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Jayne
12th-December-2002, 10:27 AM
Hi Guys,

Well after all of the comments made on the forum since the competition about dancing ceroc blindfolded I thought it was about time that someone put this into action. So (in the name of research you understand!) last night I, rather reluctantly :rolleyes: , "agreed" to give it a go....

...and what fun it was too! :what: :grin:

Firstly, apologies to Mairi for putting her off teaching the beginners' class! We had a quick practice out in the hall, without music, whilst the beginners' class was going on. On the whole it was fine - it was disorientating but I think that was just because we were dancing quite quickly... but the interesting thing was it was me who was dictating the beat, but yet I wasn't leading the moves in any way. (Also tried this without the blindfold and it still happened... quite odd..) We tried to get a pretzel working and we could do it slowly, but couldn't manage it in freestyle. (Instead of the visual signal Stuart did a mirror-version of the start of a catapault so he was "pulling" :wink: me under his left arm. This was fine if I knew to stick my left hand out for him to catch and thus lead the pretzel. I always forgot to offer my left hand in freestyle though... :tears: )

So onto the dancefloor and freestyle proper... :what: Strangely this wasn't disorientating - maybe I'd got used to it??? Part way through the dance I noticed that my partner was holding onto my hand more than usual - they'd switched partners!! The next partner switch I did notice - mainly because the hand felt different... Anything involving more than one turn in the spin was difficult - I just ended up standing still with my hand out!!! The next partner switch was smoother still - I only noticed the change in the feel of the hand! :sorry

The interesting thing out of all of this is that I was dancing with three different people (starting and finishing with the same person) and they all have very different styles and I'd normally change my style to each of them. But whilst blindfolded I wasn't picking up on any differences in style - suggesting that style can't be lead??

So anyway... I just thought I'd report back to y'all on our research project last night! It was great fun - give it a go!

Jayne
:grin:

Stuart M
13th-December-2002, 12:23 AM
Originally posted by Jayne
So (in the name of research you understand!) last night I, rather reluctantly :rolleyes: , "agreed" to give it a go....

Hang on, this wasn't how I remembered this.."Can we try it Stuart? Please?" was said at least once...:wink:

... but the interesting thing was it was me who was dictating the beat, but yet I wasn't leading the moves in any way. (Also tried this without the blindfold and it still happened... quite odd..)

On reflection I think this was more to do with dancing without music. Those months of taxiing have got me habitually trying to compensate for my dance partner's habits (trying but only occasionally succeeding...)


We tried to get a pretzel working and we could do it slowly, but couldn't manage it in freestyle. (Instead of the visual signal Stuart did a mirror-version of the start of a catapault so he was "pulling" :wink: me under his left arm. This was fine if I knew to stick my left hand out for him to catch and thus lead the pretzel. I always forgot to offer my left hand in freestyle though... :tears: )

At least Jayne came up with a good idea for trying to do a pretzel. I've been sitting this evening trying to work out how to do a secret move with a blindfold partner and I don't have a clue...actually, some very simple moves turned out to be awkward, such as the side-to-side.


...they'd switched partners!!

This was a real laugh and thanks go to Ian for thiking it up - by the time we got to the third switch we'd worked out exactly how to do it and Jayne didn't have a clue what was happening...


So anyway... I just thought I'd report back to y'all on our research project last night! It was great fun - give it a go!

Yes, guys, why not just take a blindfold along to your local Ceroc night, walk up to a lady and say "Do you mind putting this on?".:rolleyes: Remember to have an ambulance unit on standby...

PS the blindfold was created specifically for this dancing thing and serves no other purpose. Not that saying this is going to stop some of the filthy minds on this Forum speculating...:really:

Fran
13th-December-2002, 12:41 AM
Originally posted by Stuart M
PS the blindfold was created specifically for this dancing thing and serves no other purpose. Not that saying this is going to stop some of the filthy minds on this Forum speculating...:really: what us?????? The thought never crossed our minds:innocent: :innocent: :innocent: :innocent: :innocent:

fran:wink:

Jayne
13th-December-2002, 11:25 AM
Originally posted by Stuart M
PS the blindfold was created specifically for this dancing thing and serves no other purpose. :innocent:

Shuffle
15th-December-2002, 10:02 PM
One of the new regulars at Nantwich IS blind ! He comes in with his wife, and only dances with her at the moment, though I did notice our teacher having a go with him !!!

