Building up in a dance....

[smiling28]

Ok, so this is how i ideally love to dance:

hit the floor with a beautiful girl (anyone who wants to dance with me is GORGEOUS!!!)


in the intro (slow intro), sway back and forth, holding each other and getting used to the music and each other.


Then get into the music when it calls us. Slowly build moves/connection depending on your chemistry/fit.


(obviously rumba in rumba intro and so on)

* Now, I find some girls want to RUSH into the stepping as soon as I am on the floor so the swaying/buildup cannot be done.
* I find some girls are impatient with the buildup and just want to be spun around.....ha ha
* I find some girls disagree with what level I lead them. Like they want to be danced with like the other girl whom I danced with but had a better connection thus did more advanced moves. Eg. Hate going past a certain level if I do not have a good tension/feel with my partner as it messes with timing/positions required.



Anyway, any suggestions on how to have that buildup. Should I just buildup in the intro even if the girl seems impatient. Once we do start dancing they usually enjoy it but at first they are like what are you doing (in their expression) ha ha.


thanks!

 

[azzey]

Ok, so this is how i ideally love to dance:

hit the floor with a beautiful girl (anyone who wants to dance with me is GORGEOUS!!!)

Good start.. (same with me)

in the intro (slow intro), sway back and forth, holding each other and getting used to the music and each other.

Same here.. but at most 10 seconds just swaying. Some intros are 30 seconds or more. Some girls would be trying to step by then even if they liked staying in closed hold.

I use the swaying to get the whole body rhythm going between us and then begin stepping back on the spot as soon as I feel the girl is with me/in sync body and mind.

This is basically what I do..

youtube.com/watch?v=WIwcSG7wb3A

Check out the first 34 seconds in closed hold before the first dile que no.

Now on that track I would often build up the transitions between steps half as fast as that. So I might sway for 5 seconds, then step on the spot 10 seconds, then start moving the girl around a little.. moving her back and forth (paseala en frente) or travelling (paseala) around the room slowly (all while in closed hold).

Then get into the music when it calls us. Slowly build moves/connection depending on your chemistry/fit.

(obviously rumba in rumba intro and so on)

* Now, I find some girls want to RUSH into the stepping as soon as I am on the floor so the swaying/buildup cannot be done.

I just hold them tight with my right arm around their back and sway. They have little choice but to do the same thing. If the girl starts stepping she will find she goes back to swaying again naturally to sync with me. Be patient.

If you want to play.. step in sync a little with her but at half or third speed (e.g. on just beats 1 and 5) for a few steps then start swaying again.

The key thing is to keep her body in sync with yours and her feet will follow.

* I find some girls are impatient with the buildup and just want to be spun around.....ha ha

Well that's ok, if they're hyper just give them a few Vacilalas or other simple moves in a row but do very little yourself until you're ready.. keep your own emotional rhythm and connection with the music. Stick in some body movement or rumba movement instead.

* I find some girls disagree with what level I lead them. Like they want to be danced with like the other girl whom I danced with but had a better connection thus did more advanced moves. Eg. Hate going past a certain level if I do not have a good tension/feel with my partner as it messes with timing/positions required.

You're doing the right thing. Do they tell you this?


If it's "I want to do what she did - wheee!" as she triple spins herself - smile and try to build a connection (through a series of simpler movements) that will allow her to push the envelope like she wants later in the song.

If you find that's not possible then let her go and do her own thing for bits of the song, trying to reconnect as and when you see its possible.

If its a problem of reliability of following then just stick to moves that work and every once in a while start something more complex but back out, let go or stop as soon as you feel it going pear shaped or losing connection.

Most followers appreciate someone who is willing to attempt new things but accept if they don't work out. When she says "do it again" smile and say "later".. then its up to you if you feel like it later or not.



or are they just hyper in their dancing?

In this case keep self-control and a slow rhythm, lead slowly and smoothly and bring them back to your rhythm. This may take some concentration on your part to build connection but will bear fruit with time and concentration. This is one of the challenges in developing a good lead.


Now don't forget to cool it down from time to time and then build it up again. Don't give it to them all at once - tease a little.

 

[azzey]

Is that the kind of thing you were looking for?

 

[smiling28]

LOL, you know you are a great lead mate, you give me what I want and more even and exceed my expectations!

More below!

Good start.. (same with me)

Priorities

Same here.. but at most 10 seconds just swaying. Some intros are 30 seconds or more. Some girls would be trying to step by then even if they liked staying in closed hold.

