The Hands...

[peachexploration]

BorikenSalsero, our resident poet, has once again graced us with his beautiful and inspiring words:
Two hands lost in the sensual cuffed grasp of two lustful lovers about to depart. The last goodbye, where he walks away from her, yet their hands stall the imminent, creating a sensual glide of his fingers through her palm culminating its course at her fingertips just before losing sight of one another. The moment of the last physical goodbye presents one another with an emotional snap felt throughout the body, eventually shooting it straight into each others eyes stabbing the sigh of the heart into the reality of love from fairytale lovers.

It is not so much as the technique as it is the meaning behind the lead transformed into emotional touch. The ability to lead emotions with the mere touch of a hand: that is the key to the absolute perfect lead. That which happens after technique is unable to satisfy the need of a loving soul.

Create a touch as if that last goodbye, one that sparks as she spins with your hand at her waist, one where the cross body lead is lead by a hand that isn’t leading another dancer, but embracing the last love of one’s life. Make her feel every emotion deep inside a heart through those hands, with the care of a mothers grasp to her new born child. A lovers run of his figures through a sleeping-beauty’s face with every care in the universe as not to wake her, one that while she sleeps, she smiles upon.

A touch that whispers I’m yours and is received with a smile that sighs, you are mine. A touch that caresses the loving heart of a lover, a hand that will create a gift of every lead, a gift that will be accepted with an open heart and manifested upon loving souls.

Manage to show her a world of intimate passion she’s yet to see, and witness the surrender of woman upon your arms, the surrender of a soul upon love. Never will hands be the concern of failed connection, for once a lead has turn into love, each and every imperfection is absolute perfection.

Fast or slow, let not the lead lose that which she will come to yearn and you will forever be her loving lead..I wanted to post this because even the slightest touch in the hands, as Boriken has pointed out, can GREATLY influence the dance between you and your partner. It was only a fleeting thought until my instructor pointed out a couple of weeks ago. Then I forgot it again until I read Boriken's words. So, this week's challenge is to think about your touch when you're dancing with someone and remember, even in the slightest of hand can determine your dance. The Hands. Thanks Boriken. :D

P.S. Don't forget to report back! :D

[peachexploration]

.....It is not so much as the technique as it is the meaning behind the lead transformed into emotional touch. The ability to lead emotions with the mere touch of a hand: that is the key to the absolute perfect lead. That which happens after technique is unable to satisfy the need of a loving soul....

Wow, does Boriken's statement above take me back. Immediately I go back to that infamous karate chop in the middle of my back over a year ago when I was dancing with this guy. It was awful! That incident hardly had anything to do with developing technique and is a bit extreme but again it's a good reference for leads (and follows) I think. To me, your hands say alot in your dancing. If you're squeezing or chopping someone to death while your dancing, chances are, the dance will be quite disappointing. Just wanted to add a thought. Anyone else?

[peachexploration]

Okay, another thought. In class, we were talking about hand placement and how you can tell what some is saying to you and how you should handle them while dancing. Just from a follows point of view, you can tell by the way they place their hand upon yours whether she is an aggressive dancer or a delicate dancer and from then, lead the dance accordingly. Did I say how happy i am to be in class again? [And they all said, " :roll: Yes Peach, you've mentioned it a time or two :roll:."]

:lol: :lol:

[lolita]

wel boriken , keep impressing me more and more ,
and about wut u said peach , i dunno
i have been told so many times that am a delicate dancer and i move like a butterfly ** though am a BIG girl **

and some other times , they would say WOW ur too agressive girl , kep it lose!!!!

i dunno i think its the music and how i translate it ..i just dunno

[Sea-born]

[quote="peachexploration"]BorikenSalsero, our resident poet, has once again graced us with his beautiful and inspiring words:]

Boriken, you describe salsa like love and this is so lovely. Thank you, Peach, for sharing this presious post with us. Actually, the hands reveal a lot for the person you are dancing with. I like when my partner holds my hands gently with the fingertips, but at the same tight enough to lead me well in dancing. This is very close to the love.

[peachexploration]

.......It is not so much as the technique as it is the meaning behind the lead transformed into emotional touch. The ability to lead emotions with the mere touch of a hand: that is the key to the absolute perfect lead. That which happens after technique is unable to satisfy the need of a loving soul...

Yes, fellow Salser@s, Boriken is a true gem. :D Lolita, I think maybe it has to do with two things. The dancer's awareness outside of class and what is taught within the class. Before I started taking classes again recently, it was really never mentioned how important anyone's hand placement or touch means within the dance. The instructors I've had previously never really spent a whole lot of time on it other than don't hold someone's hands too tight. Not the emotional or reactional part of it.