Emma
15th-December-2002, 10:10 PM
Originally posted by Stuart M


PS the blindfold was created specifically for this dancing thing and serves no other purpose. Not that saying this is going to stop some of the filthy minds on this Forum speculating...:really:

Bulls and red rags come to mind :what: :wink: !!

-It sounds like a lot of fun though! :grin:

Jon
15th-December-2002, 10:59 PM
I had to do this on a dirty dancing workshop once. Although we didn't have blindfolds the men were told to shut their eyes and lead the lady.

I have to say it stops you doing anything complicated, but that was the point, the teacher wanted us to listen to the music and keep the moves simple. I think it really teaches you to lead well. I can imagine it would teach the ladys to follow quite well too.

Anyone want to try it sometime with me. How about you Em?

Jon
15th-December-2002, 11:00 PM
Hey Gus just thought about your previous thread, how about Blind Folding the ladies that LEAD!. :wink:

Emma
15th-December-2002, 11:19 PM
Originally posted by Jon


Anyone want to try it sometime with me. How about you Em?

Erm, I did say today when someone suggested that I try 'The torpedo' That I'd try anything once (I tried the torpedo about three times and it was disasterous :what: !). Compared to that a blindfold sounds relatively comfortable.

kingo
7th-January-2003, 09:15 PM
I first danced with eyes shut a few yars ago in a pivate ballroom lesson.
My partner and I had learnt the basic steps but were increasingly frustrated in our attempts to navigate round the room without messing up the moves.
Our teacher got both of us (yes both) to close our eyes and dance to music whilst they watched out for us, calling if we got close to a wall or post.
Immediately our dancing improved beyond measure. We danced until we felt that we were getting too close to the back wall and someone should have said something by then. When we opened our eyes we were both exactly where we thought we'd be (including the direction we were facing).

I quite often suggest to partners, when freestyling with them, that they close their eyes for a (whilst I keep mine open) - most improve greatly. I think its all about just feeling the move rather than trying to see it and then react in time..

Guys should be able to lead most moves to a lady with shut eyes. If not, then the lead could probably improve, the lady is probably recognising your signal rather than being lead.

I don't often freestye the side to side so I'm off to try now, make sure I can lead it to a blind person..

Siobhan (Forum Plant)
8th-January-2003, 12:10 PM
Dancing blindfolded- ooer sounds kinky but probably a good way to improve lead and follow. Not tried it- anyone want to have a go on-line?

Dreadful Scathe
8th-January-2003, 02:06 PM
Originally posted by Siobhan
Dancing blindfolded- ooer sounds kinky but probably a good way to improve lead and follow. Not tried it- anyone want to have a go on-line?

ok :) will you lead or shall i ?

TheTramp
8th-January-2003, 07:56 PM
I suppose one other benefit of dancing blindfolded, is that you don't have to look at the person you're dancing with. This, for example, would be a great benefit to anyone dancing with me! :D

Steve

Chicklet
27th-April-2006, 11:06 PM
After being out for a year or so and just getting back (don't know if that's relevant or not?) I have found myself shutting my eyes a bit when dancing with *known* partners (and probably it's only to tracks I know, haven't really paid attention) ...I'd like to think this is a good thing and means I am (warranted or not :blush: ) more comfortable with my own following and/or their leading....any comments on whether this is likely to be a good thing or is it me being too complacent / lazy / wrong ??? Anyone else find themselves doing this ?

