Hardest and easiest to teach
- Thread starter Spitfire
- Start date
Jiver
New Member
Good one, Sagitta!
Merengue is quite easy. Eventually, the Merengue will help with Hip Motion. In terms of hardest, from experience, they would be the Viennese Waltz, because of the rotation and speed, Samba, because of the slightly different Hip Motion, Bolero, because of the combination of Rise and Fall and Hip Motion, just to name a few. Depending on the person, some have difficult issues with one dance and some have difficulties with others. So, it boils down to who is learning...
Thanks,
Gordon
saludas
New Member
Anything 'American Style' at the lower (below Championship) levels is inherently easier to teach because the movements and patterns are not as bound to technique - they were created, after all, to make it simple for beginners at chain studios (AM was the creator).
Since all of them are based on a box step and the 'robot zombie' style hold, I contend it is easier to do these as first lessons.
Since all of them are based on a box step and the 'robot zombie' style hold, I contend it is easier to do these as first lessons.
samina
Well-Known Member
lmao...
Jiver
New Member
I agree with you to an extent. Yes, at the beginning stages, the emphasis is placed on foot placement (steps). However, outside of AM, I, for one, place an emphasis on steps the first handful of lessons. After the first few lessons, my emphasis slowly migrates to the proper hold for both the man and the lady. In other words, the top part of the body, the head, shoulders, arms and hands. Next time you watch dancers, check the man's right shoulder and arms, most tend to let that part of their anatomy fall out of proper "dance hold"! Meaning, their elbow falls way behind their shoulder.
I find, especially for the men, they have a hard time holding their arms at the proper height. The men will also use way too much of the arms and hands to lead the lady. So, I like to instill some proper leading techniques, first thing in their dance career.
I find that, if I let the technical part slip and introduce technique too late, it would be much more difficult for me or the next instructor to correct as the students have already developed the wrong technique.
"Robot Zombie"... that's cute!
Spitfire
Well-Known Member
To shift my own subject a bit. International vs. American style.
If I'm not mistaken what is generally taught at the studios here in the states for social dance is American style and international style is used in competition. Is this correct? For all the time I've been dancing I haven't really kept up with the differences.
If I'm not mistaken what is generally taught at the studios here in the states for social dance is American style and international style is used in competition. Is this correct? For all the time I've been dancing I haven't really kept up with the differences.
Jiver
New Member
To a certain extent, I guess... I started way back with the International style. I like both styles. The major difference between the two styles is the American style, the dancers seperate as opposed to International style, the couple remains connected. That is the main difference.
There are competitions for both the American and International styles. There is more media coverage of the International competitions.
On the social dance floor, the American style is used more often. However, both styles can be used on the social dance floor, in my opinion, anyway!