Getting the rhythm down?

I

InThane

New Member
Hello there, first time poster, and I just started learning Lindy Hop at the Savoy Swing Club in Seattle as a lead. As somebody who has never really danced before in his life (and I'm 34!) I'm having problems catching the rhythm of the music. I've got the footwork right, but I notice that my timing ends up being off, especially on the rock-step, which I'll sometimes extend half a beat, or speed up going into and end up half a beat ahead.

I know, practice will eventually cure me of this illness, but I'm hoping there are specific exercises I can do on my own to build my sense of rhythm so I'm not thinking "one and two and rock-step" in my head constantly instead of focusing on what move to do next.

Any suggestions?
 
Obviously more practice dancing will help, but there are other things you can do as well.

One thing is to practice the rhythm, just with your feet. You can easily do this while at work, while sitting on the couch watching tv, etc. Just repeatedly practice moving your feet in the correct rhythm - step step triple step step step triple step. Over and over and over. It may seem terribly simplistic, but that is the beauty of this exercise. YOu don't have to worry about moves, music, or a partner. This helps you attain the muscle memory needed to keep the rhythm automatically - once you've started anyway.

Another thing that can help is listening to swingable music when you aren't dancing. Most people aren't very familiar with the structure of swing music, so this helps you get used to it, again when you can focus without having to dance. Once you are familiar with the music, it's easier to feel when you're getting ahead, lagging, etc., and it's easier to figure out how to get back on time.

Good luck!
 
[FONT=Times New (W1)]Timing and the basic step, like water-starting a sailboard, is one of those impossible things – until you can do it.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]Just four foot movements and I despaired to get it right. My advice is just keep practising by your self, any chance you get. Just do not get sprung doing it at the office urinal. (And if you do get caught, never try to explain what you are doing – believe me.)[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]The other impossible thing is counting yourself in once you do have a woman out on the dance floor. I used to waste about half of each song that way.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]Try this – listen to the music as you walk on, do the count mentally, take her in a manly grip and dance. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]Start in a close hold so that you can put you both in time before you separate. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]Try not to move your lips when you count. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]If you are starting holding hands, or something fancier, squeeze her hand (gently) on 5 to discreetly synchronise the count.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]No matter how helpful she tries to be, never let the woman count you in. Your brain has more than enough to cope with.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]Stick with it. You will be a dancer my son! [/FONT]
 
InThane said:
Hello there, first time poster, and I just started learning Lindy Hop at the Savoy Swing Club in Seattle as a lead. As somebody who has never really danced before in his life (and I'm 34!) I'm having problems catching the rhythm of the music. I've got the footwork right, but I notice that my timing ends up being off, especially on the rock-step, which I'll sometimes extend half a beat, or speed up going into and end up half a beat ahead.

I know, practice will eventually cure me of this illness, but I'm hoping there are specific exercises I can do on my own to build my sense of rhythm so I'm not thinking "one and two and rock-step" in my head constantly instead of focusing on what move to do next.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if you are referring to 6-count or 8-count, although it may not make any difference to the problem.

What about grouping the beats into groups of six or eight (i.e. the number between each rock-step). So that each rock-step starts on a '1'. Then JUST dance the rock-step on each 1 and miss out everything else. Follow this by adding the beat before the rock-step (either a 6 or an 8). Then gradually add in the rest of the steps.
 
[FONT=Times New (W1)]Huey, I do not think it matters what your step count is. The really important thing is to be very comfortable with your ability to pick the eight beat count of the music.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]Another beginners’ exercise for helping with timing is to listen to music and count the eight beats in your head. Then say in your head your basic step count in time with the music. Then switch back to the eight count to see that you are in sync, etc.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]The one count is whatever the first move of your basic step is.[/FONT]
 
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