Sharing the floor [Archive]

pygmalion

07-18-2004, 04:02 PM

I finally found an article specifically aimed at C&W dance floor etiquette. 8) Some of the standard dance stuff applies -- you know, make sure you shower and use breath mints. But there are a couple tips I've observed, and now found documented, that are pretty specific to a country dance crowd, I think. Have you noticed any dance tips observed (or ignored LOL) that you think a C&W dancer should be aware of? Do tell. 8)

http://www.cowgirls.com/dream/jan/dancetip.htm

tsb

07-18-2004, 07:18 PM

as someone who has no c/w background to speak of, i liked the article, thought it made a lot of good points with a level of humor i found enjoyable. i'm going to steal the line about the competition dancers having a lot of rules while the social dancers have a lot of fun.

and i was pleasantly surprised and/or mildly disappointed not to see anything about floorcraft involving dancing around the spittoons... (YES! YES! YES! JUST KIDDING! :P )

Vince A

07-19-2004, 04:23 PM

Thanks Jenn . . . that is good reading, although I cursorily read it until I can have more time at home to read it! But about that dance floor diagram . . . that's all said and good . . . if everyone is a C&W dancer.

In a C&W bar . . . you always get some rock and rollers, who get drunk, and dance (???) whatever they are doing right in the middle of two lanes, and yep, some Two-Stepper comes along an he slams right in the middle of the R&Rs. Did somebody say "FIGHT"? Yes, I'm guilty! But at least we're smart . . . we slam into those R&Rs with our dance partner's back!!! :wink:

It happens a lot . . . yet a good DJ could end all this by reminding the dancers about every 30 minutes about dance floor etiquette!

Chris Stratton

07-19-2004, 04:30 PM

I was watching a couple do a little quickstep jig in the corner the other day, then pop out with the leader backing blindly to center. I must admit a certain temptation to park a line right there sometime and see if the the jig is of fixed rather than variable length... it would almost be worth taking a hit to make a point.

(yes, I go backwards too, and sometimes do unfortunatley hit people, but most of the things I do offer at least the chance to check that direction shortly before going in it - unlike holding in a fixed orientation for a fixed amount of time easily long enough for the blind exit direction to become blocked)

Any else find they've learned to floorcraft using mirrors when available?

Vince A

07-19-2004, 04:42 PM

Chris . . . where are the mirrors? Like around the dance floor-type mirrors? Usually I'm looking into the eyes of my dance partner or a nearby pair of passing (female) Wranglers! I'm honest . . . give me credit!

When I'm dancing, I'm dancing. If I'm backing into the LOD, I always expect the follower to put pressure on my back telling me that we're approaching someone . . . I think . . . even beginners do this instinctively!!!

Chris Stratton

07-19-2004, 04:45 PM

Some studios have mirrors - certainly it's nice when your partner helps, but the more information you have the more you can plan.

My ability to handle input has evolved a bit from an early comp where I was like "oh no, there's a couple coming right at us in this quickstep... oh wait, that's us"

Vince A

07-19-2004, 05:11 PM

. . . and of course you didn't slam into yourself, right???

tsb

07-19-2004, 05:16 PM

Some studios have mirrors

it's rumored that a local studio where an instructor is well known for giving lessons without taking eyes off himself in the mirror for the entire lesson also put mirrors on the bathroom ceiling - so he could watch himself gargle!

Vince A

07-19-2004, 05:18 PM