Are you tired of feeling like a dancing potato on the dance floor? Do you want to step up your dance game and impress your friends with your smooth moves? Well, it’s time to face the music (literally) and admit that maybe, just maybe, your approach to dancing needs a little work. In this article, we’re going to break down some common misconceptions about improving your dance skills. From leads who think more moves equals more success to followers who believe all they need is some fancy styling, we’re going to set the record straight and help you become the dancing queen (or king) you were always meant to be. So, put on your dancing shoes, and let’s get started!
Do you need to learn more “moves” to improve?
First up, we have the leads who think they only need more “moves” to improve. Sorry to break it to you, fellas, but learning more moves does not necessarily make you a better social dancer. Unless you’re aiming to win a choreography competition, most people on the dance floor won’t be able to follow a sequence of moves put together in a specific order. Instead, focus on developing your timing, musicality, connection, and most importantly LEAD TECHNIQUE.
Do you need to learn more about “styling” to improve?
Next, we have the followers who think they only need more “styling” to improve. Ladies, we understand the importance of looking good on the dance floor, but social dancing is 80% functionality and only 20% aesthetics. Without a solid foundation of proper agility and following technique, all the styling in the world won’t make you a better dancer. So, don’t be afraid to work on mastering your fundamentals before adding some flair.
You need to stop Copying from Instagram!
Now, let’s talk about the leads who think the move is led by the hands. Have you ever danced with someone who only leads with their hands, leaving you feeling like a rag doll being yanked and tossed around? Yeah, not a fun experience. The truth is, movement is actually led by the body, and a good technique of biomechanics can only be learned from a well-educated instructor. So, stop relying on your fingers as pliers, stop copying moves from Instagram, and start coordinating your feet and body movements.
Don’t blame your Lead Dancer
Last but not least, we have followers who think they can spin if the guy can spin them well. Sorry, ladies, but the guy doesn’t have that much power. A lead cannot make you a good or bad dancer. You need to learn how to follow and respond to the stimuli the lead gives, but ultimately, you are the one who carries your body, moves it, and holds it in place. So, don’t blame the lead if you’re feeling off-balance or unable to execute a turn.
Also Read: Protect Your Artistic Vision: The Need for Non-Disclosure Contracts in Dance
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want to improve as a dancer, it’s time to reevaluate your approach. Don’t just focus on learning moves or adding styling, but instead sharpen your senses for connection with your partner by working on your foundation, timing, and musicality. Listen to the movement of your dance partner, so you can respond accordingly and create an unedited piece of art together. Each time, every new song, every new partner.