Caro
28th-April-2006, 12:19 PM
I suppose one other benefit of dancing blindfolded, is that you don't have to look at the person you're dancing with. This, for example, would be a great benefit to anyone dancing with me! :D

Steve

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
How about we give it a go next tuesday? :wink:

Lee
28th-April-2006, 12:25 PM
After being out for a year or so and just getting back (don't know if that's relevant or not?) I have found myself shutting my eyes a bit when dancing with *known* partners (and probably it's only to tracks I know, haven't really paid attention) ...I'd like to think this is a good thing and means I am (warranted or not :blush: ) more comfortable with my own following and/or their leading....any comments on whether this is likely to be a good thing or is it me being too complacent / lazy / wrong ??? Anyone else find themselves doing this ?

Followers are just as responsible as leaders for spotting as ensuring they do not injure anyone while dancing.

I think this is irresponsible behaviour :rolleyes: and am going to try it next week :wink:

Lee

TheTramp
28th-April-2006, 01:02 PM
Anyone else find themselves doing this ?
Frequently. I've even been told off about it a couple of times too! :na:

Gadget
28th-April-2006, 01:26 PM
:yeah:
On a few occasions it's because if I open my eyes, the sweat stings them or the disco lights are blinding me. But on the whole it's to ignore the lights and movement so I can concentrate on the music and leading my follower.

New_to_London
29th-April-2006, 10:50 PM
After being out for a year or so and just getting back (don't know if that's relevant or not?) I have found myself shutting my eyes a bit when dancing with *known* partners (and probably it's only to tracks I know, haven't really paid attention) ...I'd like to think this is a good thing and means I am (warranted or not :blush: ) more comfortable with my own following and/or their leading....any comments on whether this is likely to be a good thing or is it me being too complacent / lazy / wrong ??? Anyone else find themselves doing this ?
Every once in a while, a woman will close her eyes while Ceroc dancing with me. I take it as a sign that she is very comfortable with my lead and is enjoying the dance. Personally, I think it is a good thing.

Several months ago, I did bring a blindfold to a couple of venues, and danced with some women whom I blindfolded. I was quite surprised by how many moves I could lead, without any difficulty. Even the dips and seducers worked out well. I could not do the “secret move,” though, and I did end up doing a few “false pretzels” that were not intended that way. :-) I found myself having to occassionally grab the woman’s other hand.

One thing to note: when raising the woman from a seducer, it can be disorienting as she doesn’t have a visual vertical cue, so it is best not try anything fancy as she re-gains her balance.

Note to self: bring blindfold to Camber. :-)

MOD
1st-May-2006, 11:57 AM
Note to self: must get to Camber ...:yum:

Also tried to dance without touching hands and building up energy between the two dancers. It gets very intense for some reason, but very good as - strangely - it intensifies the "partner" thing. Anyone else tried this?

wayaay bird
1st-May-2006, 12:37 PM
Note to self: must get to Camber ...:yum:

Also tried to dance without touching hands and building up energy between the two dancers. It gets very intense for some reason, but very good as - strangely - it intensifies the "partner" thing. Anyone else tried this?

Me and Taz do this a lot.. surprising how well it actually works. No handed drops are fun :grin:
Haven't tried it with someone who i'm not familiar with their moves yet though.

Xxx

MartinHarper
2nd-May-2006, 09:56 AM
Does dancing blindfolded feel different to dancing with your eyes closed?

Ghost
4th-May-2006, 02:26 PM
Hey Gus just thought about your previous thread, how about Blind Folding the ladies that LEAD!. :wink:
I've led with my eyes closed for about the last a third of a track. Like Gadget I sometimes use it to get a better connection.



But whilst blindfolded I wasn't picking up on any differences in style - suggesting that style can't be lead??
Jayne
:grin:
Interesting. I can definetely feel the differences in the style the lady's using to follow much more clearly when my eyes are closed.


Me and Taz do this (no handed lead/follow) a lot.. surprising how well it actually works. No handed drops are fun :grin:
Haven't tried it with someone who i'm not familiar with their moves yet though.

