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Thread: Can anybody become a good dancer?

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    Registered User tanjive's Avatar
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    Can anybody become a good dancer?

    I saw this post on a blog, and although it is talking about tango the question is still applicable to Jive.

    http://londontango.wordpress.com/200...-tango-dancer/

    I won't repaste the reply here but I found it interesting. I guess it depends on your definition of good. As a starter I shall offer good being possessing the qualities of fun to dance with, good connection, interacts with the partner and interacts to the music being played. Examples of not as being in their own world, unable to react to pace changes, not keeping frame, not appearing to listen to the music.

    Well I am a leader so my list of qualities are bound to have some bias.

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    Registered User Shadow Dancer's Avatar
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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    I feel that the answer could go either way; all dependant on your definition of good.

    I personally define a 'good dancer' as one who has fun with dancing and has an enjoyable dance with their partner. It doesn't necessarily have to look amazing or even all go correctly; what makes a good dance is the joy felt by both dancers.

    So I feel that yes; anybody can be a good dancer if they're having fun dancing.

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    Registered User ant's Avatar
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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    I have been told by experienced teachers that the one thing they cannot teach is hearing a beat.

    If you can hear the beat I suppose how good a dancer becomes then depends on natural ability, dedication, good teaching and luck.

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    The term "good dancer" is relative and therefore, unanswerable.

    If you said to me "Can anybody be as good as X, Y or Z?" then I would say the answer is no.

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    There are a number of people I know who have been dancing for years and yet I wouldn't consider them good dancers. I know other people who have only just started dancing, but I would consider them good dancers. I've been dancing for many years and I think I'm a good dancer, but I know I will never be a great dancer - I lack something that I don't believe can be learnt.

    I believe, like most things, there is a lot natural talent in dancing; stuff that you can't teach (things like rhythm, the feel of dancing, passion). On the other hand, with good teaching, anyone can improve their dancing.

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    Quote Originally Posted by Double Trouble View Post
    The term "good dancer" is relative and therefore, unanswerable.

    If you said to me "Can anybody be as good as X, Y or Z?" then I would say the answer is no.
    I think they could all be as good a Y he's useless but never as good a Z or X they are fab.

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    Registered User Phil_dB's Avatar
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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    lol ^^

    Quote Originally Posted by geoff332 View Post
    There are a number of people I know who have been dancing for years and yet I wouldn't consider them good dancers. I know other people who have only just started dancing, but I would consider them good dancers.



    As far as my own personal opinion of a "good dancer", my answer to your question is - "no".

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    Quote Originally Posted by ant View Post
    I have been told by experienced teachers that the one thing they cannot teach is hearing a beat.
    You're probably asking the wrong people - try asking experienced music teachers. My other half has taught many people to hear and follow the beat.

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    Quote Originally Posted by Double Trouble View Post
    The term "good dancer" is relative and therefore, unanswerable.


    On the other hand...

    Quote Originally Posted by Double Trouble View Post
    If you said to me "Can anybody be as good as X, Y or Z?" then I would say the answer is no.
    Can anybody be as good as John Sargeant, Kate Garraway or Julian Cleary?

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    Depends on your point of view of what is a good dancer....I have had some 'lush' dances with guys and yet friends have danced with them and have had a completely different view and vice versa.

    On the other hand there are some people you see around that have been dancing for years and I think however hard they try will still not get that 'x' factor...so from that point of view probably no, not everybody can become a good dancer.

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    Quote Originally Posted by straycat View Post
    Can anybody be as good as John Sargeant, Kate Garraway or Julian Cleary?
    I dream of being as good as John Sergeant one day.

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    Forum Bombshell - Our Queen! Lory's Avatar
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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jay Jay View Post
    Depends on your point of view of what is a good dancer...
    and your personal taste!
    MODERATOR AT YOUR SERVICE
    "If you're going to do something tonight, that you know you'll be sorry for in the morning, plan a lie in." Lorraine

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    Quote Originally Posted by ant View Post
    I have been told by experienced teachers that the one thing they cannot teach is hearing a beat.
    poppycock
    Quote Originally Posted by straycat View Post
    You're probably asking the wrong people -

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    Commercial Operator StokeBloke's Avatar
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    Cool Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    I think dancing is pretty much like any other activity, there is an element of personal ability involved. For example we can all run, but we are not all as good at running as Linford Christie. However, if you can run fast enough to with the Father's race at school sports day then you're a great runner in the eyes of some. Can anybody become a good *anything* is usually pretty subjective, and not usually that helpful.

    All that matters is that you're good enough to make yourself happy when you dance. If you are, then the chances are you partner will feel that joy too.

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    How do you define a good or bad dancer?

    Like someone has said above it's completely a matter of opinion - he or she is a good dancer in one persons opinion because of all the dips and drops they do, but another person might think it spoils a dance. People may think I am good at how I dance, but I wouldn't get very far in a Ceroc championship.

    Do you mean 'good' as 'I like to dance with them', or 'good' because they got to the finals!

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    Quote Originally Posted by StokeBloke View Post
    All that matters is that you're good enough to make yourself happy when you dance. If you are, then the chances are you partner will feel that joy too.



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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    Quote Originally Posted by StokeBloke View Post
    I think dancing is pretty much like any other activity, there is an element of personal ability involved. For example we can all run, but we are not all as good at running as Linford Christie. However, if you can run fast enough to with the Father's race at school sports day then you're a great runner in the eyes of some. Can anybody become a good *anything* is usually pretty subjective, and not usually that helpful.

    All that matters is that you're good enough to make yourself happy when you dance. If you are, then the chances are you partner will feel that joy too.
    Absolutely wonderful answer but tbh also a load of luvvy duvvy.

    AT the end of the day, some dancers cant dance and thats it. They are a nightmare and dancing with them is always thus. Can anybody be a good dancer, no, some poeple just should not do it and as sad as that is, thats it.

    Can we dress it all up and say oh the joy, the fun and blah blah blah, yes we can but the reality of it is, we all know who the bad dancers are and regardless of their enthusiasm or joy, we avoid them like the plague.

    Sorry but lets call a spade a spade.

    by the way, i think everybody is brilliant at dancing.

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    Quote Originally Posted by Trouble View Post
    cynics unleashed...
    My dear Trouble.

    The Q was: can anyone become a good dancer. Not is everyone a good dancer.

    In my humble view, subject to what good is... yes to the first, no to the second.

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    Quote Originally Posted by Trouble View Post
    AT the end of the day, some dancers cant dance and thats it. They are a nightmare and dancing with them is always thus. Can anybody be a good dancer, no, some poeple just should not do it and as sad as that is, thats it.

    Sorry but lets call a spade a spade.
    Ok - this guy is a spade.



    (A very rich spade).

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    Re: Can anybody become a good dancer?

    Quote Originally Posted by CJ View Post
    My dear Trouble.

    The Q was: can anyone become a good dancer. Not is everyone a good dancer.

    In my humble view, subject to what good is... yes to the first, no to the second.
    Ahhhhhh my dear CJ - how right you are and i thank you for correcting my poor and very badly typed answer for its accuracy.

    However my love...point remains. Can anybody become a good dancer - no, can anbody dance - no, can anbody become a dancer - guess what ---NO.


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