leaders who follow

I'm just curious about how many leaders follow (not followers who lead ) and whether they've taken lessons with the specific intent to learn to follow. I'm also interested in how many leaders have taken formal instruction on following, without the intent to become a teacher.

No formal instruction, but I do it occasionally. Usually it's so my instructor can demonstrate some point to me -- I'd rather change roles and follow properly than be back-led. Now and then I'll do a bit of following on Friday night. I have no real desire to actually be a follow, but doing it some helps me understand the overall dance better.

I can follow on the basic social level for the American dances. International is too difficult for me without examining in detail what the follower is doing. At times, I'm pulled into a group class to substitute for either a leader or a follower (if none of the men have any problems). The motivation for me is to feel what the follower goes through and adjust my lead accordingly.

well, as a teacher, sometimes i lead just to teach my students how to do it.

but when i am dancing with somebody else, i just try to relax and follow.

and as a professional couple - when i am dancing with my partner, international style, it depends on a routine .........

The partner and I role-reversed initially to get a better understanding of what it feels like to lead/follow. It has since helped while creating choreography (to work out what the other person should/could do), and since we now have our very own beginner group class to instruct it helps us work with anyone in the class who needs help.

I've learned I'm a worse backleader than she is... I'm working on it though

I am a leader and a follower. It started when I was thinking of doing the ISTD tests one day. But it has been a big help in seeing what the women goes though when she dances. I think it has made me a better dancer knowing what steps the woman is doing and what she is feeling. It's that old walking a mile in someone else's shoe ( or heels)

jwlinson said:

The partner and I role-reversed initially to get a better understanding of what it feels like to lead/follow. It has since helped while creating choreography (to work out what the other person should/could do), and since we now have our very own beginner group class to instruct it helps us work with anyone in the class who needs help.

I've learned I'm a worse backleader than she is... I'm working on it though

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LOL,

just read my signature.

Lol, the thing about your signature--ever since I've started dancing I've found I would REALLY rather be the one going backwards in high heels than the leader. MUCH less stress.

atk said:

I'm just curious about how many leaders follow (not followers who lead ) and whether they've taken lessons with the specific intent to learn to follow. I'm also interested in how many leaders have taken formal instruction on following, without the intent to become a teacher.

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When I first started the studio (an A/M) used to have a reversal group class once ina while without announcing it. It used to be kind of fun.
I can tell you that I am horrible at following. I can't get over the impulse to direct the dance. Especially when someone tried to lead me into something like a pot turn (Yes I know that's a typo, missing the S in spot but I left it because if you saw me trying, well, you'd understand).
LOL

danceronice said:

Lol, the thing about your signature--ever since I've started dancing I've found I would REALLY rather be the one going backwards in high heels than the leader. MUCH less stress.

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LOL. it will be my pleasure to fallow somebody who knows how to lead. With my BF, no way that I'll lead. and i enjoy, but soon as you stop leading, i start.

sometimes in the studio we will switch places - man will dance female part and opposite.

it is fun, especially if we are practicing international rumba.

after those classes my ribs will hurt a lot because of laughing.

atk said:

I'm just curious about how many leaders follow (not followers who lead ) and whether they've taken lessons with the specific intent to learn to follow. I'm also interested in how many leaders have taken formal instruction on following, without the intent to become a teacher.

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My first mentor, from the very first figure I learned--taught me BOTH roles as part of my training--from bronze to open and deconstructed the movement in-between steps for both parts.

I learned both man's and lady's part so I could properly visualize how a couple should move.

And yes, I did learn my heel turns (quickstep hops, pendulum swings, and so forth) using lady's high heels--part of my mentor's viewpoint that learning the lady's part must be learned with the correct geometry in mind.






m

I've had classes and lessons. Competed once in a reverse-role partnership. I follow socially whenever I have the rare opportunity.

A few months ago, I mentioned in passing to my teacher (with whom I currently study as a leader) that I enjoy following. "Why?" he asked. I gushed, "It's fun! And it's so different from leading." He shook his head and told me kindly that I was quite wrong. We took hold, danced a few figures, switched roles, and then danced again. He then informed me that he liked my movement better as a follower than as a leader. The only differences between the roles of leader and follower, he explained, should be:
1. The leader selecting the timing
2. The leader selecting the direction.
As leader, having selected the timing and direction of the movement, I should then follow the follower, going where she goes. So now, I try to be more like a follower when I lead and more like a leader when I follow, ultimately trying to make the two converge. Hmmm...not sure if I understand what I wrote... Any incorrect statements are due to my misunderstanding and not the fault of my teacher.

"There's nothing like being on the outside of a natural spin turn." (quote from iLiketoLeadwhenIdance's partner) :banana:

For every backleader there is a leader who follows.

Joe said:

For every backleader there is a leader who follows.

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It's fun to do for a change, it makes for a comfortable dance, and often after the dance, one gets complimented for being such a wonderful leader.

My partner and I occasionally switch places for some of the easier dances, but apparently I really suck at leading. It's a good thing I guess, because it means I don't try and lead normally, but my excuse is that he's so much taller than me, it's hard to know where to lead because his shoulder gets in the way.

It's not much of an excuse...