How can you be a better dancer?
Well of course you don't want to be stepping on anyone's toes....
But hey, you're going out to enjoy yourself, enjoy the music, lime with friends and even make some new ones. How do you do that ? The experts jump can in and back me up here...check these pointers that I've learnt can keep you stepping in the right direction...
This is crucial! Sure you've seen people dancing out of time many times before, or even done it yourself! It can be a source of great laughter at best or great embarrassment at worst! You can easily lose the connection with others you're dancing with, or...have no one else to dance with for the rest of the night if no one's watching! Ok the last part isn't entirely true, but you get the point.
Tip 2: Don't dance as if your partner is just standing, admiring you...
Ok, so gentlemen, sometimes you want to break away and have some fun, get some kicks...But sometimes you might overdo the solo act...some really good dancers out there seem to dance better by themselves even if they're with a dance partner! You really don't want to do that, making all the fancy moves while your partner is totally lost as to what your next move is especially as the lead. Latin dancing is a two way street, so stay connected with your partner and remember to use that resistance to keep you both moving together.
Tip 3: Make sure you have your partner's back... literally.
After a flurry of suave moves, you're ready to make that EPIC cross-body lead, only to realize CRASH! You've run into someone, waving arms and colliding feet, putting an end to your symphony of synchronicity. So especially if you're in a crowded space, do like if you're driving on our nation's roads... look in front, behind, to the side, look back again...yes...then make your move. Dance for the people in front and all around you.
Tip 4: Know when the styling is enough...
Yes ladies, we love it when you just fascinate us guys with your beautiful super styling, but not with every move on your own. As you follow when we cue, we can work together to style in between, so we both enjoy each other's dancing to the fullest.
Tip 5: Keep your balance!
Guys, you got to keep your balance if you're going to lead your partner well, and is she's going to follow you successfully. And ladies, if you don't have the right balance, your timing and connection to respond to your partner well suffer. Just keep your balance by keeping a sure footing on the floor while you dance. Stay on the good foot!
Tip 6: Holding on for dear life? Don't!
In dancing, flexibility is key, for both the lead and the follower. You must be able to move your hands and wrists comfortably for your moves and signals between each other to be smooth. So ladies, be careful.. don't hold on to your guys' thumbs!
Tip 7: Like Wyclef said to Shakira...no fight'n!
Yep, and like Shakira said, the hips don't lie. Whether you're leading or following, dancing is about harnessing your body's own movement to drive the momentum you need to glide across the dance floor with your partner. Try your best not to push or pull your partner to get them to move where or how you want to. Guys, invite your partner to the next move....ladies, accept the invitation. It's all about both of you communicating well with your hands...oh yeah..
Sometimes you might find that the person you ask to dance is just beginning to learn what it'sall about. You might want to try out some new dance moves you learned last week! Of course, this could be a recipe for disaster... she could end up having the worse dance she's ever had! And of course, remember when you were the beginner and you were dancing with a lady with all the finesse and poise and just that look of boredom, ready to end the dance? Yes it happens. In both cases, try doing simple cross body leads and turns... if they seem ok with this, then ahem.. take them to the next level, gradually building (or revealing) their confidence and experience. This way both of you grow more at ease in dancing with each other and she looks like a star :)
Tip 8: Make your dance partner the star of the night
Sometimes you might find that the person you ask to dance is just beginning to learn what it'sall about. You might want to try out some new dance moves you learned last week! Of course, this could be a recipe for disaster... she could end up having the worse dance she's ever had! And of course, remember when you were the beginner and you were dancing with a lady with all the finesse and poise and just that look of boredom, ready to end the dance? Yes it happens. In both cases, try doing simple cross body leads and turns... if they seem ok with this, then ahem.. take them to the next level, gradually building (or revealing) their confidence and experience. This way both of you grow more at ease in dancing with each other and she looks like a star :)Tip 9: Hygiene.
Hey... take a bath... walk with deodorant. Have a change of clothes if you get too sweaty. Use mints. In other words, just make sure you smell good before entering someone's physical space. They subconsciously will love you for it.Tip 10: Have fun!
Don't get so caught up on doing everything right and avoiding embarrassment while dancing. Relax, smile, have fun with your dance partner!These are just some of the tips we know will help you command the dance floor like a pro... we've got some more to share with you. But in the meantime... What do you think makes you a better dancer? Share some of your experience and tips with us today!
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