What makes a good dancer?

[Swinging bee]

I was asked whilst coaching on tuesday, "how do I get to be as good as some of the people here tonight". I had to stop and think remembering what it was like to be an overawed beginer some 9 years ago. I gave her the usual chat about practice, practice, practice etc and left it at that. But then on reflection there is more than that isn't there! What do you think makes a 'good' dancer ?

[Kev F]

But then on reflection there is more than that isn't there! What do you think makes a 'good' dancer ?

Now this is a tricky one as everyones needs are different in a dance. Certainly from a mans perspective, I have a defined aim, which will one day hopefully make me a good/better dancer. And it is based on the following.

A good dancer should be versatile and able to satisfy both the needs of his partner and the music during the dance

I don't believe you need to be a brilliant dancer to achieve this but the ability to know what will make it good for the lady is paramount. The reward I get when I occasionally achieve this is one of the most satisfying feeling I've ever had.

[ducasi]

Inspired I guess by something Franck told me recently, and Marc's style workshop at the BFG, I'd say there's maybe three things...

1. The ability to connect with your partner.
2. The ability to connect with the music.
3. The ability to connect with your own body.

So, in point one you get things like lead and follow, eye contact, all that kind of thing.

Point two, is musicality, tailoring your dance to the music.

Point three is simply the ability to control your own body, style, grace, fancy footwork, all that stuff.

If you've got those three, you've got it all.

Sounds easy, huh?

[Andreas]

wear shiney two-coloured shoes and a funky head

[Jazz_Shoes (Ash)]

to what Ducasi said. I also think that it's about commitment, if you want to improve at your dancing, you need to put in the work, some people aren't willing to do that, others are. I also think natural ability helps, obviously those with little rhythm will need to try much harder then those who pick it up instantly.

[CJ]

wear shine two-coloured shoes and a funky head

No, one must wear combats with dangly bits!!

Sheeesh...

[LMC]

What Franck said (as ably reported by ducasi)

I'd add enjoyment - critically important.

Shiny shoes and black clothing also help.

[ducasi]

What Franck said (as ably reported by ducasi)

I'd add enjoyment - critically important.

Shiny shoes and black clothing also help.

Just to be clear, I only reported my definition – which may or may not reflect Franck's views – he only got round to telling me half of his three point definition...

I'd say that enjoyment was implicit in the others – how can you do that lot and not enjoy yourself??

But you're right, shiny shoes do help!

[Missy D]

no dangly bits!!

Sheeesh...

Says the man who doesnt wear undies

[David Bailey]

I don't know - or, putting it another way, I couldn't tell you in less than 500 words.

But I know it when I see it.

David The Helpful...

[Gadget]

I was asked a similar question recently as well; this is purley from a personal view point...

The moments you look for when you dance are those that seem to stretch for infinity while you are "in the zone"; the movements flow along sounds; there are no thought about moves, timing, positioning, or anything - you just move and react as one; the dance finishes and reality is slow to return; and you realise that just seconds ago you accepted a dance from that partner - where did the time go??

It's all about connection; an audio connection to the music, a physical connection to your partner, a mental connection to your self and an emotional connection between all three elements. Each connection is linked to every other connection: pulling on one too hard takes away from the others. The dances you find everything gelling seamlessly are the ones where you manage to stumble accross the perfect balance between them all.
Technique, style, repertouir, skill, tallent, ability... all they do is gve you more flexability in playing with the balance in the connection. This means you can take more control over where the balance is and give yourself a better chance to find that 'sweet spot'.

These "BTC" dances are rare, but you get glimpses occasionally - just a move or fraction of a moment within a dance where everything 'clicks'... If this happens when I'm dancing with someone, then to me, they are a good dancer. They may be a beginner or world champion; it's not really their ability to follow moves or get into the music - it's not about how stylish or technically accurate they are - it's about how they connect with me.

[Heather]

No, one must wear combats with dangly bits!!

Sheeesh...

Heather
xx