Great point. Guess a compromise for me will be about a 10 second intro. I could sway for a lot longer. I guess I just like being a tree in the wind. ha ha

I use the swaying to get the whole body rhythm going between us and then begin stepping back on the spot as soon as I feel the girl is with me/in sync body and mind.

Well said!

This is basically what I do..

youtube.com/watch?v=WIwcSG7wb3A

Check out the first 34 seconds in closed hold before the first dile que no.

Can only check at home when the planets align and my computer works Thanks and will view ASAP!

Now on that track I would often build up the transitions between steps half as fast as that. So I might sway for 5 seconds, then step on the spot 10 seconds, then start moving the girl around a little.. moving her back and forth (paseala en frente) or travelling (paseala) around the room slowly (all while in closed hold).

Sounds great!

I just hold them tight with my right arm around their back and sway. They have little choice but to do the same thing. If the girl starts stepping she will find she goes back to swaying again naturally to sync with me. Be patient.

Physically fine. But I guess mentally i feel pressure (jedi reverse leading) that the partner wants to step and I give in to the pressure (from myself trying to please my partner I guess as no idea what partner is thinking really)

If you want to play.. step in sync a little with her but at half or third speed (e.g. on just beats 1 and 5) for a few steps then start swaying again.

The key thing is to keep her body in sync with yours and her feet will follow.

Love it! THanks!

Well that's ok, if they're hyper just give them a few Vacilalas or other simple moves in a row but do very little yourself until you're ready.. keep your own emotional rhythm and connection with the music. Stick in some body movement or rumba movement instead.

Well said!

I like coca cola continuous eg. normal 1,2,3 -5,6,7 (turn girl), 1,2,3 - 5,6,7 (turn girl again instead of dile que no). Usually makes the girls pretty dizzy after several

My vasilia lead still needs a lot of work I hate to say. Can do it but lets say it is not my most confident lead.

You're doing the right thing. Do they tell you this?


If it's "I want to do what she did - wheee!" as she triple spins herself - smile and try to build a connection (through a series of simpler movements) that will allow her to push the envelope like she wants later in the song.

If you find that's not possible then let her go and do her own thing for bits of the song, trying to reconnect as and when you see its possible.

If its a problem of reliability of following then just stick to moves that work and every once in a while start something more complex but back out, let go or stop as soon as you feel it going pear shaped or losing connection.

Most followers appreciate someone who is willing to attempt new things but accept if they don't work out. When she says "do it again" smile and say "later".. then its up to you if you feel like it later or not.

Thanks! Some girls give me the 'jazz it up vibe, 5 spins or more or hit the road Jack' and once a girl did come to me and say she wants me to dance with her with more advanced moves.

Overall, a lot is confidence in my lead. When I lead, I feel responsible FOR US. That means the environment, the other dancers, our safety and enjoyment. I still have issues with wild followers going wider than necessary when I release them (eg vasilia) and large steps/space usage by the girl. I KNOW this comes from my lead and presence somehow but do not know specifically how just yet. With time I am sure my lead shall improve to be able to ensure safe fun dancing for all whilst pushing the girl a little more. *that girl above wanted to be dipped and pretzeled etc. Love her enthusiasm and told her that but explained that my lead was not developed enough to do that with her yet. Oneday I hoped to. As for why I did it with the other dancers, I explained they are great dancers so make the guy look great *smile

or are they just hyper in their dancing?

In this case keep self-control and a slow rhythm, lead slowly and smoothly and bring them back to your rhythm. This may take some concentration on your part to build connection but will bear fruit with time and concentration. This is one of the challenges in developing a good lead.

Thanks!!! I can sometimes be erratic myself so the above advice is spot on for me!

Now don't forget to cool it down from time to time and then build it up again. Don't give it to them all at once - tease a little.

BEST EVER!!!!!!!!


I smiled SOOOOO much when I saw this. The cheeky rascallion grin I give in the Cuban workshops when you go 'ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, so thats how to treat a lady'



So true, and thanks!!!!!!!!

*usually the music is the guide so I LOVE songs that go through different states!

 

[Offbeat]

This is basically what I do..

youtube.com/watch?v=WIwcSG7wb3A

Nice video, great dancing and awesome tune. I liked your choice of song.

Now only if there was someone around here to teach cuban/casino style.

The rest of the post moved to new thread

 

[Offbeat]

*got posted twice*

 

[azzey]

*Moved to new thread as off-topic*

 

[terence]

Two days back I tried to take a cuban style salsa beginners class. The instructor canceled it because I was the only student who showed up. Then yesterday I went to different place and that one almost got canceled because the instructor failed to show up. He did show up 30 minutes late.


