choreography vs. lead/follow in comps?

neveragain said:
Is it just me that experienced dancers from other styles stick out very well among bronzies but not silver and above? Except if someone just jumped into higher levels without enough BR foundations. Are all the non experienced dancers mostly leaving after bronze?
Click to expand...
Putting more meat on what Warren said.

It is super easy for a dancer who spends most of their time in the competitive scene, looking up the ladder at the Gold and Open and Pro dancers, to forget that Silver dancers are really good, in the grand scheme of things. Especially the upper echelon. These are folks who can do much more than just get around the floor, utilizing technical details and body actions well beyond what is necessary to have a good time socially.

Consider the implications of your second sentence. Experienced dancers picking up a Ballroom only stand out in Bronze. If they jump into Silver, they generally *don't* stand out. That speaks to how skilled Silver dancers are.
 
Don't know why I only just thought of this, but here's another face of the same coin:

A ballroom dancer who has reached middle Silver has exactly the same experience you describe when they move to another dance. They have a huge advantage over other beginners, and their prior training is obvious in how they both look and feel.

The second part is also in evidence, as well. The Silver ballroomer has conspicuous technique and discipline compared to other beginners, but it isn't exactly the right technique or discipline for the new style. Their challenge lies partly in restructuring old habits. By the time the whole cohort reaches intermediate levels, the Silverite no longer stands out at all.
 
Last edited:
fiesta0618 said:
A ballroom dancer who has reached middle Silver has exactly the same experience you describe when they move to another dance. They have a huge advantage over other beginners, and their prior training is obvious in how they both look and feel.

The second part is also in evidence, as well. The Silver ballroomer has conspicuous technique and discipline compared to other beginners, but it isn't exactly the right technique or discipline for the new style. Their challenge lies partly in restructuring old habits. By the time the whole cohort reaches intermediate levels, the Silverite no longer stands out at all.
Click to expand...
This is why I love competitive BR, anyone can learn it regardless of one's background. I know there are people who hate how structured it is. For me, I feel it's fair to give everyone a shot to learn it and challenge oneself to what level they think they belong. While I still have a long way to go, most people would never guess that I totally started from a blank state just a few years ago. I used to be a bit intimidated when I was a bronzie when others got all these physiques of long time dancers or athletes, posture, great balance and top lines already.... Now, I feel like I just blend in except for the physique :rofl:
 
Hello:-)
it's been a while since I posted here. But I really like this thread. Just my two cents:
Personally, I do majority of lead and follow for Bronze level, as I believe competitive students need to develop a skill to adapt quickly to a lead, when situation on the floor calls for a change of the plan -part of the Floor Craft. However, it is not completely improvised, as it will create even more stress and anxiety:-)
As an example for Int. Waltz we create choreography for sides with the anchor step starting each side.
eg: 1-3 of Natural Turn, Hesitation change, Double reverse, Progressive Chasse to R, Outside Change (may end in PP or not, depending on what I indicate, and if it did, Chasse from PP). Once I lead the first step (in this case - Natural Turn) - Follower knows the rest of that sequence (hopefully).
And we do the same with other 4 sides. Which anchor step is lead, it is up to me, and I decide it based on the situation on the floor.
It helps to develop the skill of responding to a lead and helps Follower to be constantly alert to my lead and not just blindly dance their choreography, in spite of the fact, that it will get them to crush into another couple.
I don't do this for all the dances though. Bronze American VW, Int Samba (both offer too little time to react for a Bronze student) and PasoDoble (due to music being phrased certain way) is fully choreographed.
Once the student moves to Silver level (and all levels after) every routine is choregraphed, because of syncopations, quicker changes of direction and need to prepare for the upcoming steps (like winding up for an upcoming solo turn), If the situation on the floor calls for a change of pattern, timing, direction, amount of turn etc., I just hope, that skills learned in Bronze will kick in and the Follower, well, follows:-)
 
Nazar said:
Hello:-)
it's been a while since I posted here. But I really like this thread. Just my two cents:
Personally, I do majority of lead and follow for Bronze level, as I believe competitive students need to develop a skill to adapt quickly to a lead, when situation on the floor calls for a change of the plan -part of the Floor Craft. However, it is not completely improvised, as it will create even more stress and anxiety:-)
As an example for Int. Waltz we create choreography for sides with the anchor step starting each side.
eg: 1-3 of Natural Turn, Hesitation change, Double reverse, Progressive Chasse to R, Outside Change (may end in PP or not, depending on what I indicate, and if it did, Chasse from PP). Once I lead the first step (in this case - Natural Turn) - Follower knows the rest of that sequence (hopefully).
And we do the same with other 4 sides. Which anchor step is lead, it is up to me, and I decide it based on the situation on the floor.
It helps to develop the skill of responding to a lead and helps Follower to be constantly alert to my lead and not just blindly dance their choreography, in spite of the fact, that it will get them to crush into another couple.
I don't do this for all the dances though. Bronze American VW, Int Samba (both offer too little time to react for a Bronze student) and PasoDoble (due to music being phrased certain way) is fully choreographed.
Once the student moves to Silver level (and all levels after) every routine is choregraphed, because of syncopations, quicker changes of direction and need to prepare for the upcoming steps (like winding up for an upcoming solo turn), If the situation on the floor calls for a change of pattern, timing, direction, amount of turn etc., I just hope, that skills learned in Bronze will kick in and the Follower, well, follows:-)
Click to expand...
You look like the Nazar from the ndca rhythm video! I love your explanation about lead and follow vs choreo
 
Love Nazar and have worked with him in camps for years!
fiesta0618 said:
It is super easy for a dancer who spends most of their time in the competitive scene, looking up the ladder at the Gold and Open and Pro dancers, to forget that Silver dancers are really good, in the grand scheme of things.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I feel appreciated lol. Been Silver Smooth for yeaaars for competition at least. I get to do more Open work in showcases. And I did come into ballroom with dance experience.
 
fiesta0618 said:
It is super easy for a dancer who spends most of their time in the competitive scene, looking up the ladder at the Gold and Open and Pro dancers, to forget that Silver dancers are really good, in the grand scheme of things. Especially the upper echelon. These are folks who can do much more than just get around the floor, utilizing technical details and body actions well beyond what is necessary to have a good time socially.
Click to expand...
That’s one of the reasons I go to socials haha. The little old ladies who are only taught in group classes for social dancing are blown away by my barely silver self .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Dance Ads

Advertise on Dance Forums Reach dancers, teachers, studios, event organizers, and dance-friendly brands. View ad options
Back
Top