As Boriken says, "It is not so much as the technique as it is the meaning behind the lead transformed into emotional touch." Be still my heart! :lol: In my classes, this is really stressed. Even in CBLs. The differences in how you dance if CBLs are carried through when leads hands are in the middle of follows back and or the follows shoulder. Hand placement of the leads on the follows back with double right turn. Now this is more of technique but my instructor elaborates also with a few statements. He calls it being a "gentleman" so to speak. The more of a "gentleman" you are, the less resistance you will get from the follow. For every action, there is a reaction. Whatever you put out is what you will receive. With those statements, I know where he's going. Even if it's camouflaged by technique, I hear "emotional touch". Touch me the right way and I'll trust and surrender to you completely. I won't back lead or resist you. Chop me in the back or dislocate my shoulder and I'll smack you. :lol: Yes, yes, yes! That is how much power is in an emotional touch. :D Boriken, you rule! :rocker:

[borikenSalsero]

You guys are too kind! Thank you very much!

Sea-born, indeed, Salsa and love are synonyms in my world. I can't see it any other way. If there is no love, there is no Salsa. :D

Lolita, I actually find it monstrous of my inability to truly write what it is that I feel, hence, a belief that I've cheated the world from "experiencing" the very feelings within my body. That I manage to impress you more and more lets me know that I'm heading in the right direction. :D

Peach, I don't think there are enough words to say how thankful I am of your presence. You are truly a gem! Thank you once more!

[peachexploration]

:oops: Nope Muchacho! I can't tell you how many times I've been confused about something in salsa and then it becoming crystal clear after I've read something written by you. Thank YOU so much! :)

[peachexploration]

Just thought I would reignite this one. :D

[jayzen]

:shock:

deep! but, strangely, comprehenisble.


thanks guys for sharing this. will have to think more about it. talk about a different view on things as simple as a hold...


jayzen

[peachexploration]

:shock: .....talk about a different view on things as simple as a hold...

Yup! :D Anyone else?

[Salsagem]

What a wonderful poem, it actually goes farther than a poem somehow. I have only very briefly experienced what you've put across so eloquently Boriken. I hope perhaps more will come in the future :)

[PielCanela]

first he got me thinking about, reflecting with my facial expressions, the musical piece I was dancing, and now with my hands??.... what is next !!! ha ha ha :)

next time I am dancing I am going to give it a try, I hadn’t thought about, how a hold could portray so much

[peachexploration]

This is nothing new but I purposely exaggerated it in class one day. Here's an exercise for the follows: Try your best to caress the guys arm with your left hand as you''re doing a CBL. My last instructor made a point to ask the follow to put their left hand on the lead's back right before doing a cross-body lead. But extend it through to the lead hands as you finish the CBL. Afterwards, watch the leads face. :D I did that with one of my classmates and all he wanted to do for the remainder of the class was CBLs. :P :oops: ;)

[borikenSalsero]

This is nothing new but I purposely exaggerated it in class one day. Here's an exercise for the follows: Try your best to caress the guys arm with your left hand as you''re doing a CBL. My last instructor made a point to ask the follow to put their left hand on the lead's back right before doing a cross-body lead. But extend it through to the lead hands as you finish the CBL. Afterwards, watch the leads face. :D I did that with one of my classmates and all he wanted to do for the remainder of the class was CBLs. :P :oops: ;)

That is wonderful! Isn't it something beautiful!!!! We are human beings, we react to emotions, anything capture by our senses that makes us feel good inside. The smallest of actions can really create a huge emotion. You know how it is, when you like someone, the person gives the smallest hint of a smile and it takes us away. It's as if we've just been asked to take a stroll through the clouds. Makes one feel warm and fuzzy presenting a smile that last for days, and makes one day dreaming for weeks.

That something, that sharing of emotions that turns the darkest morning into the sunniest night, well, that something is what turns mechanics into emotions. What brings life to a body. The details that let each other know the other cares!

That's the dancing we need to achieve. The one where the innocence is so pure and emotion so deep. That's what makes unforgettable moments. That which makes salsa your lover, partner the object of attention, and music, heaven. ahhhhhh SALSA

Once you get to that point, I garantee you that you'll care not whether you spun a 100 times, or ate 200 pretzels... 'cause anything and everything will be so uplifting that just a touch, will make you warm and fuzzy. :) I'm a fool for salsa!

