What is the definition of technique?

[Mr 4 styles]

That's the fluff in my book

 

[tangotime]

I used to think forward poise in Latin was for show.. 13 years later I have learned the functional value of it in generating movement with the desired (codified) look you can't do it without it

That theory goes back to the 40s ( the period I trained )

 

[tangotime]

Technique has not been defined by the deaf or handicapped they optimize with what skills and limitations they have.

But standard dancers are taller than before Latin dancers are faster than before smooth dancers use of the knees has changed the look and magnitude of shapes.
Technique evolution

That was my point..

So, taller and faster, makes for better ?? .. Were you around to see ANY of the past giants of dance, compete, perform or lecture ?.. as in Laird, or Scrivener/ Binick/ Jacques ? .

 

[Mr 4 styles]

It really looked so artificial when I first saw it. Now... Kinda can't move well without it

Add in that if you train in only one style you will alter the musclular,tendinous, and even fascial balance in various parts of your body. This will further solidify literally your technique. Watch a top level Latin pro change to pro smooth.. So much retraining..and soreness

 

[tangotime]

THIS!
.



Then why do dancers keep saying "it looks good" (rather than it feels good)?

!

Because that is what they have been told ( I always say " consider the source" ). I do ask my students whether Amat. or Pro. how does that feel, now ?.. but most experienced dancers are only to keen to tell you , when something does not feel right .

 

[Mr 4 styles]

TT... I never said taller or faster made better. Please don't misquote me I won't even say that technique today is better than in the past. It has simply evolved just like in other sports

As for giants of the past. As a physician we have our giants too people who have contributed knowledge instruments and surgical techniques to better perform our tasks You know what most of them say when we sit down over dinner.. " I wish I knew what you do/had the instruments you have etc "

Newer isn't necessarily better. But neither is older

I respect and admire the work of the predecessors but I don't deify it

 

[tangotime]

Newer isn't necessarily better. But neither is older

I respect and admire the work of the predecessors but I don't deify it

I'm trying to ascertain, from whence you get your perspective .

Comparative analysis has been my yardstick .

You, quite obviously, prefer the look that latin has today, and yes, it may suit todays dance world, but That's purely a stylistic approach, and that, is my main objection . ( I'm not saying go back to the 40s )..

 

[Mr 4 styles]

Im not sure it's entirely stylistic there is certainly a contributory factor from the changes in physiques and training techniques that are present and used today

I actually have no preference I love gainor fairweathers ( sp?) dancing.

But my like or dislike has little to do with technique. More to do with aesthetic which could be another thread


A sports analogy where technique changed drastically as a result of one athletes physical abilities is the 400 meter hurdles. Edwin Moses took thirteen steps between hurdles and vaulted off alternate legs where's most others took 14 steps to vault off the same leg every time. You know the results


I do like the ladies legs in Latin today tho. I'll confess to that

 

[Mr 4 styles]

Comparative analysis is difficult in sport. Look at the baseball discussion virtually every sport has been impacted by the revolution in physical training diet etc that today's athletes use. How you hit a golf ball ,baseball tennis ball all have evolved. (Some more than others ) as a result of this revolution

Dancesport has been impacted as well.

And since technique is how... It has changed too

 

[tangotime]

And since technique is how... It has changed too

What techn. specifically, in your mind, has changed ?.

 

[Mr 4 styles]

Use of the knees in smooth to generate shape is relatively new and requires significantly more leg strength to support the joint during angular change


Emphasis on a"standing split" on three in waltz prior to collecting is taught more as dancesport athletes gain the strength and flexibility to use this position more effectively while moving

From verrayset to maranto to
Redpath.. For the latter example


most technique can't change much ( we don't walk on our hands). But my root point is that physical ability has dictated in large part what little technique change has occurred

Do you disagree and if so why?

 

[tangotime]

Use of the knees in smooth to generate shape is relatively new and requires significantly more leg strength to support the joint during angular change


Emphasis on a"standing split" on three in waltz prior to collecting is taught more as dancesport athletes gain the strength and flexibility to use this position more effectively while moving


Do you disagree and if so why?

Use of knees was a concept that Scrivener for one, taught ( he was big on how legs and knees affected motion ), and the split as you call it ( we used to say delay ) was also in evidence. I'm speaking about the top coaches of that period.

I don't know if you have read Scrivs tome, but, he has some interesting ideas, thoughts and philosophies on dance in general.

 

[Mr 4 styles]

Delay was the term victor used but "maximal delay " results in the standing split. Now this envelope is pushed maximally. I am aware of the knees toward partner concept as being around a while but it is being taken to its greater amplitude again as physical emphasis change

It's evolution not revolution. Use of the flexed knees in American rumba walks had also evolved technically. From "bad Latin" to something more pleasing and clearer. Some love it some hate it .

I have not but I will buy a copy

 

[Mr 4 styles]

I'm talking about the difference between a 425 foot home run and a 500 foot one

The former can happen with many Body compositions. The latter only by a select few

 

[Zhena]

We were discussing this in another thread about the box step in rumba. But what exactly is this technique everyone talks about? People say you need to keep working on your technique to improve your dancing. What is the definition of technique?

In my opinion, dance technique is intentional controlled movement of body parts to produce a desired result.

A beginning dancer has little conscious control of feet, legs, torso, shoulders, arms, head, fingers, etc. Dance skill is proportional to the amount of control exercised. Straight or bent leg? Angled or upright torso? Heel or toe lead? Weight over heel or ball of foot? Tension or compression in contact? Every choice is correct in the context of some particular desired result; every choice is equally incorrect in the context of other options. The only question is whether the dancer has control (technique) to achieve the result desired. Any particular dancer may achieve some portion of a desired result due to good genes or unconscious habits, but a skilled dancer can modify movements at will to meet a variety of different requirements.

One can argue endlessly about whether any particular goal is appropriate in the context of a particular dance style. It is (or should be) somewhat easier to determine whether a dancer has achieved the goal once it has been set.