Let's Dance New England
Remember that old expression "Practice makes perfect"? By practicing what you've learned either at home by yourself, with friends in a group or even on the social dance floor, it will improve what's known as your 'muscle memory' and will make a big difference the more you dance.
Footwork (back to top)
Basic footwork is the foundation of all good dancing. It's not just learning the steps or basic pattern but where your feet go and in what manner. Position, placement and balance are all part of basic footwork.
Grounding (back to top)
Along with basic footwork, grounding is a term used in dance that refers to pressing your 'center' into the ground (floor) over the ball of your foot. Grounding makes your footwork better and your balance and position much more solid.
Leaders Lead - Followers Follow. (back to top)
This means if you are following, don't "back lead" or try and take control of the dance. Leaders lead and this includes when you begin dancing. Followers: Be patient and wait for the leader to start the dance or lead a move. Don't "help"!
Hand Connection (back to top)
Do not "grab hold" of or "squeeze" your partners hands! Leaders and Followers both need to remember that lots of moves require turns. It is important to make sure that turns can be accomplished and if you grasp your partners hand(s), turns and rotations can not be accomplished and could lead to one or both partners becoming off balance and even cause a fall on the dance floor. Instead, slightly and gently cup eachothers' hands. Keep your fingers slightly bent so that you can hook onto your partner yet be flexible enough to let the fingers slide when needed.
#1 Tip for Followers: (back to top)
Don't assume that you know every move the leader will do and in what order from the moment he/she takes your hand. As a follower, you should begin each dance with a 'blank slate' and assume nothing. Allow yourself to be lead! The trademark of any good follower is adaptability.
#1 Tip for Leaders: (back to top)
Don't assume that it's the followers fault when a move doesn't work out. Although it's debatable (and there are folks who will debate this) your job is probably a little more difficult than the followers. You've got to think ahead as well as watch the floor and then execute the move. While you m ay have a very clear picture in your head of what you are doing or trying to accomplish, your partner doesn't share your vision and you may not have provided him or her with the clear direction on the dance pattern.