Post-performance thoughts, feelings, analysis

[Warren J. Dew]

Trying to figure out what "Poise/Posture" means, because I received the highest number of minus signs (6) in that category - and the comments all seem to refer to shaping (roll sternum more up, head more back, more CBM, open up chest, etc.). But then - what does "Dance Position: Closed Position" refer to, and how is that different from "Poise/Posture"? I received 5 plus signs in "closed position," which I'd have thought meant my posture in closed hold/frame was good...? But there were two heats where "closed position" had a plus sign & "poise/posture" had a minus sign, so it appears the judges see those as two distinct things. And Pro hasn't been able to explain to me what the ballot categories actually mean (I don't think he's very interested in them, tbh), so I'm asking the peanut gallery/hive mind for input.

“Closed position” here refers to maintaining a constant frame, including things like parallelism of the elbow to elbow arm lines between the partners, and body contact for those who like it.

Poise/posture refers more to the lady’s spinal shape here, ideally tilted back and concave back, at least above the waist.

 

[vit]

Look on the “About” section of my member profile page for the link. I’ve started following you on DF now so you’ll be able to access it.

Any chance of giving me access as well ?

 

[ProgressNotPerfection]

Any chance of giving me access as well ?

Yep - see my member profile now

 

[vit]

Yep - see my member profile now

Thanks for the link. I was really curious how it looked like

I don't dance smooth, but this is pretty much universal stuff. And I actually did some of that when much younger, while I was dancing in a formation, because choreography included some open hold figures to make it more interesting ...

Overall impression is very good. You and your Pro look like a very good match and overall it looked about a level better than other couples to me . It must be nice to dance with your Pro, your connection is considerably better than in other couples (didn't really watch everybody, but that is my impression). Hope that judges had similar opinion. You look quite elegant and your frame is quite stable

As about things to work on, I pretty much agree with remarks in the table and Warren's description. While your frame is quite stable, some additional stretching of upper body here and there would make it breath and your dancing would be another level better. Sometimes you are actually doing it, especially noticed one or two times in natural pivots (probably helped by centrifugal force), sometimes this is missing; problem seems to be most noticeable in reverse turns, where your pro is using a decent amount of shaping and usage of head weight, while you do less than him and tend to "fall" a bit to his side, hence most minuses in foxtrot I suppose. Also, in open positions, I would like to see extensions of arm coming from extension of the body - this is sometime present, sometimes not. All of that is however much easier to do well for younger people than in our age where, if overdone, it may look forced and actually worse, so try finding optimal amount with help of your pro

As about drive overall - would like to see a bit more. My suggestion would be to try dancing one whole dance with center of gravity 2-3cm / an inch (or even more) lower and see the difference in overall feeling ... it might look a bit less elegant at first, but it should add more oomph ... and should also help preventing lifting your feet from the floor which happens here and there ... just that you will be sweating more ...