DSP Social Dance Blog

Do you need GPS on the dancefloor?

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:09:42 -0800

If you’re new to dancing, the first time you go to the studio for a lesson, you might be intimidated by other dancers whizzing around the floor. Even after a few lessons under your belt, when you’re feeling confident about your new skills, dancing at your first party or out at the nightclub may leave you feeling totally ruffled when you find it is harder to put those moves into practice when you add the concept of maneuvering around the floor. Instead of cruising around the floor with the agility of a sportscar, you may have felt more like the stalled out Ford Pinto. And have you ever watched a competition floor full of dancers and wondered “how the heck to they not run over one another?!” Well, to get moving properly around the floor, you just need a little education in the art of floorcraft.

It goes without saying that all the regular courtesy rules apply to dancing as they do when you’re driving out on the road: let others merge, be considerate of others in “slower” vehicles (i.e. beginners), know where you are going so you don’t hold up traffic. If you are a seasoned dancer, you should be competent enough in your floorcraft that you can successfully avoid couples and beginners without being boorish or intimidating others purposefully. Everyone was a beginner once, so allow your polished floor negotiating skills to be an example for others to aspire too. That being said, let’s take a look at the basic formulas that get you where you want to go in a graceful manner.

LOD: Line of Dance. In dances that move around the floor, like foxtrot and samba, dancers should be traveling counter clockwise around the floor in the LOD. You can think of the LOD in two ways. First, and most rudimentarily, as a big circle in which the flow of traffic moves, just like at a skating rink or race car track.
Next, as 4 straight lines paralleling the walls of the room. Imagine there a square (or rectangle, depending on the floor shape) inside the LOD circle. The four lines that make up the square or rectangle are the 4 lines of dance. When you get to a corner of the dance floor, by turning the corner, you move onto another LOD.

In order to negotiate around others on the floor, you need to be able to move to either the left or right of the LOD. Certain patterns will flow naturally when aligned to either the left or right of the LOD. Knowing what direction to start, or end, a pattern is called alignment. We will look at just two more of the most common ones, but there are actually 8 alignments.

DW: Diagonal Wall. To practice, stand on the LOD. Turn yourself 45° towards the wall. You are now facing Diagonal Wall. Generally, patterns that turn to the right (natural turns) will start in this alignment. For example, if you are dancing a natural turn in the waltz (closed right turning box), by starting in this proper alignment (and making the correct amounts of turn), you will be able to travel with the flow of traffic down the LOD.

DC: Diagonal Center. To practice, stand on the LOD. Turn yourself 45° towards the center of the room. You are now facing Diagonal Center. Generally, patterns that turn to the left (reverse turns) will start in this alignment. For example, if you are dancing a reverse turn in the waltz (closed left turning box), by starting in this proper alignment (and making the correct amounts of turn), you will be able to travel with the flow of traffic down the LOD.

For dances like swing or rumba that generally stay in place, room alignment is not as important, although is utilized for the odd pattern in a stationary dance that does travel down the floor, or if you are competing or doing a show and don’t want to have the audience looking at your back the whole time.
Although females dancers may think that this whole negotiating alignment thing is not their problem and leave it all up to their partner who is driving, it will really improve your own dancing to know where your patterns should begin and end. As the lady, you yourself must know how much movement is required of you to do a particular pattern properly, and this will prevent you from feeling that you are being dragged around the floor.

Before your first dance, competition or when trying a new step, be sure to ask your teacher or research the alignment of the step. Practice the pattern on your own with the correct alignment. Then you’ll be the one on the floor zooming around with the ease of a Ferrari.

Becoming a Popular Partner

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:41:34 -0700

There’s no doubt that you’ve seen certain dancers at a party or club always on the dance floor, seeming to have an endless line of partners waiting for a dance. You may have observed a dancer like this and thought one of two things, either “No wonder he (she) is so popular! What a great dancer!”, or “Why is that person getting so many dances?!”
The keys to being a popular partner, and therefore getting the most enjoyment out of your dancing, involve not only dance competence, but some generally etiquette and attention to manners.
It is astounding some of the scenarios I’ve heard from dancers about how other dancers have treated them or acted. It seems even the refinement of the ballroom is not immune to rudeness and impolite behavior. An introspective analysis of your own attitude and presentation might bring about a new group of dancers eager to cut the rug with you.
Take into account these three categories that will improve your rating as a partner:
1. Dance Competence

Obviously, having dance skills will help increase the chances of filling up your dance card. To get a better view of how possible partners perceive you, take an honest stock of your dance level and realize that if your patterns are getting stale, your lead or follow is weak or your timing is off the mark, you must fix it. So, take some group classes or private lessons to keep up and prevent your dancing from getting rusty.
A skilled dancer is able to enjoy dancing with both a beginner or advanced partner. With a beginner, a skilled dancer can practice their own lead or follow and bolster the confidence of a newcomer at the same time. Dancing with a beginner means more basic patterns, so an intermediate dancer can also use the time with a beginner to concentrate on a technical point, such as hip action, during the dance. Of course with a more advanced dancer, they will be able to challenge their own skill level and get a nice workout at the same time.
With this in mind, broaden your circle and ask someone more advanced and less advanced than you. According to professional dancer, instructor and host of popular monthly dance parties in Southern California, Robert Cooper, “Remember that there are many different levels of dancers at a party, and everyone was once a beginner, so give a chance to newer dancers and be patient, allowing them to work through mistakes. How newer dancers feel they are received at their first few outings will either give them courage to continue or not.”

