Leads that D A N C E!
- Thread starter youngsta
- Start date
youngsta
Active Member
Well I've just noticed that in my scene many of the guys aren't doing a whole lot of dancing. Many have nearly no footwork (even when leading patterns) and almost seem like they're conducting not dancing. It's like they skipped learning things like the basic, and just lead a bunch of patterns while kinda 'hanging out'.
unfortunatelyvolleybgrl
New Member
We've got quite a few in the Boston area, but the guys that actually "dance" are typically part of a dance company or a training group.
i dont maintain the same dance composition for any extended period of time.. and it also depends on the salsera i'm dancing with.. her level and dance personality.. if she can handle it or not.. i prefer to dance while leading .. i gotta .. cant just stick to being a good frame if i can help it and she gives me that vibe.. gotta get into active 'conversation' with the lady.. ya know 
youngsta said:
Lol! I *know* some of the boys you're talking about! Bwa-ha-ha! One of them in particular (his name starts with an "R") was told numerous times by instructors in class, but honestly, he's too lazy to do his footwork.
He doesn't really care, so as long as follows don't seem to care, then so be it!
...Of course, he'll never achieve Sassy Hipness! :twisted:
Hey, there are lots of leads who never bother to get their *timing* correct either!
Genesius Redux
New Member
I know exactly what you're talking about, Youngsta--and it drives me completely crazy to watch!
A lot of the lead comes from effective footwork and body position, but not everyone pays attention to that sort of thing.
A lot of the lead comes from effective footwork and body position, but not everyone pays attention to that sort of thing.
As Youngsta has mentioned, I've seen this type of lead in many dances. I always refer to them "conductors"...they tend to stand very tall with almost straight legs, and many of them are excellent leaders and can make even a complete beginner look gracious and beautiful.
But, all of their energy is focused on leading the lady, and they just kind of "tip toe through the tulips" with little or no Latin motion (for Salsa, I've seen many in Ballroom as well). So while I admire their leading ability, their "dancing" skill seems to be secondary. Some of them do look great if they have some cool footwork, but many are just standing there leading patterns and look rather robotic in my view...and I always want to say "hey man, loosen up and shake that money maker!" :twisted: 
SG
But, all of their energy is focused on leading the lady, and they just kind of "tip toe through the tulips" with little or no Latin motion (for Salsa, I've seen many in Ballroom as well). So while I admire their leading ability, their "dancing" skill seems to be secondary. Some of them do look great if they have some cool footwork, but many are just standing there leading patterns and look rather robotic in my view...and I always want to say "hey man, loosen up and shake that money maker!" :twisted:
SG
salsachinita
New Member
Genesius Redux said:
Have you any idea how much they drive me crazy to dance :evil: ?!
As a non-pattern (read: non-classes-attending) follower, I get a lot of hints from the way my leads dance. If they don't dance (or lead), I have very little to work with :x ......so some of these guys walk away thinking: "She doesn't know how to dance.....I won't ask her again!" :shock: :shock: :shock: !
One such character is also in a habit of leaving me in the middle of the song :x !
Fortunately in my local scene, we have about 50/50 ratio of dance/non-dance leads. I found that Cuban school tend to produce more 'active' leads, as characterisitically the guys get to show off as much (if not more)as the girls :? ........
Genesius Redux
New Member
salsachinita said:
:shock: How totally rude! :shock:
salsachinita
New Member
:roll: Ok, this is the part I get blasted, I bet 
........
I am a traditionalist when it comes to leading. I have no intention nor interest of leading anyone. I don't enjoy it......the idea of role reversal doesn't do anytrhing for me .
I want to be the best follower there could be, that's that. My job is done.
I know that being able to lead makes a better follower too, but it just doesn't interest me......unless I NEED to know it, say, to teach (which I don't think I wanna do anytime soon) if I have to.
:shock: There, I said it!
........I am a traditionalist when it comes to leading. I have no intention nor interest of leading anyone. I don't enjoy it......the idea of role reversal doesn't do anytrhing for me
.I want to be the best follower there could be, that's that. My job is done.
I know that being able to lead makes a better follower too, but it just doesn't interest me......unless I NEED to know it, say, to teach (which I don't think I wanna do anytime soon) if I have to.
:shock: There, I said it!
salsachinita said::roll: Ok, this is the part I get blasted, I bet
I am a traditionalist when it comes to leading. I have no intention nor interest of leading anyone. I don't enjoy it......the idea of role reversal doesn't do anytrhing for me
I want to be the best follower there could be, that's that. My job is done.
I know that being able to lead makes a better follower too, but it just doesn't interest me......unless I NEED to know it, say, to teach (which I don't think I wanna do anytime soon) if I have to.
:shock: There, I said it!
NOOOooooooo....All my dreams of being hijacked by the one and only salsachinita have been shattered in one mighty blow... :cry:
:wink:
salsachinita
New Member
Now, now....Haz, you will just have to use those leads on me then, eh :wink: ?
I will be a Follow-o-meter
!
I will be a Follow-o-meter
!