In my humble opinion there are two types of blues dance and dancer in MJ. Thoes that belive that it is about individuality and self expression. - that's a southport theme.
And thoese that belive it is all about the seamless union of two people. That's generally a Marc and Rachel or tigerbaby type thing. (You sound like the secound type Phil).
The first type is kinda funky, hip and well ...bluesy.
The secound type is slow and smooth and elegant and well ... like 'slow jive'.
Different music, different emotions, different dance.
That's my two pence anyway.
Jim
I think you've misinterpreted. I don't believe that I've picked up any suggestion of a Southport view that blues is about individuality and self-expression. The people I've danced with, or watched and admired, in the blues room all aim for seamless connection, however, in doing so there is a clear realisation that both partners can input to the dance. But in a connected way of course.
Agent 000
Licensed to Dance
This isn't the ideal way of trying to diagnose / help this kind of problem - without seeing what you're doing firsthand, it's next to impossible to be sure what's happening here. That said - I suspect you're on the right track in terms of weight transfer - if you sink more into the floor at the point you've brought your partner in, you can 'ground' her - more-or-less leading a pause, which should help. Make sure you bring her with you on this though - it's no good if you just ground yourself, without having a good connection with your partner.
Remember - your partner is trying to follow you the best she can. If she can feel a good and clear lead, she's far less likely to anticipate, so if she's doing so, maybe you're dropping the lead at that point? There's a huge difference between not leading anything, and leading nothing.
Try releasing her hand altogether, if she's doing that. You don't need that left-to-right handhold in a close-hold sway. Or, just relax your arm completely and keep it down by your hip .
Again - very difficult to say without seeing, but if you're actually going off balance, I think it's likely you're taking large steps and stepping too far away from your partner. When you're learning something like this, keep it simple, keep movements small, and relax (it really won't help if you tense up during the move, which can be a tendency for many if you feel it isn't going quite right). Remember - there's no need to get the full rotation on this move, especially when you're still learning it.
Hope this helps.
The best thing for me about a being a blues follow is that no two dances are ever the same - all different connections, styles, journeys and emotions. They don't need to be packed with flashy moves, some of my most memorable dances have hardly classified as dances at all more about connection and intensity. I am of the opinion that eye contact is good but too much of a good thing can make you a stalker - so eye contact yes not staring - it just freaks me out a little.
With blues for me - each dance is unique and exciting and an adventure -sometimes a wild ride and sometimes a more gentle drift but fabulous just the same.
Just be you and enjoy it while the music lasts.
Rachel
xxx
Does anyone know if Blues dancing is popular in Australia? I've never heard of it...
Have a look at what Swing Patrol are doing.
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