer #1 · answered by Snowflake 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The criticism you heard was circular reasoning. When I'd only been dancing a short time, I found a lot of ladies were poor at following, too, but after I'd been at it a few years, it's amazing how much better the beginning ladies became at following!
You're going to be in a "blind leading the blind" situation, and the only way to take it is with good humor. There's not much of a shortcut to training and practice, but that doesn't mean you can't have a good time. And you needn't be self-concious, either. I'd put money on it that the best in the school are not that good in the larger world of partner dance.
If you can get even a tiny bit of instruction on frame, keeping frame and connection is about all you can do, and if you don't follow naturally, it will be as much the leader's inadequacy as your own. Just don't try to overcompensate by trying to anticipate the next step, and go into it with a relaxed attitude. You'll be fine, and nobody will die.
2007-07-17 10:57:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
following is a skill you can learn. But it is hard while you are trying to figure out the rythym.
First, the follower tries to keep her right hand where she can see it. If the hand starts to go behind you, you must turn to keep it where you could see it (even if you never look at it.)
Second, keep you body matching your partners. If he squares with you, you try and square with him.
Don't try and "get to the right place". He will lead you to the right place, and if it takes you a little longer, he can wait. If you try and guess where you need to be, you will be wrong MOST of the time.
2007-07-17 09:42:29 · answer #3 · answered by glenn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The boy will always lead. Just follow him. It's not complicated so dont be freaked out. If he steps back, then you step back. If he steps to the left then you step to the left. Dont look down at your feet, look at him. If you look like you know what you're doing, then everyone will think that you do. Good luck!
2007-07-17 07:23:20 · answer #4 · answered by BluhBluh 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask the guys whos gonna take you...=]
2007-07-17 10:54:51 · answer #5 · answered by humanoidtyphoon1@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