Connection and Presence

[jocemill]

During my lesson today, we discussed maintaining a connection in both closed and open positions in smooth dancing. While closed position, with full body contact, obviously lent itself to the presence aspect, I am finding it difficult to conceptualize maintaining presence in an open position...
Although we covered all smooth dances, I found tango the easiest to grasp both concepts together.

Thoughts, anyone??

 

[mamboqueen]

You know, if I hadn't seen that occur with my own eyes, I would find it hard to believe, too! I once saw my instructor and his wife dancing about 3' apart from each other and she followed what he was doing, without delay. I just figured it was being married all those years!!!

 

[randomMysh]

do you mean open, or solo?

in open, there should be enough connection through the arms to feel the lead....in solo, well....watch 'em like a hawk!
seriously, lead and follow in solo has been really tough for me. i think the guy has to be very deliberate in his body placements if trying to lead visually, because any superfluous movement it will distract her. the follow has to have very good control over her balance because that way she'll be able to respond quickly enough no matter where he takes off.
and, of course, there's always the fun aspect of "hey, he let go of me....i can do whatever i want!" and making him chase after you, for a change. :shock: :twisted:

 

[Gumby]

Hello jocemill

I think I know what you mean. I have had problems with what one of my teachers called "dropping my energy" in open because now my focus has dropped to the space between us.

One thing that has worked for me is to consciously dance to the line where the ceiling and wall meet. I know that sounds odd but it works (for me anyway). What I do is I position my body (in good dance frame) so that if just looking straight ahead (Across the dance floor) my eye-line would normally be at or near that mark. (Depends how close you are to the wall don't ya know) Don't worry about not seeing your partner you can move your eyes (just don't move your head). I am probably explaining this badly so I hope you understand what I mean rather than what I say. But since I started doing this I get less your dropping your energy comments and when I do its usually cause I dropped that orientation.

Hope this helps!