My feet are crazy!

This is, I figure, a question for the newer dancers...But for all you experienced one please jump in and tell me it will all get better soon! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

My problem is that coming out of any turn my feet just click into auto-pilot and want to do a basic, doesnt matter what dance Im doing,
My brain knows what its supposed to do but my feet just dont want to co-operate on occasions!

Why do my feet want to go back to basics??

Maybe because that's the way a new figure is taught, inbetween two basics? That's the way I have always been taught a new figure anyway. You will eventually get to the stage of linking figures together without basics in between. Do you do private lessons? If so, mention to your teacher that this is something you would like to start working on.

:!: Muscle memories :!: . I used to do all sorts of crazy things when I first learnt. I am sure I still do things that my patners might find annoying (partners....? Talk to me!)!

As a newbie, I found that it's one thing for the BRAIN to know what to do, but it's quite another issue for the BODY to do the things that your brain wants.....I thought I was crazy for years, until I read about 'muscle memories' here at DF 8) .

For me, muscle memories take time to develop/build. It' a bit like trying to re-program yourself :lol: , so it will come with time and experience. IMO. Get it wrong often enough & you will eventually learn to get it right (just like most things in life, really :wink: )!

ShyDancer said:

My problem is that coming out of any turn my feet just click into auto-pilot and want to do a basic, doesnt matter what dance Im doing,
My brain knows what its supposed to do but my feet just dont want to co-operate on occasions!

Click to expand...

Hmm... Difficult one. I would suggest after the turn, clear you mind, look at your partner´s eyes, and make yourself available. By available I mean being on balance, hands in the correct position, being close to your partner, etc. Try not to expect anything after the turn, just "go with the flow".

I believe mine are as well. Actually, probably my entire leg. From my high schools days of ballet and jazz...I retain a lot of that posturing.

I was having a private lesson on Monday and was dancing Salsa. My dance instructor just happened to mention, "you didn't by chance use to take ballet?" Shocked because I hadn't mentioned it, I asked why. He laughed and said, "because you are turned out." He also pointed out that where my Salsa steps were supposed to be more compact...mine were big and sweeping...from the more theatrical dance styles associated with ballet and jazz.

I guess you never really get rid of the techniques learned in more "solo" styles of dance. I don't really think that is too bad a thing.

Thanks everyone for your replies

I mentioned it last night during my private lesson... my teacher says its most likely because during the last set of classes I took, all new steps were taught in 4's then back to 4 basics before another set of 4 or a turn then basic once more,etc so after I complete a turn what I have learnt really WAS drilled into my head and I do it subconsciously. He said it will pass soon.

Im keeping my fingers crossed!

IT WILL pass, and one last thing . . . make sure your weight is over your feet . . . the balls of your weight . . . and get grounded - think two inches into the floor!

practice with a good (and patient) AT dancer who can randomise the steps so you can't possibly know what comes next and you'll learn to wait for the next lead.

I'm used to de-programming salsa dancers. its just a matter of time