1.
Dance Posture - A good dance frame will allow each partner to be balanced and not interfere with each others steps. Once established, don't break the frame, and never let your arms go behind your shoulders. There is probably someone back there. After executing a turn, come back to the frame. In closed position, don't hold the lady's lower back, and ladies, keep the hand on the front part of the man's shoulder. Keep the elbows down when dancing on crowded floors. Chicken wings are not required. Think tall and grounded. Dance with a fairly straight back, but don't be a stiff. If you lower your posture for Lindy styling, you still want to be grounded. For lifts, remember you have to be grounded before you get in the air.
2.
Balance - You must be responsible for your own weight and balance and create movement from the center of your body. Don't lean back, and don't stoop or bend over your partner. You're not trying out for the part of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Remember each step is a change of weight and balance. The smaller the steps you take, the faster you can dance.
3.
Leading and Following - Skill is required to navigate around obstacles, such as an unexpected invasion of other dancers into your dance space or ceiling fixtures if you're doing lifts. Establish the correct amount of force in the palm hold (his and hers) as well as in your arms for a dance frame. Followers should become sensitive and responsive to clear and soft leads, even if they are visual or vocal. Yes, you must look, listen, and sometimes talk to your partner.
4.
Connection - Use the correct amount of force. It should be a gentle push-pull. Connect with your partner's entire body through their hands. Use equal amounts of pressure whether its in the hands, shoulders, or back you are holding. Beware of the vise grip hold; no tight thumb grips while trying to turn your partner. Giving your partner firm arm tension will take you a long way, no spaghetti arms. Just try and make a wet noodle dance. Your body responds to what is felt in the hands and arms. Never extend your arms straight out. Keep them slightly bent with rubber band tension or spring action.
5.
Turning - Your spine, neck and head should be kept on a vertical axis. Keep the nose over the toes, but don't look down. Use your arms for momentum. Keep your feet close together-turning on the balls, not on your heels. Don't drift away by stepping away on your turns, and don't forget to stop the turn in front of your partner. Is your partner walking off the dance floor "cranky"? Maybe you cranked her through her turns. When leading a turn, don't crank the arms; make halos over her head with wrist action.
 
Remember, you are part of the music or the silent instrument on the dance floor-the visual interpretation. So don't speed through your turns and kicks when the tempo slows down. That blows off the magic dust. You need your ears as well as your feet to dance. The magic happens when you and your partner find common space on the floor, your energized physical contact interpreting the music as one graceful moving entity. Even without learning the "move of the month," you've recognized the rhythm and gotten in sync with your partner. The song has ended; the band was hot; you mastered the "move"; and the two of you come out glowing with smiles. Share the magic dust left on your dance shoes, and ask someone else to dance.
 

Copyright © 2000 Diana R. Castillo. All rights reserved.