The three most important things...today's version

[suek]

I'm sure you guys do this too: The three things (when I'm lucky enough to remember them all) that I try to have rule my dance--each and every dance.

These keep changing, as I get better or as I focus on different aspects.

This week/month I'm focusing on (in reverse order of importance):
1. dance the steps, not step the steps
2. look at my partner (helps me keep frame intact)
3. feel the pulse of the music in my center (my heart); feel it flow through my lats and traps (my frame); feel it flow through my RELAXED arm and into my partner (right into my lead's heart or center).

Since I started working on #3 (just last week), I've experienced something awesome. Every time I make that connection my arm/body weight lightens and the dance feels more like a dance and less like a struggle.

Since you guys are an important part of my learning process, let me hear how this stuff works for you: what are your focus points?

Blessings,

Sue

[SwinginBoo]

I try to focus on relaxing. Sometimes if there are dancers around that intimidate me I tend to stiffen up which doesn't help at all. If I can relax I find that my connection is great which helps me follow and also relaxing opens up the door for much improvisation.

[suek]

Oh yeah. Duh. Relaxing. See I knew you would be helpful.

(Imaginary dope slap to self here.)

Thanks

Sue

[Swing Kitten]

(Imaginary dope slap to self here.)

:doh:

is this what you were looking for?


I try to remember to listen... listen to what the lead is telling me and listen to what the music is telling me.

Then I think about posture and experimentation with styling when appropriate.

The whole bit about about having your frame (lats. & traps) engaged while having a completely relaxed arm is a bit of trick for me at least. My arm is far from rigid but probably not as relaxed as it ought to be.

[pygmalion]

My top three things today?

1. Feel grounded and connected to the floor
2. Use the supporting foot and leg
3. Break down Latin motion into steps -- don't release the hips too soon

Ask me again next week! :lol: :lol:

[Sagitta]

My list:

1. Small steps, small steps, small steps...
2. Circles in salsa rueda (Jumped into an advanced beginner class and was not really told much about basic movements, so mine tended to be linear...now am relearning my movements for the calls so they are circular)

[salsachinita]

1. Relaxation.
2. Enough sleep!
3. Balance

Which leads me to a new thread I am about to post....