Pro has me all fired up for the upcoming showcase several months from now. While working on (an open) slow fox, we agreed upon the music: Frank Sinatra's "I Like to Lead When I Dance." But she suggested a whimsical approach (right up my alley) by incorporating a west coast swing style hijack (!) during the oversway where she suddenly breaks out in a series of kicks in different directions while I attempt to "contain my 'flustration'." And then the wry humor... a lead change for a basic series (!). Although I did manage to respond well enough to her leads, this following business just felt entirely different than what I was accustomed. How delightfully unique. It's a darned good thing that she leads well!
What are you excited about in your dancing right now?
- Thread starter latingal
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danceamandadance
Member
I have a buddy at the studio that started dancing right around the same time I did, give or take a few weeks. We both drank the Kool Aid pretty hard, so we've been getting about the same amount of floor time, both in group classes and private lessons (lucky him makes a lot more social dances, though, since my work schedule is rather beastly when it comes to dancing). It has been fun seeing how far we have come. We used to be pretty herky-jerky around the floor, sticking with very basic patterns, coming undone a bit in traffic on the floor. He's becoming a great lead and we have a blast dancing together. And it's fun seeing the improvements in certain dances we struggle with together (our tango was rough for awhile). We definitely have our strengths (he's more of a rhythm dancer, while I'm a smooth girl), but it's still fun. Teacher and I are trying to get him to do a showcase with me, since he and I have similar (and odd) tastes in music!
So, it's semi official that I will be doing my first competition in August. We're going to stick with just smooth and Argentine tango for now, as I feel most confident in those dances (though, I need to learn Viennese). But I'm really excited and happy to get busy polishing everything up. I haven't had a serious competitive itch for anything in a few years, and now I'm really excited to get going!
Congrats! Just did my first round of comps, and it was a blast!!
I'll be selling some of my "accessories" from my past competitive life (a horse trailer, getting down to just my horse's basic needs) to help fund this new equally pricey adventure!
LOL, have three saddles taking up space in the garage - really need to get them on consignment...
danceamandadance
Member
Lol!!! One pricey sport for another. I have SO MUCH STUFF from years of running farms. And I only have two horses now, one of which is 30 years old. I don't NEED so much stuff! Especially when there are dresses and shoes to buy!
My instructor is having GREAT fun kicking my butt now that it's official that I will be competing. So many details.
Sania
Well-Known Member
what are you doing for your wedding dance?
scullystwin42
Forum Master
Excited to have my mojo back! after about 6 months of struggling and trying to see if i should continue dancing, this comp showed some real improvement. Much more grounded, sharp, and consistent. Arms much better. Still a ways to go, but i got some amazing compliments, unsolicitied, from teachers I really respect. The placements were good, but the compliments made my weekend. Time to practice more of the same! Glad to be enjoying dancing again!!
Dancing Irishman
Forum Master
Post-comp ennui has hit and passed. Now I'm excited to start exploring some technique and presentation topics in individual practice (specifically, working from a much higher center and being more deliberate and demonstrative with my arms). And quite excited for guest coaching / next 3+ months planning in a week and a half when my partner's in town next.
Also, the videos from this weekend didn't make me want to puke (my reaction to last competition's videos). Some parts even looked good relative to my skill level. So...progress!
Also, the videos from this weekend didn't make me want to puke (my reaction to last competition's videos). Some parts even looked good relative to my skill level. So...progress!
Dancing Irishman
Forum Master
First batch of planning complete: sat down with my coach and talked about what I wanted to change in how I danced to be really happy with what I see on video from next year's nationals. Also talked about the best way to structure my practices. Can't wait to do the second half of planning this weekend with the partner!
danceamandadance
Member
Not so excited...my dance instructor and I, after he used my enemies, logic and reason, have decided to wait and not compete at the end of next month, which would have been my first. All of the reasons are extremely valid, but I was like a dog with a bone once I got the idea in my head, and I am, admittedly, very bummed to wait awhile longer. Unfortunately, the next best option is during a very busy week at work for me, so I may have to do some massive pleading and begging to get the time off. Otherwise, it will be next spring 
That being said, I failed miserably on my weight loss/fitness goals that I had wanted to reach for next month's comp, so this will give me a chance to create some good, strong habits and achieve what I would like to achieve. So, silver lining, I suppose.
That being said, I failed miserably on my weight loss/fitness goals that I had wanted to reach for next month's comp, so this will give me a chance to create some good, strong habits and achieve what I would like to achieve. So, silver lining, I suppose.