The mark of any " true " prof--- Promptness --

I have worked in schools, where teachers late for a lesson, were sent home for the day !! ( one owner actually sent his own son home )

 

[azzey]

LOL, you know you are a great lead mate, you give me what I want and more even and exceed my expectations!

BEST EVER!!!!!!!!

I smiled SOOOOO much when I saw this. The cheeky rascallion grin I give in the Cuban workshops when you go 'ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, so thats how to treat a lady'



So true, and thanks!!!!!!!!

The force is strong with this one, in no time a Salsa master he will be. Remember young Padawan... with great power of dancing comes great responsibility. )

 

[smiling28]

LOL, you know you are a great lead mate, you give me what I want and more even and exceed my expectations!

BEST EVER!!!!!!!!

I smiled SOOOOO much when I saw this. The cheeky rascallion grin I give in the Cuban workshops when you go 'ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, so thats how to treat a lady'



So true, and thanks!!!!!!!!

The force is strong with this one, in no time a Salsa master he will be. Remember young Padawan... with great power of dancing comes great responsibility. )

Thanks mate!

The hardest is being patient which is the lesson in itself. Much more experiences/lessons/ups/downs to go. Will post them all though...ha ha.

The good side overcomes the dark side.

Darth Salsa shall not reign over this land.....................

 

[Offbeat]

The post deleted and moved to new thread

 

[smiling28]

Expect all Cuban instructors to be at least 30 mins late. That's Cuban time for you.

I heard of "salsa time" in context of being late but I guess I am now also experiencing "cuban time" What bugged me was that I drove an hour for each class.

Where I train, you get a lesson no matter what. ALWAYS wanted to be the only person who showed up (happens in some classes) so you basically get a free private.

Sorry to hear you drove that far but GREAT effort!!!

I think you misunderstand. There is only one style of Cuban salsa. That is Casino. When more than one couple get together, dancing in a circle and swapping parners it's called Rueda de Casino (casino wheel).

Thanks for the clarification. I was not sure what the right terminology is to refer to each one. One more question, I often hear term "timba dancing". Now of course that means dancing to timba music. The dancing style though is still Cuban, i.e. Casino to be precise. So when someone says they are dancing timba is that same as saying they are dancing Casino?


The other guys know HEAPS more than I do, but I have a cheaper hourly rate as not as experienced so happy to try and help out

Having afro-cuban salsa/timba workshops with Cuban instructor at the moment. Similar. Obviously a lot more body shaking with the partner and PASSIONATE moves. Some more solo dancing like reggaeton almost but with a partner.

Also salsa suelta (line dancing) style too...

They did follow the above script. Except I am not sure about partnership skills. If you mean teach the leaders and followers footwork/steps done as solo (hope not confusing you) as part of basic/fundamentals then yes. If you meant by actually partnering up, then no. The partnering only occurred once they got everyone into the circle.

Mine is taught as partners, then in circle practice for songs. But you learn the moves/partnerwork FIRST.


Leanring everything in a circle would be like learning in the middle of a football match.........

Okay let me try to say it different way. Is it possible to just learn the Casino without having to getting into the rueda part (or save that for the later). That is firm up my partner dancing basics before learning the things to do in a circle.

Yes.

BUT some moves are only rueda eg. dame, many moves interacting with circle etc.

great responses by Azzey as per usual!

 

[smiling28]

Two days back I tried to take a cuban style salsa beginners class. The instructor canceled it because I was the only student who showed up. Then yesterday I went to different place and that one almost got canceled because the instructor failed to show up. He did show up 30 minutes late.


The mark of any " true " prof--- Promptness --

I have worked in schools, where teachers late for a lesson, were sent home for the day !! ( one owner actually sent his own son home )

does that mean the poor students were left without a teacher.........................sob sob


What about when students are late? How does a professional handle that?

*note from mum

*serious question despite bad attempt at humour

 

[azzey]

** PLEASE MOVE ANY RUEDA RELATED POSTS HERE PARTS OF THIS THREAD ARE OFF-TOPIC! **

Once copied the original posts can be deleted by the authors using the edit button.

Thankyou. Continue posting..

 

[terence]

They were assigned other teachers. If the student is late ?-- time lost is time spent.