Xxx
Looks pretty cool too :worthy: I was taught to imagine a glowing thread of energy connecting the two of us. Strange thing is after about a minute, you can actually see it - no idea why.


Does dancing blindfolded feel different to dancing with your eyes closed?
Yes.

With a blindfold there's a slight pressure on your face
With your eyes closed, you actually see light (kinda orange-grey) - with a blindfold on you see black
With your eyes closed you know you can open your eyes at any time, with a blindfold you can't
And a blindfold can mess-up a hairstyle that's taken a lady hours to perfect

Be well,
Christopher

Donna
4th-May-2006, 02:42 PM
I've led with my eyes closed for about the last a third of a track. Like Gadget I sometimes use it to get a better connection.

I've tried this too! Although I can't be trusted and will just end up taking a sneaky peep as to where I am going. :rolleyes: Would love to try jiving blindfolded though. (see why I added the word 'jiving' rather than 'it'? Yes I know how some people think! :rofl: )

Mind you, ever jived when completely bladdered? I did it once, and never again! :what: It was at somebodys birthday party, and me and my mate shared loads of white wine and she (fab lead!) wanted a dance with me. Anyway, thinking it was funny, she done a lot of spinning moves and at that point, it was like dancing blindfolded.. I couldn't see a bloody thing!!! :rofl: Of course, I fell on my ar$e after and looking back, it still makes me laugh! :rofl:



Interesting. I can definetely feel the differences in the style the lady's using to follow much more clearly when my eyes are closed.

It certainly does help the leader and the follower. I think it would get to a point where it is impossible going from a double handed move, to a single, then a double again.. well, you wouldn't really see that hand being offered to you would you? Imagine, you'd both have to stand on the spot for a few beats until you managed to make a grab for it!!! :rofl:

Ghost
4th-May-2006, 03:09 PM
It certainly does help the leader and the follower. I think it would get to a point where it is impossible going from a double handed move, to a single, then a double again.. well, you wouldn't really see that hand being offered to you would you? Imagine, you'd both have to stand on the spot for a few beats until you managed to make a grab for it!!! :rofl:
Try this (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/showpost.php?p=215147&postcount=8)

Be Well,
Christopher

Frankie_4711
16th-October-2006, 06:35 PM
I've tried this a few times recently (first time (and several others) at Bliss, and then again at a local venue last week) - eyes closed as opposed to blindfolded. Fantastic fun, except that a couple of times, the evil b******s I've been doing it with have been swapping mid dance! First time it happened was probably quite embarrassing for one and quite a compliment for the other, as I started off dancing with a teacher and ended up with someone who's been dancing less than a year, and couldn't tell the difference until the very last move - a drop (think it's called a Nosedive?) which I'd done in one of the workshops with the second guy, but which the teacher wouldn't have known that I knew. The second time (not with the same partners) I kind of had a feeling it wasn't the same person all through (they swapped back before the end so when I opened my eyes I was still with partner #1), but couldn't tell exactly when they swapped, and I couldn't tell who the other one had been, and had to be told. It's a very interesting experience though, and I definitely want to do it more. Not sure I could do it as a lead, but would like to try, and have danced as a follower with the lead's eyes closed.

As I'm so bad at telling who's who and when it's happened I've sort of been challenged to do an eyes-closed dance where I know my partner is going to be swapped several times and to see if I can tell when and who ... I'm sure it'll be much easier to tell if I know it's going to happen!

Genie
16th-October-2006, 07:56 PM
:yeah:
On a few occasions it's because if I open my eyes, the sweat stings them or the disco lights are blinding me. But on the whole it's to ignore the lights and movement so I can concentrate on the music and leading my follower.

Ah, so I won't take it personally when you close your eyes anymore then :p


I remember once, not long after starting Ceroc (the first time) dancing with my eyes closed. I remember being quite uncomfortable, but otherwise it went ok. It was with a very experienced lead though, so one of us knew what we were doing :blush:

Nessiemonster
16th-October-2006, 10:36 PM
I've never actually danced blindfolded, or much danced ceroc with my eyes closed, but I did have an Excellent salsa dance with closed eyes a few years ago.

