danceguy
11-16-2003, 07:57 PM
Hi Everyone,
A question here that I seen covered on the forums in various other posts, but I'd like to ask it in my own way from a beginner's perspective. My question is regarding the amount of pressure a lead needs to use when dancing various Latin dances, namely Salsa in particular.
I ask this because from my limited experiences with dancing, I have come to the conclusion that there is no set rule for this, but rather an individual taste. For instance, in my regular dance school my teachers have pointed out how just a slight increase in the amount of force used in a particular technique can make the dance flow and look very beautiful. At other schools and dances, I've seen people mention that the leaders arms should "just be lifted with no force or pulling on the lady." To me this sometimes feels like I'm hardly leading at all and just pointing out what the lady should do...is this the way it should be and am I just a stubborn dolt? For I've also found that dancing with really advanced women, they will not backlead or just go if I make a weak attempt at leading a move, they will actually make sure that I do it correctly and with a certain amount of arm tension.
Now, I've also experienced that most of this can go out with window depending on the lady you are dancing with. I've found that with larger and taller women, they prefer a strong lead that uses a bit more arm tension to get them moving. With shorter and more petite women, I've had several comment that I'm using too much force, especially the ones with a very light frame. I'm really want to be a good lead and respect the individuality of the ladies I dance with...but I'm finding myself confused with the differing viewpoints from different instructors.
So, what is everyone's take on this? Is there a "typical" frame or arm pressure for Salsa, Cha-Cha and Rumba? I've found I greatly prefer a woman who has a good connection and frame, and the ones with noodle arms that want the same from me are somewhat irritating to dance with...but I have to respect their way of doing things, even if it causes me to avoid dancing with them further.
Any thoughts, comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :)
Best,
SG
A question here that I seen covered on the forums in various other posts, but I'd like to ask it in my own way from a beginner's perspective. My question is regarding the amount of pressure a lead needs to use when dancing various Latin dances, namely Salsa in particular.
I ask this because from my limited experiences with dancing, I have come to the conclusion that there is no set rule for this, but rather an individual taste. For instance, in my regular dance school my teachers have pointed out how just a slight increase in the amount of force used in a particular technique can make the dance flow and look very beautiful. At other schools and dances, I've seen people mention that the leaders arms should "just be lifted with no force or pulling on the lady." To me this sometimes feels like I'm hardly leading at all and just pointing out what the lady should do...is this the way it should be and am I just a stubborn dolt? For I've also found that dancing with really advanced women, they will not backlead or just go if I make a weak attempt at leading a move, they will actually make sure that I do it correctly and with a certain amount of arm tension.
Now, I've also experienced that most of this can go out with window depending on the lady you are dancing with. I've found that with larger and taller women, they prefer a strong lead that uses a bit more arm tension to get them moving. With shorter and more petite women, I've had several comment that I'm using too much force, especially the ones with a very light frame. I'm really want to be a good lead and respect the individuality of the ladies I dance with...but I'm finding myself confused with the differing viewpoints from different instructors.
So, what is everyone's take on this? Is there a "typical" frame or arm pressure for Salsa, Cha-Cha and Rumba? I've found I greatly prefer a woman who has a good connection and frame, and the ones with noodle arms that want the same from me are somewhat irritating to dance with...but I have to respect their way of doing things, even if it causes me to avoid dancing with them further.
Any thoughts, comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :)
Best,
SG