I do the semi circle
I always do the same starting move
I do a travelling return thingy
I wait to be backlead into something
Other
From another thread...
So how do you start a dance? Do you still use that semi circle thingy or do yu do something else?
I either :
- Go straight into a french girl with step under (usually with people I don't know so I can immediately judge their level etc).
- Push away, slightlt to the left then do a travelling return (usually with someone I know).
- Or if I walk on kack-handed then I'll do whatever suit the hand positions at the time (again usually with someone I know).
(and if someone would be kind enough to edit the poll to put an "other" catagory in then ta thanks!)
(and change also to always, darn my crap typing)
Last edited by Steven666; 29th-November-2007 at 01:25 PM.
I bow
(I start from the moment the lady starts moving when I've asked "Would you like to dance" - after all, I lead her onto the floor, why deliberately lose the connection and re-start?)
Yeah, that's pretty much my approach too, for a bop-bop track with a clear beat. Either that or a Manhattan step, probably. For a slower track I'd probably go into hold and do something from there.
Of course, in Tango you start off by just cuddling standing still for about 3 minutes, then work your way on from there
Actually, yes - the walking onto the dance floor should be the start, thinking about it I usually try to make that in time also.
What's a French Girl? (no silly comments please)
I've never actually heard this in the UK, but Down Under they feel it's Very Wrong not to begin dancing on the "1". By adjusting how long you take to walk to where you start dancing you can immediately start on the "1" rather than stand there like a lemon waiting.
Caro
Beyond the stuff about starting the dance even before you're on the dance-floor, I use a variety of moves to get going, depending, partly I guess on my relative position to my partner and where I want her to end up, and what occurs to me at the time...
I recall starting with spins, (travelling) turns and returns, blocks, in&outs, and blues-style cuddle position.
I don't semi-circle (ever), I don't arm-jive (ever). I have no idea what a "french girl" is, beyond that Caro is one.
Let your mind go and your body will follow. – Steve Martin, LA Story
Depends on the occasion...
In a class, I always start with a small semi-circle and lead them back;
- it gives my partner a signal that something is going to happen (and time to react)
- it establishes a connection with my partner
- i can establish when to step back so we are in sync (since there is generally no music)
In a workshop I normally lead into a move without much preperation;
- we both know what to expect and when to expect it
- we already have a connection
- I can concentrate on the lead into the move rather than preping it with a step back
In freestyle I am normally leading before we have even stepped onto the dance floor;
- even if there is no physical connection, my partner is moving towards me - I can time this movement and choose to continue it or lead them into something.
- If I have a hand, then I have a connection, then I can lead from the outset.
The main "trick" about leading a follower from the off is to keep their omentum and direction of travel, then guide them into a turn/sway/walk/... without disrupting the flow or immediatly using a 'block' move.
There are just too many variables to give you an answer.... the closest I can get is... it depends (on a lot). I have been known to walk up behind a lady who is facing away from the floor, gently hook my arms under hers and lean her backwards and drag her out onto the floor with her feet trailing.... I would add that you need to know the follow pretty darn well for that approach! But it's a fun and exciting way to start a dance... just don't let Andy McG see you doing it... he'd probably take you out... with a rifle!
After doing Lucky and Ruby's Fishing workshop I try to take a very different approach to starting a dance with a stranger. It certainly opened my eyes to a wealth of new possibilities.
The one thing that I can say with complete confidence is that I don't start a dance with a semi-circle as I try to be a good, clear lead and that 'move' isn't conducive either of those things
Just in Tango? I usually start my MJ dances like that - the nicer the person, the longer the cuddleCan I count that as a silly comment, considering that I've actually learnt this move standing next to you in a class, from a teacher for whom you then acted as demonstrator for months and it was her most regularly taught move?What's a French Girl? (no silly comments please)
I never use the semi-circle, and I use a variety of ways to start a dance. Often the dance will begin as I lead my partner onto the floor and will just carry on seamlessly from that, or I may lead her back by pushing her hand back, or I may do a travelling return, or start from a close hold, or... come to think of it, there isn't any one way. I think it just comes down to what feels right at the time.
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