[irishgirl]

Boriken - now that is why i dance.....beautiful words....
only had a few dances like that but all have been truely memorable

peachexploration - i'm liking that CBL thing! Will give it a try :)

[peachexploration]

.....Once you get to that point, I garantee you that you'll care not whether you spun a 100 times, or ate 200 pretzels... 'cause anything and everything will be so uplifting that just a touch, will make you warm and fuzzy. :) I'm a fool for salsa!

Yup, another fool for Salsa here. (Me) :lol: Absolutely, Boriken. I can tell you that all of my most memorable dances had practically no spins, pretzels or anything spectacular. Just beautiful detailed subtle nuances that made the dance a special one. Let us know how it goes Piel, Salsagem, Jayzen and Irishgirl. :D

[thespina13]

Thank god there are people who think like this out there. This is why I flirt. I always hope someone will pick up the call for intimacy, for connection. I wish there were more leads out there that would open themselves to the language of hands, to the tenderness of dance, and to the honour and magic of human connection. I don't flirt to get a rise out of you. I flirt to find that place where there is no barrier between eyes, where there is no shame or restraint in touch on the dance floor (off the dance floor is another story... ;) ) I want to forget that i'm dancing and sweating, and I want to live a timeless story with you. I want to recreate the lives of the lovers that Greek songs are written for... parted soulmates; a sailor on an endless voyage and a passionate beauty waiting in tears for him on the shore. It's so horribly romantic and painful and wonderful, and it's timeless and universal. Let's feel that again in these few minutes we have. Let's recreate centuries of lovers in this one song on this one floor, so that we can feel connected to the entire world, and the whole world, while watching us, can feel it too.

[PielCanela]

thespina13, I agree with your words wholehearted.

It is all in essence of the soul being embraced by the music, I have had a few dances like that, and i can remember each one of them.



Try your best to caress the guys arm with your left hand as you''re doing a CBL.

I am going to teach that one to all my salseras friends !!!!! I will start tomorrow ;) ;) ;)

[salsita]

Wow boriken... that post took my breath away. I just returned to work after the Northwest Salsa Congress where workshops were very technical. Honestly I was feeling a little depressed coming home because the congress was incredible, but where I live there are only a few good leaders. This post gives me something to work on other than technique - it reminds me that I need to remember why I love salsa so much. It's not always about having beautiful styling or the best moves, salsa is a partner dance and the connection will determine whether or not the dance is enjoyed and felt the way it was meant to.

Thank you for your inspirational words that brought me hope!

[smiling28]

Brilliant thread, pure magic!

THANK YOU!

[smiling28]

Thank god there are people who think like this out there. This is why I flirt. I always hope someone will pick up the call for intimacy, for connection. I wish there were more leads out there that would open themselves to the language of hands, to the tenderness of dance, and to the honour and magic of human connection. I don't flirt to get a rise out of you. I flirt to find that place where there is no barrier between eyes, where there is no shame or restraint in touch on the dance floor (off the dance floor is another story... ;) ) I want to forget that i'm dancing and sweating, and I want to live a timeless story with you. I want to recreate the lives of the lovers that Greek songs are written for... parted soulmates; a sailor on an endless voyage and a passionate beauty waiting in tears for him on the shore. It's so horribly romantic and painful and wonderful, and it's timeless and universal. Let's feel that again in these few minutes we have. Let's recreate centuries of lovers in this one song on this one floor, so that we can feel connected to the entire world, and the whole world, while watching us, can feel it too.



mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, lets dance!!!!

[Flujo]

Boriken and everyone here this is one of the most beautiful threads yet. Thank you!

[Offbeat]

This is nothing new but I purposely exaggerated it in class one day. Here's an exercise for the follows: Try your best to caress the guys arm with your left hand as you''re doing a CBL. My last instructor made a point to ask the follow to put their left hand on the lead's back right before doing a cross-body lead. But extend it through to the lead hands as you finish the CBL. Afterwards, watch the leads face. :D I did that with one of my classmates and all he wanted to do for the remainder of the class was CBLs. :P :oops: ;)

Wow ! that's first time someone has explained an "action" that can create or give a sense of "connection". I can recall a few followers who add such little nuances in to their following. I just realized a lot of connection in dancing is indeed about how you hold and touch. The eyes are only reflecting it.

Reminds me of a dance I once had in early days. There is a certain follower (we started learning around same time). She usually has this intent way of looking in the leaders eyes when following. Not in a spooky way but the best way I put it is - a kind of passionate gaze done with intensity. I danced with her after a while once, and I that gazing certainly made me slightly uncomfortable. Probably because dance was more mechanical and lacking connection.




