skippyblair

Matching Resistance in Closed Ballroom Position

To create a “connection” with your partner in the closed ballroom position, it’s important for the lower part of the follower’s left shoulder blade to “match the resistance” into the leader’s right hand. The follower can accomplish this by pulling her left shoulder back and down, pressing into the leader’s hand. If the follower does not match the resistance, the leader finds it much more difficult to lead.“Matching the resistance”, is also known as The Law of Opposition. It tells us that every...

Elbows down 2

Pressing the elbows down helps to straighten the spine by pulling the shoulders back and down. It also lightens the look, as well as the feeling in your hands.

Move your "center" first

Your “center,” short for “Center Point of Balance,” is your Core, located in your solar plexus. All dance movement should project from your center.There’s an old saying in dance, “Foot follows Frame.” “Centering” also refers to the center of your frame. Move your center first—not shoulders, hip or foot.

Counting "sets of 8" in the music (video: 1 min....

In this clip we count “sets of 8” in the music. A “set of 8” defines the beat of the music and the ability to count the “sets of 8” is the only way to confirm that you're on the beat. In particular, pay attention to the hand motion we use as we count as it's a good exercise to bring the beat into your body.

When do you stop counting? (video: 2 min.)

Music and the Rolling Count (video: 1 min. 40 se...

This clip, from the Summer Intensive, explains the importance of dancing to a rolling count, which you create in your head, as your music. This will get you through 'handicap music', music that's hard to dance to. Note: In a 'Jack & Jill' competition, you don't get to pick the music so it could be an unwelcome surprise.