Leader experience of follower disassociation?

[ArbeeNYC]

Another follower was like a feather floating in a breeze. She danced with just enough dissociation and little to no power with the same leader.

I would think you only need (or would use) as much dissociation as is required for that particular movement with that particular leader. Could be a little, could be a lot.

 

[Tangogal]

I would think you only need (or would use) as much dissociation as is required for that particular movement with that particular leader. Could be a little, could be a lot.

Probably, it was a typical beginner/intermediate sequence that can be done with very little dissociation of the follower. Think turns in a block rather than a spiralling torso to toe.

However, I think it looks and feels better with some dissociation. I was going for my max within the lead (not overturned but definitely a lot). It’s hard to judge what the optimal degree is since every leader is different.

Another week I was in an “advanced” class where there was a boleo. I was annoyed when leaders “blocked” my boleo instead of leading at the apex. It was only a mid-height boleo there was no need for any block as the return would have happened naturally during the lead for the next step. However, I understand that followers with less dissociation request a lead for the return part of a boleo.

 

[WhiskeyPapa]

I was not feeling a big twist lead from the guy I was dancing with (who is experienced).

I went ahead and put a bunch more twist in. (I think I have an average or a bit

This produced an extremely positive reaction from both the observing teacher and my partner. From my side I felt like I was really exaggerating the movement in a way that wasn't led. I asked my partner if that was better and he just said "Oh yeah." I don't know him that well and didn't want to quiz him but can any regular leaders weigh in on how this improves the dance?

I suspect he was being a little lazy (“I was not feeling a big twist…”) and you woke him up and probably increased his torsion. It is really pleasant when the follower accentuates the right move in the right way. Think how nice it is when the Lead shows you the way — intoxicating—we’ll you did that for him.

This is one of the ways experienced followers help out a leads: by knowing what he is attempting to do and helping in the move, whether it is stabilising him or joining in a millisecond earlier or adding force—rather than let him do most of the work.

 

[Brummbaer]

I suspect he was being a little lazy (“I was not feeling a big twist…”) and you woke him up and probably increased his torsion.

Maybe. That's happened to me. Sometimes it's just the same old... oh, I need to lead you back ochos...
And then you get told to do it with intention. And it all improves.

 

[Paja]

I am not only one who compare leading with driving of car. There is difference between clasic steering wheel and power steering. If follower can enlarge, increase, amplify leader impulse, then it is like driving with power steering. But not every power steering is FUN, some modern ones are without feedback to driver, like some followers without connection. And some followers are like clasic cars, you have to do whole job, otherwise you not move on. Every milonga is similar, plenty of modern, comfortable cars, some of oldsmobiles and couple of sport cars. And it is up to your courage if you would like and be able to drive Ferrary. But if yes, then it is unforgetable experience.

 

[ArbeeNYC]

I am not only one who compare leading with driving of car. There is difference between clasic steering wheel and power steering. If follower can enlarge, increase, amplify leader impulse, then it is like driving with power steering. But not every power steering is FUN, some modern ones are without feedback to driver, like some followers without connection. And some followers are like clasic cars, you have to do whole job, otherwise you not move on. Every milonga is similar, plenty of modern, comfortable cars, some of oldsmobiles and couple of sport cars. And it is up to your courage if you would like and be able to drive Ferrary. But if yes, then it is unforgetable experience.

Sometimes I'd settle for a VW Bus.

 

[Bailango]

I am not only one who compare leading with driving of car. There is difference between clasic steering wheel and power steering. If follower can enlarge, increase, amplify leader impulse, then it is like driving with power steering. But not every power steering is FUN, some modern ones are without feedback to driver, like some followers without connection. And some followers are like clasic cars, you have to do whole job, otherwise you not move on. Every milonga is similar, plenty of modern, comfortable cars, some of oldsmobiles and couple of sport cars. And it is up to your courage if you would like and be able to drive Ferrary. But if yes, then it is unforgetable experience.

Ferraris are in high demand whether the drivers have skill or not to drive them

 

[Brummbaer]

Ferraris are in high demand whether the drivers have skill or not to drive them

Desirable, but not always practical.

 

[Paja]

Desirable, but not always practical.

Exactly, one ride if often enough. You need to be focused, exact, creative, ... After tanda you will finish sweaty and happy or .... embarrased, if you did not make it. So I like hot hatches more then Ferrary