Video of Me

[MAJ28]

Ok, don't give me too much trouble for this, but here is a video of me. Please keep in mind that I only started between 2 and 3 months ago, and I'm doing a basic 1 hour group lesson once a week max. Before you tell me, I know my moves aren't as smooth as I'd like, I moved to far from my follow too often, but what else can you tell me?

Please don't be too harsh.


http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7532380032320417710

Both follows were 1st or 2nd timers doing swing.

»Jason

[Vince A]

Maj,
You're on your way dude . . . great start . . . good job!

[Flat Shoes]

Hey, that's cool. I wish I had some video of myself dancing. But I don't even have a decent picture.

Since I'm not from the US, I have to ask. Would you say it was East Coast swing, or something else?

[It's Wonderful]

East Coast Swing, yes.

Hey, you look good MAJ28! You and your follow both look like you're having a great time. The only thing I noticed (and I'm only mentioning it because you asked for pointers) is you are a moving your arms a little more than you need to. Like on a basic, your swinging your arms around a bit, and sometimes a lady will mistake that for some kind of lead she doesn't know yet. Other than that, you look good - keep it up!

[hepcat]

Yeah! Cool. You look like you're having lots of fun! That's the most important thing. Beginner tips I'd give you are:

1. It's Wonderful is correct, you're arms are moving around a lot, which can be confusing to the follow as to what's coming. That's a bad habit I picked up as a beginner as well. Try to keep them still at her waist level while doing the basic. I would add: do not let your arms straighten (especially after a turn). Always keep them bent. If she gets far away, don't extend your arm. Travel toward her so that you don't have to extend your arm. The same goes for her. Otherwise there's the potential for injury.

2. When in closed position, make sure your right hand is up on her shoulder blade. I noticed at one point it was more down in the middle of her back. The shoulder blade is a much more solid connection. Her arm should rest on yours all the way from shoulder to hand.

3. A very common beginner movement is to take big steps and transfer your weight over each step. Instead of doing that, keep your steps under your center so you don't have to shift your weight on each step (i.e. make them smaller). One example I always use is the back step. Put your left toe by your right heel and briefly lift yourself straight up so your right foot makes it off the ground and then replace it on the floor immediately. Then each of your side steps should land directly under their respective shoulders. The smaller your steps, the less you have to shift your center. The less you have to move your center, the easier it will be to keep up with quick beats.

There are other things that come to mind, but these are probably the ones that will help the most. You've got a good start. Keep it up!