Is it that much of a gap?

[peachexploration]

I saw SC's comment at our sister site here :arrow: Insomniasc R Us (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=573&start=2295) and thought about how many times I have seen or heard this comment "I dance LA and you dance Cuban so that's why it's difficult". :shock: How hard is it really to mesh the two styles particularly if they're both On1 in most cases? To me, they're not that far apart to where it's extremely difficult yet I've seen these comments before. What do you think?

[MacMoto]

Azzey used to dance in Glasgow (where Cuban is the dominant style) and will probably have a comment or two to make on this topic from the leader's point of view...

As far as I know (have been told), the main problems are:

1. Difference in arm tension requirement.
2. Difference in the line of movement.

Cuban-style-trained followers tend to have more relaxed arms and also tend to go where LA-style leaders don't expect the follower to be (i.e., off the slot), which can become a problem when attempting more advanced moves that rely on the follower's ability to provide good arm tension and keep to a tight slot. But of course these problem can also be seen in LA-style-trained but not-yet-very-skilled followers too...

[squirrel]

No, not really... I can follow both... but in either of the styles, I hate pushing and pulling!

[azzey]

Azzey used to dance in Glasgow (where Cuban is the dominant style) and will probably have a comment or two to make on this topic from the leader's point of view...

As far as I know (have been told), the main problems are:

1. Difference in arm tension requirement.
2. Difference in the line of movement.

Cuban-style-trained followers tend to have more relaxed arms and also tend to go where LA-style leaders don't expect the follower to be (i.e., off the slot), which can become a problem when attempting more advanced moves that rely on the follower's ability to provide good arm tension and keep to a tight slot. But of course these problem can also be seen in LA-style-trained but not-yet-very-skilled followers too...

Actually, the good Cuban style followers *feel* much the same in tension as good LA/NY style dancers in London. It's usually beginner/improver dancers who have difference in tension (too much/too little/inappropriate for that part of the move). This is particularly evident in NY style where more of the lead is given by leading the arms. e.g. When dancing with a NY style follower they prefer that I pull much more with the followers right hand rather than using my right hand on her back. This is a slight difference in technique between LA and NY style, regardless of good soft arm tension.

In my experience there is more of a difference for the guy leading the three styles. In Cuban the guys right arm has to have enough tension so that he can practically lead the follower by moving/rotating his body as the follower holds onto the shoulder/arm/hand. Leading as an extension of his body - body lead.

The difference in line of movement is more of a problem and stems in Cuban from the rotational aspect of the basic steps. i.e. If done properly when doing a turn you should still be rotating in the same direction you were on the 4th and 8th beats and change direction only as you start the next step.