 

[Lilith]

So THAT'S what you're doing! :lol:
I've never understood the swaying part. Reason might be that the first time I went to a social dance the first two guys who asked me to dance started by swaying and groping me quite badly at the same time. Ever since I get kind of stiff everytime a guy tries to do the whole swaying thing.
But now I know there is a more pc explanation to it. :roll:

 

[sagitta]

* Now, I find some girls want to RUSH into the stepping as soon as I am on the floor so the swaying/buildup cannot be done.
* I find some girls are impatient with the buildup and just want to be spun around.....ha ha
* I find some girls disagree with what level I lead them. Like they want to be danced with like the other girl whom I danced with but had a better connection thus did more advanced moves. Eg. Hate going past a certain level if I do not have a good tension/feel with my partner as it messes with timing/positions required.



Anyway, any suggestions on how to have that buildup. Should I just buildup in the intro even if the girl seems impatient. Once we do start dancing they usually enjoy it but at first they are like what are you doing (in their expression) ha ha.


thanks!

Just hold them back. Distract them. I definitely refuse to rush.

 

[azzey]

So THAT'S what you're doing! :lol:
I've never understood the swaying part. Reason might be that the first time I went to a social dance the first two guys who asked me to dance started by swaying and groping me quite badly at the same time. Ever since I get kind of stiff everytime a guy tries to do the whole swaying thing.
But now I know there is a more pc explanation to it. :roll:

Sorry to hear that. Yeah the swaying doesn't have to be full-contact. It's the connection between the arms and body that synchronise the movement left/right, not the proximity to your partner. So unless you like being close you don't have to be - there can be a few inches between you both and it will still work. Beyond a few inches the arms can't connect as well though for this movement.

Also it's not palm tree swaying with the top of the body (just the head and shoulders moving). Had a few girls do this and I try not to laugh!

The movement is with the knees and hips with the top of the body following, just in case anyone wanted to know.

 

[smiling28]

Also it's not palm tree swaying with the top of the body (just the head and shoulders moving). Had a few girls do this and I try not to laugh!

The movement is with the knees and hips with the top of the body following, just in case anyone wanted to know.

THANKS!

* man, guess no one will say I have a lovely bunch of coconuts if I stop swaying like a palm tree...................


On a different note, where is Jambo?????

 

[UnlikelySalsero]

Ok, so this is how i ideally love to dance:

hit the floor with a beautiful girl (anyone who wants to dance with me is GORGEOUS!!!)

in the intro (slow intro), sway back and forth, holding each other and getting used to the music and each other.

Then get into the music when it calls us. Slowly build moves/connection depending on your chemistry/fit.

(obviously rumba in rumba intro and so on)

* Now, I find some girls want to RUSH into the stepping as soon as I am on the floor so the swaying/buildup cannot be done.
* I find some girls are impatient with the buildup and just want to be spun around.....ha ha
* I find some girls disagree with what level I lead them. Like they want to be danced with like the other girl whom I danced with but had a better connection thus did more advanced moves. Eg. Hate going past a certain level if I do not have a good tension/feel with my partner as it messes with timing/positions required.

Anyway, any suggestions on how to have that buildup. Should I just buildup in the intro even if the girl seems impatient. Once we do start dancing they usually enjoy it but at first they are like what are you doing (in their expression) ha ha.

thanks!

There have been lots of excellent suggestions so far.

I may also consider an alternate approach. Your overall concept is excellent, basically you want to dance like the music unfolds, having a nice intro and build with the music. In my mind, that is the ideal approach.

I consider all dances to have two components other than myself. That is the music and my partner. If my partner is hyperactive, I will try to meet her half way. She may not be my first choice next time this type of tune starts, but once I ask her, I go with the flow.

Yes I'm the lead, but it can be a good exercise to do something different than I'd like because it doesn't fit with this partner. I'd use your initial approach with 80% of the ladies, but if she isn't buying it, try to find a middle ground during that dance, and do it your way when you have a willing partner.

I have one gal that thinks spinning is the end all in dancing. When I dance with her I violate most of my musicality principles because I know she has a different view of the dance. If I think the music calls for a single, I will probably do a double with her. She'll get triples from me where a double would be fine and I try and find a spot to give her a long spin or two in the song. I rarely do that with others.

Not at all my style of dancing on one hand, but an interesting advanture in making my partner feel great. She thinks it's wonderful, I simply decide for 5 minutes I'll change my world view and meet her as much as I can.

The point for you is: Keep thinking the way you are... It's appropriate and excellent. But prepare for alternates and if the lady can't deal with a long intro, sometimes go with the flow and meet her half way. If she feels more is more, sometimes it's OK to go outside your norm.

You actually win because it expands your possibilities and range. And you can find a set of romantic simple moves that are not primarily close position, swaying back and forth. You have lots of other options that will fit the feel you are establishing.