rachel with the questions
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Thanks to everyone who contributed their experiences and time to helping produce this article!
Rachel
Rachel
Holding the Gaze
- Thread starter rachel with the questions
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rachel with the questions
New Member
Thanks Sagitta! Appreciate it! :lol:
rachel with the questions
New Member
Just to let you all know, a different version of this article that I wrote has just been printed in the March 05 edition of Dance Spirit.
Here's the article - hope I don't get busted by Dance Spirit now since they own the copyright on this!
KEEPING EYE CONTACT WITH YOUR PARTNER CAN TRANSFORM A ROUTINE.
TRY THIS! THREE EXERCISES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR PARTNER HOLD EACH OTHER'S GAZE.
Face your partner and stare into each other's eyes for three minutes. This works well as a warm-up before class or performance and will help you get in tune with each other.
If you're really embarrassed, try focusing on your partner's forehead instead. "Looking at the forehead is a step toward gaining better posture and balance," says Washington-based ballroom instructor Don Tasanasanta. "Use this technique in practice sessions as you gradually get used to looking into your partner's eyes. Before you know it, you'll be able to concentrate more on what you should be doing with your body."
Imagine that your eyes are connected to your partner's eyes with an elastic cord. There will always be moments in a routine when your head faces away from your partner. When this happens, the cord stretches. As you turn back to face him or her, resume eye contact as soon as possible, as if the cord is pulling your eyes back to each other.
The ability to maintain eye contact with your partner can make a boring routine sizzle. Unbreakable eye contact builds a nonphysical connection that will translate as intensity to the audience. Whether your gaze is smoldering or coy, how you use eye contact can significantly alter the look and feel of a number.
Eye contact, however, does more for a routine than add flair; it works wonders for form. It cultivates symmetry by helping to synchronize arms, hips and legs and to match head and shoulder positions. It also makes for better nonverbal communication on the dance floor and is a great way to mirror each other's feelings and subtle movement nuances.
Staying eye locked with your partner is no easy task. The ability to hold eye contact has everything to do with confidence-or at least the ability to act confident. Partners who feel awkward about staring into each other's eyes can appear shy and insecure. If you are nervous, try to shift your mental focus from how you're feeling to the move-ments you're executing. Think of eye contact as part of the choreography, and remember that it will get easier as yon become more comfortable with your partner.
When the choreography calls for you to look away from your partner and at the audience, remember to keep your gaze focused so you won't look like a zombie. "I like to make eye contact with the audience and include them in the excitement of the dance," says Debra Kee, a veteran social dance instructor in Florida and a former dancer. "This reminds me that I am dancing for them, as well as myself."
AUTHOR_AFFILIATION
Rachel Holland is a freelance writer based in England who specializes in dance, beauty and natural health.
Copyright Lifestyle Ventures Mar 2005
Here's the article - hope I don't get busted by Dance Spirit now since they own the copyright on this!
KEEPING EYE CONTACT WITH YOUR PARTNER CAN TRANSFORM A ROUTINE.
TRY THIS! THREE EXERCISES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR PARTNER HOLD EACH OTHER'S GAZE.
Face your partner and stare into each other's eyes for three minutes. This works well as a warm-up before class or performance and will help you get in tune with each other.
If you're really embarrassed, try focusing on your partner's forehead instead. "Looking at the forehead is a step toward gaining better posture and balance," says Washington-based ballroom instructor Don Tasanasanta. "Use this technique in practice sessions as you gradually get used to looking into your partner's eyes. Before you know it, you'll be able to concentrate more on what you should be doing with your body."
Imagine that your eyes are connected to your partner's eyes with an elastic cord. There will always be moments in a routine when your head faces away from your partner. When this happens, the cord stretches. As you turn back to face him or her, resume eye contact as soon as possible, as if the cord is pulling your eyes back to each other.
The ability to maintain eye contact with your partner can make a boring routine sizzle. Unbreakable eye contact builds a nonphysical connection that will translate as intensity to the audience. Whether your gaze is smoldering or coy, how you use eye contact can significantly alter the look and feel of a number.
Eye contact, however, does more for a routine than add flair; it works wonders for form. It cultivates symmetry by helping to synchronize arms, hips and legs and to match head and shoulder positions. It also makes for better nonverbal communication on the dance floor and is a great way to mirror each other's feelings and subtle movement nuances.
Staying eye locked with your partner is no easy task. The ability to hold eye contact has everything to do with confidence-or at least the ability to act confident. Partners who feel awkward about staring into each other's eyes can appear shy and insecure. If you are nervous, try to shift your mental focus from how you're feeling to the move-ments you're executing. Think of eye contact as part of the choreography, and remember that it will get easier as yon become more comfortable with your partner.
When the choreography calls for you to look away from your partner and at the audience, remember to keep your gaze focused so you won't look like a zombie. "I like to make eye contact with the audience and include them in the excitement of the dance," says Debra Kee, a veteran social dance instructor in Florida and a former dancer. "This reminds me that I am dancing for them, as well as myself."
AUTHOR_AFFILIATION
Rachel Holland is a freelance writer based in England who specializes in dance, beauty and natural health.
Copyright Lifestyle Ventures Mar 2005
GalacticDancer44M
Member
Great article Rachel!
chachachacat
Well-Known Member
Ditto!Phil Owl said:Very impressive article and right on the money!!!
There's just nothing more inspiring and wonderful than the adoring gaze of one's partner when you're really in sych!
Hoot-meow!