| You have probably heard of writer's block - when a | | | | patterns you wish to lead. (We will not be covering |
| writer stares at a blank page and can't think of | | | | these two elements here inasmuch as we covered |
| anything to write. Well, that condition happens also to | | | | them in previous issues. We recommend you review |
| a dancer when he tries to think of what step pattern | | | | them as they will be very helpful.) |
| to lead next and nothing comes to mind. You might | | | | 1. Rhythm |
| think this would only happen to dancers with limited | | | | After you have established connection and are in a |
| step patterns; however, it is actually more common | | | | comfortable dance position, begin by listening to the |
| in dancers with a vast knowledge of step patterns. | | | | music - letting it fill you and start to move you inside. |
| Throughout our years of experience in dealing with | | | | Don't be in a rush to take the first step; only after |
| this "condition" - both personally and with our | | | | you are moved by the music will you be able to both |
| students - we realized that the problem is not in the | | | | express and convey that feeling to your partner. |
| knowledge of patterns, but in the approach to the | | | | 2. Rapport |
| dance itself. | | | | After you are moved by the music and have |
| If we start a dance concentrating on what patterns | | | | conveyed that movement to your partner, lead only |
| we are going to do next, two problems tend to arise: | | | | the most basic steps in the dance. Concentrate on |
| We may not be able to think quickly enough for the | | | | maintaining your connection with your partner and |
| next pattern | | | | making your leads easier for her to feel. Let your |
| We'll be ignoring the connection with our partner and | | | | movement grow together gradually without effort. |
| the rhythmic expression of the dance | | | | 3. Repertoire |
| The Three Rs | | | | As your movement grows together, you will realize |
| We developed an approach that has been extremely | | | | that you are actually dancing without thinking about |
| successful to overcome the dancer's block and | | | | the patterns; they just come naturally to you |
| enhance the dance experience for you and your | | | | because you are there - in the moment - and they |
| partner. We call it the three Rs: | | | | seem effortless. At this point it becomes easy to |
| - Rhythm | | | | start concentrating on the patterns. However, if you |
| - Rapport | | | | find your rhythm and connection with your partner |
| - Repertoire | | | | starting to deteriorate, don't worry. Begin |
| There are two key elements in becoming a good | | | | concentrating once again on the Rhythm and Rapport |
| leader: connection and clarity. You need to know how | | | | with your partner, and the Repertoire will naturally |
| to establish connection with your partner, and you | | | | flow back to you. |
| also need to have a clear understanding of the step | | | | |