LEADING AND FOLLOWING
Leading is communication and a good lead is absolutely essential in ballroom dancing. The man's lead comes from his arms and body, but first and foremost from his body. His dance frame (his upper arms and shoulders needs to be stable and held firmly at all times. In this way, the arms and shoulders help transfer and "communicate" his body's movement to his dance partner.
Attempting to lead with just the arms won't do and the man's dance frame will become unstable and fall apart. Likewise, limp arms will do nothing to guide his partner. With tone in his arms and upper body the gentleman cups his right hand against the woman's shoulder blade and is able to communicate his body movement and guide her with his fingers and the heel of his hand. Body, arms and shoulders must work as one throughout the dance.
In more advanced closed dance position, contact or "communication" points are also maintained the the hips and thighs of the partners' bodies.
Just as the gentleman must "communicate" his lead to his ballroom dance partner, the lady must be ready to receive that communication. A firm and stable dance frame (her upper arms and shoulders)is what she uses to receive that communication. If there is tone throughout her frame and body, the connection is complete and the partners move as one.
Leading Tips for the Gentleman
- Maintain your posture at all times.
- Think of moving as an entire unit with your partner, not pushing or pulling
her.
- Precede forward movements with a lean to signal your partner.
- Main a true "contact" point with the lady's shoulder blade,
cupping it gently but firmly.
Following Tips for the Lady
- Be alert to and aware of your dance partner's lead.
- Try not to anticipate your partner's lead, but respond to it. Above all,
don't lead.
- Support your own weight, don't hang on your partner.
- Maintain firm hand contact, but no "death grips".
Learn more about the three elements of good leading and following in ballroom dance - Posture, Frame and Poise.
More How to Dance specific steps on our Dance Tips page.
TC Dance Club International Kansas City
Phone: 913-642-7410
Copyright 2008 TC Dance Club Kansas City
