Even though I am now able to put one foot in front of the other, turn without wobbling and follow many different leaders, I still find the different theories and concepts of dancing quite challenging and often frustrating. It is amazing to me how many different ways one dance is interpreted and taught depending upon your instructor,  and often even where you live.

My “theory” is to listen closely to the person that you are either learning from, or dancing with, and apply what he or she is teaching you at that particular moment. Attempt to retain as much information and technique that you can from each and every individual. You will find that you will become a more accomplished dancer by allowing the many different styles, characteristics and  idiosyncrasies  that you encounter to permeate your body and mind while learning and dancing.

I am certain that we all hear and feel music differently, but during a  dance it should be both dancers’  goal to connect  to each other and to dance as one. So bearing this in mind, apply what you have mastered through experience, be open to new philosophies and technique and try and have the best dance that you can at any particular moment.

As much as I don’t like to admit it……..there are dancer’s that I just do not want to dance with. I am also certain that I am that person for some dancer’s as well, so I guess that is just a dancing fact!

While attending The Palm Springs New Year’s Bash, I got brave enough to sign up for 3 Jack n Jill competitions. For those of you that are unfamiliar with a Jack n Jill, it is a competition where dancers are randomly paired up. You do not know who your partner is, or what music you will be dancing to.

While checking in for the competition, my friend commented that she hoped she wasn’t paired up with the guy that she was standing in front of. I said that there was really only one guy, in the whole group that I didn’t want to get paired up with. Turns out, it was the same person. Guess who got the guy.

Yup, it was me……..karma……..seems that if I put it out into the universe, it happens!

Now, for the confession……the dance really wasn’t that bad at all. I was actually pleasantly surprised. The leader was no longer difficult to follow and he even stayed on time. Moral to the story…….keep your mouth shut, feet moving and a positive attitude. Shame on me for having negative thoughts!

I didn’t even make semi finals in that West Coast Swing category, but I did place third in Hustle. Just goes to show you, you never know what is going to happen~

Establishing a quiet, stable dance frame, is a goal that all dancers should aspire to, enabling them to achieve that essential connection with their dance partner, allowing them  the luxury to not only listen to, but enjoy, the music that they are dancing to.

Spaghetti Arms, or lack of Dance Frame, is a common problem for new dancers. It is one of the most important building blocks in becoming an accomplished dancer. It is also one of the most difficult skills for a new dancer to master. It is equally  important for the leader and follower to both have, and maintain, a good, constant and continuous dance frame. I often hear a leader complain that a follower doesn’t have frame, and therefore he is unable to “lead” her. This, of course, is an accurate statement. It is possible, however, that these “leaders” have yet to develop their own solid dance frame themselves.

Sometimes when leaders  refer to their “frame”, they are actually mistaking “frame” for a lead, such as in, turn NOW! If there is no prior connection, with constant and continuous framework already established during the dance, the follower is just receiving “frame” when the leader is trying to initiate a pattern, a turn, or a change of direction. That often leads to confusion for the follower and a missed lead. So leaders, remember that frame must be “quiet” and “continuous” throughout the entire dance, in order for the follower to react when you initiate your intention.

On the other hand ladies, it is our responsibility to offer our leader a stable frame. One that is a constant, toned resistant, and equal to that of our partner. It is typical when we first begin dancing to have Spaghetti Arms. Limp and loose. We then tend to go to the opposite extreme, a stiff and rigid frame. As a brand new dancer, there is much to remember, so just try and take a deep breath and realize that you are dependent on “feeling” where and what, a leader is asking your body to do. Your arms should move your entire body, you should move as a whole unit, not arms, and then body. Leaders, this goes for you, too.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. My son and his family asked if it would be all right to invite their friends. The more the merrier in my opinion, so of course I said yes.

Needless to say, the girls spent most of the time in the kitchen, while the boys were rockin’ out to Rock Band. Of course that means that there is music playing. Without even realizing what I was doing, one of my guests said, “Are you a dancer?”, I looked at here and said, “Yes, why do you ask?”. She said it was because I was spinning and turning all over the kitchen! She also said that she used to dance, (before the baby, now another on the way) and that she used to do the same thing. We also talked about how dance just gets into your soul and makes your heart sing!