That is wonderful! Isn't it something beautiful!!!! We are human beings, we react to emotions, anything capture by our senses that makes us feel good inside. The smallest of actions can really create a huge emotion. You know how it is, when you like someone, the person gives the smallest hint of a smile and it takes us away. It's as if we've just been asked to take a stroll through the clouds. Makes one feel warm and fuzzy presenting a smile that last for days, and makes one day dreaming for weeks.

That something, that sharing of emotions that turns the darkest morning into the sunniest night, well, that something is what turns mechanics into emotions. What brings life to a body. The details that let each other know the other cares!

That's the dancing we need to achieve. The one where the innocence is so pure and emotion so deep. That's what makes unforgettable moments. That which makes salsa your lover, partner the object of attention, and music, heaven. ahhhhhh SALSA

Once you get to that point, I garantee you that you'll care not whether you spun a 100 times, or ate 200 pretzels... 'cause anything and everything will be so uplifting that just a touch, will make you warm and fuzzy. :) I'm a fool for salsa!

Adding to the accolades. Beautifully expressed what many dancers feel sub-consciously or are unable to express.

[Flujo]

I flirt to find that place where there is no barrier between eyes, where there is no shame or restraint in touch on the dance floor (off the dance floor is another story... ;) ) I want to forget that i'm dancing and sweating, and I want to live a timeless story with you.
Once again, amazing post (for want of a better word).
Just to expand a little on what you said about the barriers between eyes. I now understand what you are talking about after (almost) experiencing it. For the first time I had a dance where the ladies presence was so intoxicating that I couldn't maintain eye contact for fear of losing myself. Because it was the first it will always be a special dance to me though there will be more to come. The next time this happens I'll remember your post and surrender to it...become lost.

It feels a little strange talking about this stuff in such a public place as it's quite personal (especially for us guys who aren't supposed to discuss these things - nonsense I know!) but it is great that there is a forum where we can share the more spiritual/sensual side of things amongst ourselves.

You have a wonderful way with words by the way!

[peachexploration]

Boriken and everyone here this is one of the most beautiful threads yet. Thank you!
Yeah, Boriken rules! :rocker: :D

[smiling28]

I flirt to find that place where there is no barrier between eyes, where there is no shame or restraint in touch on the dance floor (off the dance floor is another story... ;) ) I want to forget that i'm dancing and sweating, and I want to live a timeless story with you.
Once again, amazing post (for want of a better word).
Just to expand a little on what you said about the barriers between eyes. I now understand what you are talking about after (almost) experiencing it. For the first time I had a dance where the ladies presence was so intoxicating that I couldn't maintain eye contact for fear of losing myself. Because it was the first it will always be a special dance to me though there will be more to come. The next time this happens I'll remember your post and surrender to it...become lost.

It feels a little strange talking about this stuff in such a public place as it's quite personal (especially for us guys who aren't supposed to discuss these things - nonsense I know!) but it is great that there is a forum where we can share the more spiritual/sensual side of things amongst ourselves.

You have a wonderful way with words by the way!


AWESOME, don't feel strange speaking publicly. Hey, you can even post youtube videos to the world to see :) :) :)

Well done by the way, sounds like your dancing is going great!

[Flujo]

After experiencing what Boriken put so eloquently recently, I thought this thread might be worth a bump for any newcomers who might be interested.

http://www.salsaforums.com/showpost.php?p=21184&postcount=15
(what's the policy on bumping threads anyway?)

[MacMoto]

(what's the policy on bumping threads anyway?)
I don't think we've got any... if you come across an old forgotten thread that contains info/thoughts that you feel are still relevant and others may find useful, bump away :)

[Flujo]

:cool: Nice one Mac. I started a thread in the anonymous section on the same topic. There are a lot of things that were discussed back then that don't seem to come up in any way shape or form now. I'm glad people on the whole don't mind those old gems being resurrected.

I was up very late last night reading some old threads on DF. The posts were totally mesmerising! Some of it was poetry.

Edit: Rather than create another post I'll just add to this one.
I'm curious. What do you all do to play with the connection?
Lately I've been doing a lot of drop hand catches, hand throws (?) and hair combs. The thing is though, some dances bring out a lot more than that. I don't know. Do any of you have points during the night where your dance will transform to the point where you become lost in your partner and where your mind is freed to flow creatively. I was wondering if any of you during this, what would you call it, state of mind, have noticed your ability to focus on one particular aspect of your connection more than usual?

Imagine that you can almost switch off the conscious effort of body movement and focus on varying the pressure of a hold playfully. That's what I'm talking about. I can't put it into words as eloquently as some of the earlier posters have and it really doesn't happen that often but still...I'd love to hear other peoples experiences with this...