Unleadable moves

[pygmalion]

Question for you leads and follows out there: Are there moves that are just impossible to lead? What are they? And what affects whether a move is leadable or not? Level of ability of lead or follow? Complexity of the move? Type of dance? Connection or lack of it?

[ballroomboilergirl]

For some reason, my partner and I have trouble with the outside basic in International Samba (don't ask me why), where you do a half a natural basic, turn left to go outside partner, do a basic, then turn back to regular position and do the second half of a natural basic. For some reason my partner can't turn me enough, and I can't seem to feel him turning me. *sigh* Yah, we've got our work cut out for us before our next competition in late February... :(

[MapleLeaf Salsero]

Hi, Pygmalion,

I don´t know if there are moves which are simply impossible to lead. I do know however that there are moves simply impossible to follow (no matter how good the follower is) - at least in Salsa. What I mean is that if the girl has not learned the move, the guy simply will not be able to lead it.

It´s rare, but I have encountered this situation several times in classes and in some workshops. The girl at some time is supposted to do "her thing" and she can´t guess what it is unless she has been taught to do it.

These "you must know how" moves are great to use in a dance tournament. However, if you´re like me (I only dance socially), I make sure that I completely erase these moves from my mind as soon as the class is over.

[pygmalion]

That's an interesting point. when I first started working with my (former) competitive style coach, who can actually lead LOL, there were many times that he was giving me a very clear lead. I just didn't follow, because, even though I was receiving the signal, I didn't know what it meant.

[Sagitta]

It definitely happens with beginners. Often they don't know what the lead is signalling. For instance I start dancing salsa with someone who has never done salsa/ dancing before. I signal her to do a right turn and she does nothing. Sometimes being extra clear, i.e. giving a stronger then usual signal, along with guidance works. So for ladies right turn, also using right hand on her back to guide her through a turn. The pressure of my hands and the follows natural motion enables her to execute this move and next time I use less guidance, and then none. I was doing this last night.

[Vince A]

It happens . . . and as Sagitta says . . . more frequently with beginners.

And unless the follower asks for it, I won't repeat that particular move with that person.

I also never "aplogize" for the follow missing a move (unless I'm following) . . . we all heard that "if a follower misses a move, the leader didn't lead it properly."

Maybe??? No big deal on either part . . . it's a dance . . . not life or death!

Lastly . . . sometimes, afte a botched move . . . I'll say, "Guess you didn't make that class, eh?" Kinda brings them out of what they are in for missing the move, and then they don't have to apologize . . .

[tsb]

Hi, Pygmalion,

I do know however that there are moves simply impossible to follow (no matter how good the follower is) - at least in Salsa.

i concur on this.

plus there are moves involving dips drops & aerials that are just downright risky to try unless you've practiced the move together.