Which leads me to this realization. You can practice dance anywhere and everywhere. I obviously turn from one end of my kitchen to the other, without even realizing it, I also practice traveling turns going down the hall and across the room. One of the easiest exercises to practice is one that will help you with your center.

If you are wondering what I am talking about, you are not alone. I did not have a clue what people were talking about when they referred to my “center” or “core”. And I am not really sure how to explain it to you, other than to say that while dancing it is very important for you to have your weight centered over your feet at all times. You must always be prepared to move in any direction at any time.

Here are a few exercises that you can practice no matter where you are. Like standing in a line, or waiting for the microwave, stirring something on the stove, drying your hair……..you get the idea.

These are BALANCE EXERCISES that will help to strengthen your coordination, muscles, and reflexes.

First one, stand on both feet on a hard surface, knees slightly bent. Slowly lift one leg, leaving all of your weight on one foot. Have your weight between the heel and the ball of your foot equally, with more weight on the inside of the foot. You will find that you will need to adjust your weight until you find the place where you are completely stable. This can require quite a bit of practice and adjustment, but once you master that “sweet spot” you will find that the next time, you will settle into that spot much more quickly and naturally. It will become second nature and comfortable. Practice taking turns on each foot. Once you become “stable” try adding movement. Wave your arms and your free leg. Remember the Karate Kid ?
Keep your awareness on the position of your mid-foot. This helps you build calf strength, which is also needed for dance balance.

Another important aspect of centering yourself requires knowing and seeing where you are. Do not fall into the habit of dancing through glazed eyes. Focus your eyes, find your “point of reference” sometimes it will be your partner, other times it will be where you are traveling to. To demonstrate what I am saying, stand barefoot with BOTH FEET TOUCHING. then roll up to the balls of your feet and balance there. Once you have your balance perfect… close your eyes. Do you feel yourself have to stretch to keep your balance? Now open your eyes and focus. See the difference, see how important our vision is in helping us to find our balance? Practice using your eyes, it will help you stay on your feet, and where you are supposed to be. Now continue to practice standing on the balls of your feet. One at a time, and both together. Spread your toes creating a “tripod”. Use the ball of your foot right behind your big toe, your big toe and little baby pinky toe to create the tripod.

Remembering to practice all of these little tips will help to improve your balance, find your center or core and bring your dancing to a higher level.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, as for me, I am headed to the dance floor to work off all of that extra stuffing and gravy I ate! Swing Dancing tonight, Ballroom Dancing tomorrow night, what more can a girl ask for? Oh, yeah, a willing partner???

Happy Dancing,

Michele

The Gift

Yes, Christmas is right around the corner. I even saw a purple Christmas Tree decorated for Halloween. The poor tree had a witches hat on it’s tree top and a graveyard below it’s branches. A little twisted in my opinion, but it got me thinking about the greatest gift that I have ever received. (of course, the gift that I am talking about, falls in line after the obvious blessings: God, family, health, freedom, etc.)

It is a gift that I gave to myself. One that I like to share with others. It is the gift of dance. For those of you that already have it, you know exactly what I am talking about. Dancers’, do you realize that when you dance with a beginner, or someone that has less experienced than you, you are sharing your gift with them. Your encouragement and patience will brighten their day. For those of you that have never danced, I implore you to give it a try. It will be frustrating at first, but hang in there, you cannot imagine how dance will change your life.

It doesn’t matter how difficult my day was, how many times “Murphy” followed me around and tripped me up or how many things still on my list that still need attending to, all it takes to brighten my day, are the words, “You want to go dancing?”. As soon as the music begins, and my body starts to move, all of the stress and frustrations of the day are completely forgotten. You see, dancing brings peace and joy to your soul. It will lift you up and make your heart sing!

So, if you are home with the kids all day, or maybe tending to an ill or aging loved one, or just simply overwhelmed with life in general, I challenge you to get out there and dance! Take a few hours a week, just for you.

There are many places that offer free dance lessons. Group lessons are available at local recreation centers and dance studios. If you feel intimidated by those options, or just find that you need the reinforcement from your classes, please check out our website: www.learntoballroomdanceonline.com It is our desire to bring the joy of dancing to everyone that can walk and fog a mirror!

I will be offering gift certificates for the holidays. Stay tuned and Happy Dancing!