how are your lessons going? thread II

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RiseNFall said:
I'm frustrated with myself, but it's not really warranted--I've never been a fast learner in dance and I know I will get it with more practice and the excellent instruction I'm receiving. I just want NOW!!! (I left out the profanity accompanying that thought....)
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It’s like you were in my head when you wrote that hahaha. I have to constantly remind myself that I’m someone who only picks things up after tons and tons of repetition.
 
so had an intense pre-competition coaching last night. 3 in a row, all rhythm. knee held up fine. it was the rest of my head cold-wracked body that felt like crap. I still cannot believe I got this head cold the week that I have a ton of coachings and lessons AND a big, very important presentation. the presentation was yesterday too. I currently feel like utter and complete hell.

However, i managed to survive the coachings, aided by ALL THE CAFFEINE and ALL THE COLD DRUGS. really really good feedback, stuff that can be put in place immediately for the competition. YAY!

gonna take today off work and rest everything.
 
Had my first lesson with an outside coach today, a renowned choreographer. He started choreographing a dance for our upcoming showcase. For our showcases, I usually pick the song, but the pro gets to veto. (Sorry I'm being vague with details - would like to keep the account semi-anonymous.)

The routine (or what I've seen of it so far) is incredible, but . . . well, let's just say I'm not confident in my ability to pull it off. I've been dancing for about a year and a half now (still knee-deep in bronze smooth), and it's like I've just been asked to replicate the Sistine Chapel with crayons.
 
ceterisparibus said:
Had my first lesson with an outside coach
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Did the coach watch your dancing of bronze syllabus figures you do know well prior to beginning to choreograph for you? I am asking to determine whether that coach was aware of your current ability level. I wonder if they are renowned for choreographing open level, or renowned for fitting choreo to a bronze level dancer. Different skills.
 
flying_backwards said:
Did the coach watch your dancing of bronze syllabus figures you do know well prior to beginning to choreograph for you? I am asking to determine whether that coach was aware of your current ability level. I wonder if they are renowned for choreographing open level, or renowned for fitting choreo to a bronze level dancer. Different skills.
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He choreographs mostly professionals, I think, but he was aware of my skill level. I also think my pro was telling him what she thought I can and can't do, although she is far more optimistic than I am. He did back-lead me into the moves saying, "Aha, see you can do it!", but not super-confident.
 
Perhaps if there is sufficient time to train before the showcase then this could be an opportunity to bring your dancing up to the level of this choreography, to grow into it. That is wonderful your pro shows optimism for what you can do. She knows your dance ability better than any. Trust her.

And please let us know how it turns out.
 
We have about two months before the showcase, so there's plenty of time. I do think I "grow into" certain dances through showcase pieces (I am much more comfortable with VW because of my last showcase), so there is definitely something to what you said.
 
VW continues to become more solid. New(er) Guy and I were both pleased with how it felt and, later in the week, Pro changed what he put into the basics because I was dancing my part better (part of the time, at least). With NG, we managed at least some of all four dances and it's all coming along. Pro helped me with a measure of so of foxtrot that has been inconsistent--and it's on my hit list of things I want to stop doing wrong. We also worked on canter pivots in VW. Those two things, and bits around them took an hour and a half. And I look forward to working on pretty much the same things with him next week. Another hour and a half on the same material and some of it might stick. :p
 
ceterisparibus said:
Had my first lesson with an outside coach today, a renowned choreographer. He started choreographing a dance for our upcoming showcase. For our showcases, I usually pick the song, but the pro gets to veto. (Sorry I'm being vague with details - would like to keep the account semi-anonymous.)

The routine (or what I've seen of it so far) is incredible, but . . . well, let's just say I'm not confident in my ability to pull it off. I've been dancing for about a year and a half now (still knee-deep in bronze smooth), and it's like I've just been asked to replicate the Sistine Chapel with crayons.
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This is generally my experience with outside coach choreo - "you want me to do WHAT?!?!?!?" I felt that way about my most recent rumba Showcase. When I saw the choreo, my first reaction was that I really didn't think I could pull it off. But I did, and in 2.5" heels (I was initially planning on lower shoes due to a couple movements). I think it's good to rise to the challenge, and you can always modify things that just aren't working after giving it a fair effort.
 
double lesson on our silly showcase last night. all 4 of us (my friend, me, our pros) laughed almost non-stop. 80's aerobics for the win. dress rehearsal next week, and of course i've been sick and haven't been working out. Hopefully i will not look like a balloon in my leotard. the short shorts on the guys will be brilliant, tho, cannot wait.
 
Excellent coaching in WCS on Sunday...focus on basic figures...apparently the whip and reverse whip don't work like I thought they did...right and left side passes, especially right side pass, are also different...and same for the basic footwork...movement is a behind the beat a little, evened out...idea of dance space is more compact...thinking about taking it out for a trial spin at a WCS based social...would like to try dancing with a few different leads that know what they're doing...but I'm not sure I'm ready...I've already had enough bad feedback in the past which is why I'm hesitating...
 
Purr said:
right and left side passes, especially right side pass, are also different /QUOTE]

I only dabble in WCS, but I have had lessons with a variety of people who are well regarded in the WCS community over the years. Exactly where the rotation comes on the passes varies by teacher, style at the moment, the leader, the music playing.... At a WCS social, I get led to curve around on the 3&4 one time, and directed straight down the slot with all of the rotation after I have stepped on the 4 the next time. Usually not on the same song. ;)
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