Ballroom: The advantage of learning both roles.

[opendoor]

..At one point she exclaimed "I don't know what foot I'm on". I replied "That's OK. Because I do."

I always say then: "that´s my job"

 

[cornutt]

I agree that the terms leading and following are imperfect. However, I've yet to encounter more accurate terms. It seems all the terms for the roles require explanation, especially for newer dancers. Any ideas?

There are some posts here about using the terms "initiator" and "responder". Not sure what I think about that; I think maybe it still doesn't really capture how the process works.

 

[RiseNFall]

... At one point she exclaimed "I don't know what foot I'm on". I replied "That's OK. Because I do."

I always say then: "that´s my job"

A year or so ago after I had moved up to silver I had several, "Oh, you can lead that!" moments in terms of shaping, develpes, etc. Teacher's best response: "You don't think I would leave something that important up to you, do you?"

 

[Dance Mad Helen]

This past year I have been competing as a lead but also dancing follow in some lessons. It has been helpful to be able to be able to help my partner with steps and now trying to go back to following is a bit tricky