The guy I was dancing with claimed he had his eyes closed too - a fact I am unable to verify! It was an amazing dance, all the more so if he was telling the truth! You can feel the connection far better, although it takes me a while to relax into it.

The chemistry was pretty amazing too, although that might Not have been related to eyes being closed! :wink:

TheTramp
17th-October-2006, 12:05 AM
I've been known to dance with my eyes shut on occasion. Against the glare of the light of course (thanks for that Gadget!).

Or even with a blindfold on at the recent Scottish comp! :rolleyes:

Gentabout
17th-October-2006, 09:25 AM
It is very interesting dancing with a lady with her eyes closed, you have to think a lot more about where you are putting your hands to make sure you get the correct hand or both hands. I have danced/played with Frankie with her eyes closed a fair amount and i feel it has improved my dancing.


The second time (not with the same partners) I kind of had a feeling it wasn't the same person all through (they swapped back before the end so when I opened my eyes I was still with partner #1), but couldn't tell exactly when they swapped, and I couldn't tell who the other one had been, and had to be told.

I don't mind admitting to being partner #1. The hardest part of this is finding the right time to swap.

I have also lead her with my eyes closed a couple of times (at camber in the blues room and once locally) and this was a very strange experience. Not knowing where other people were or where your partner was after spinning them. But the second time i paid a lot of attention to my position on the dance floor and was very surprised that when i opened my eyes that i was still almost in the same spot as when we had started.

Gent

SeriouslyAddicted
17th-October-2006, 01:45 PM
Note to self: must get to Camber ...:yum:

Also tried to dance without touching hands and building up energy between the two dancers. It gets very intense for some reason, but very good as - strangely - it intensifies the "partner" thing. Anyone else tried this?

Oh yes I have tried that - isn't it a great feeling of achievement when you manage to dance a whole track. I found it really exhausting though because you have to concentrate so much.

Alice
18th-October-2006, 10:06 AM
In one of the workshops I did at Rebel Yell on the weekend, we were dancing with no contact for a while as an exercise. I've done it before for MJ, but this was wcs:eek: Much harder than you might think, but it really forces you to concentrate on the body lead. :nice:

I also close my eyes occasionally while dancing if I'm concentrating on just following, or am having trouble working out exactly what's being lead. Just make sure you trust the lead's spatial awareness and floorcraft:whistle:

:devil:

I did a class in Sydney once where they were teaching a sequence of moves a few of us had already learnt for a team routine. Someone said "oh, you two would know this with your eyes shut"- so we both shut our eyes and tried:) That was fun (and surprisingly successful)

Gentabout
19th-October-2006, 01:03 AM
I had a realy bad night dancing this evening, was struggling to lead, could only remember beginers moves and the odd inter move, plus i could not focus at all on the music. I put this down to Taxiing last night and helping out in the beginers this evening plus having a real bad week at work. So after what i felt was a realy bad lead for a whole track i decided to close my eyes for the next and danced a track through with Frankie, it seemed to focus my mind much more and i relaxed and started to enjoy myself again.

:respect: :respect: To Frankie_4711 for putting up with me this evening.:respect: :respect:

Gent

Frankie_4711
19th-October-2006, 07:47 AM
I had a realy bad night dancing this evening, was struggling to lead, could only remember beginers moves and the odd inter move, plus i could not focus at all on the music. I put this down to Taxiing last night and helping out in the beginers this evening plus having a real bad week at work. So after what i felt was a realy bad lead for a whole track i decided to close my eyes for the next and danced a track through with Frankie, it seemed to focus my mind much more and i relaxed and started to enjoy myself again.

:respect: :respect: To Frankie_4711 for putting up with me this evening.:respect: :respect:

Gent

Glad to be able to help out:flower:

But it's always a pleasure dancing with you - even if you're having a bad one!