Monthly Archives: June 2018

Following Gracefully in a Dance

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Woman Performing Tango With Man In RestaurantYou know that dancing calls for two people—one leads and one follows. It’s true that leaders have a lot of control in the dance, and that they must be strong sources of command in steps. The follower is just as important. In order for the two to move gracefully together, the follower must be able to do more than be lead. That person must be secure in the steps, strong in form, attentive to a lead’s movements, and flexible enough to move with changes in the dance.

A lot of people have to work at this. In their everyday lives they work to stay in control; following in a dance calls for some control, but also letting go. It is a combination of the two and calls for practice. After all, the person following is doing almost everything that the leader does, but with added spins and turns, or even dancing backward. Just because it is called following doesn’t mean that it is easy, but it can become second nature to you with some tips and plenty of practice.

Maintain a Strong Frame

Just like the leader, a follower must have a strong frame. If the leader has a weak frame, it makes staying in connection and sensing movement more difficult for the follower. If the follower has a weak frame, it harder for the leader to hold on, stay firm, and serve as a physical guide in movement. You do more than follow when you’re not the lead; you help both of you stay connected and strong.

Avoid “spaghetti arms” and keep your back straight. Imagine you’re connected to your partner with an invisible string tied at the chest and core, and keep that core firmly tucked in.

Learn to Let Go

When you’re in the early stages of learning, you will make mistakes. You may have some insecurity and it will cause you to fumble. That is natural. It takes time to become comfortable with the steps. As you do, you stop thinking quite so hard about them. Then, you can let go.

To be a good follower in dance, you have to relax a little and let yourself be flexible to your partner’s movements. If you’re too stiff, or you think too much, you will falter more. It will also be harder for your partner to lead you when you’re stiff; your movements will also be rigid and spasmodic. A good connection to your leader is strong and firm, but adaptable and graceful. Two people “flow” together better when you, as the follower, relax and let the steps, and your leader take you.

Trust Your Leader

Finally, to let go and follow well in a dance, you have to trust your partner. Even if that person is someone you generally trust in life, trusting them in dance takes a little time and practice; it’s a different sort of trust. But keep trying and you will get there.

Learn to surrender and follow in a dance gracefully at Dance Passion Studio. We can help you stay strong, and learn to trust and let go for the most graceful dancing experience.

How to Get Your Wedding Guests to Dance

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beautiful bride and groom dancingYour wedding is one of the most important, if not the most important day of your life. You want it to be beautiful and special, and not just for you. You want your guests you be happy for you and have a great time at your celebration. Dancing is a very important part of most wedding celebrations. Fathers dance with daughters, mothers dance with sons, and then guests join in for all sorts of dancing. Of course, there are bound to be a few people reluctant to join in. You can encourage all your wedding guests to dance.

Take Song Requests

You can ask that people request songs when they RSVP, or take requests during the reception. However you do it, letting people have a chance to choose the music may make them happy enough to get on the floor. The more they love the music, the more likely it is that they will dance. Since it’s your wedding, you’re not obligated to play anything you don’t like, but you might be surprised at how much you like some of the requests.

Plan a Group Dance

There are many types of group dances, like line dancing, that call for everyone to join in. Of course, there may be some people who don’t know how, but don’t let that stop you from encouraging your guests to do it. You can start by adding a note on your invitations, or sending out a mass e-mail to your guests. Let them know there will be dancing, and that there will be group dances. Encourage them to learn and send them information on great dance classes like those at Dance Passion Studio. Then, when the time comes, hire or ask someone to lead the dance and teach new dancers.

Spread the Word About Dance Class

Even if you don’t have group dances or take song requests, you can still encourage people to participate in dances at your wedding. Make a point of letting them know in your invitations that there will be music and dancing, and that you hope they will all join in the fun. Then, make a recommendation for a local dance studio where they can take classes if they feel they need them, or might enjoy them.

In fact, you can arrange for everyone in the wedding party—and even more, if you want—to take dance classes together. Special group classes like this make sure everyone is ready to dance and have a great time. They also give you a chance to come up with fun ideas for what you can do on the dance floor at the reception.

At Dance Passion Studio, we know how to get people dancing. Send your wedding guests to us, and ask us about how we can make your first dance as a married couple perfect for you.