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18/08/2011 by admin.
I was teaching class yesterday and watching the students drilling the turn pattern I had just taught them, I noticed that some students we getting through the pattern but with something missing.
Although the men were leading the ladies well enough so that she clearly went in the direction she was meant to, and successfully executed the move, it was not in the way that I intended.
The particular element of the move the leaders were failing to grasp, was a double-handed lead looping the ladies head and making her turn and go back in the direction she came. The men were generally moving both hands simultaneously, where as I had showed them that the hands move slightly staggered, the right leading slightly ahead of the left.
Granted, it was easier if both hands work in unison, as it adds to the positiveness (strength) of the lead, but it missed that little something… a bit of flavour. By moving the hands separately it makes the move seem more than it is.
By adding together all these little somethings, it can greatly add to a dancers style.
It is important that students not only take in the move overall, but also the detail: the direction, angle, positioning, spacing, timing and subtleties.
For the teacher, it is important to remember that we can learn from our students…. how the moves are perceived, unexpected difficulties with certain elements (we may take for granted) and how fancy moves can often be simplyfied by students (either intentionally or not).
Posted in Style, Leading, Turn patterns | No Comments »