2. Manners

Basic courtesies should be adhered to in a club or at a party. This includes asking your potential partner politely for a dance. Should you be turned down, there is no need to pout, storm off, or demand a reason why you’ve been turned down--that will surely prohibit any chance of a dance with this person (or their friends, once they hear about your behavior) in the future. A simple “thanks anyway” is sufficient and try again with someone else. Keep in mind that the reason you’ve been brushed off could be as innocent as the person’s feet hurt, they are too hot, or feel intimidated, so try not to take it personally. The end of each dance, whether it was a great 2 minutes or seemed like it would never end, is another time when simple manners should be asserted. Partners should thank one another and a gentleman should walk his partner back to her seat. If your partner asks you for the next dance before exiting the floor, you can decline graciously, and then walk together back to the lady’s seat.
During the dance, there are also expectations of civility and etiquette. Men, the partner you’re dancing with and partners around you will notice if your floorcraft is boorish or inconsiderate. It is critical that you as the leader are aware of your surroundings and other couples and not approach moving around the dance floor like a round of bumper cars. If you are a beginner dancer, stick to the corners or edges of the floor. If you are an intemediate/advanced dancer, you should be competent enough to be aware of those less skilled than you and maneuver without making others feel uncomfortable.
Another frequent faux pas is teaching on the dance floor. It is considered highly discourteous to try and “teach” your partner during a dance. Cooper agrees that teaching on the floor is a major no-no. He says, “The number one turn off for dancers is someone trying to teach them on the floor. It is especially annoying to see a dancer trying to teach their partner of the opposite sex. For example, instead of a man trying to teach the woman her part, he should be concentrating on getting his own part better.” Not only does teaching on the floor also holds up the rest of the dancers from enjoying the dance if you are stopped, but it is embarrassing for your partner to feel like they are receiving a lesson from you because they are not good enough to dance with you for 2 minutes. If the person you asked (or who asked you) was not as competent as you expected, chalk it up to experience and concentrate on improving your own lead/follow skills during the dances. The reverse is also true that you should not expect a partner to teach you to dance on the floor. There have been several times I’ve heard from men who’ve told me they think women will be eager to “take them under their wing” and help them get started. This astounds me, as in all my experience, I’ve never heard a women say this, but quite the opposite that ladies are looking for a great partner to lead them surely and confidently, even if the patterns are simple. Once you’re at the stage where you are attending parties or club, the goal of social dancing is to take what you know and have fun!
Under no circumstances is it ever acceptable to cross the line in regards to personal space during a dance. This means, no hand slipping, no brushing or grabbing and no forward language. Remember that the close proximity you are sharing on the dance floor is for the purpose of ballroom dancing. Also, take note that styling or expression during a dance is generated from the character of the dance or the enjoyment of dancing itself and should not be misconstrued as an invitation to be overfamiliar. Should you wish to pursue a partner off the floor, spend some time with them after the dance engaging in conversation to feel out if there is a mutual interest.

3. Appearance
You don’t have to be the most attractive person in the room to attract lots of dance partners. First rule of attraction: be approachable. Hiding in a corner gives the impression you are an observer and not wanting to get onto the floor. If you want partners to approach you, or if you are looking for someone who might be more apt to accept an invitation, sit or stand nearer to the dance floor.
Next, good posture sends out a positive vibe. Posture will not only help your dancing once you’re on the floor, but also sends out an air of confidence that others will instinctively gravitate towards. Also, have a smile ready for everyone. Even if you’re just passing each other at the punch bowl or on the way to the restroom, a relaxed smile immediately makes you more approachable.
Showing up once to a club or party is general not enough to attract many dance partners, since people tend to be more comfortable approaching familiar faces. Cooper states that consistency is the number one way to build up your popularity and get the most time on the dance floor. “People are more comfortable dancing with people they know or have seen before, so coming frequently to a party or club is the way to begin to break the ice and allow people to get to know you. It can be hard to become part of the group, or when you don’t know anyone, but the more often you show up, the more quickly other dancers with be apt to take a chance with you.”
With regard to appearance, there is also the big topic of hygiene. Please do not underestimate the importance of being, and staying, clean and neat. Partner dancing brings strangers into a very close physical zone, so it is of the utmost importance to be vigilant about your personal care. For further notes about hygiene, please read our earlier posted blog on the subject.

Popular dance partners are not limited by their dance level or physical appearance, but are sought after for their understanding of how to make the other person comfortable. If you’re having a good time, others will want to share in it with you.

Making a “Fresh” Impression

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:47:18 -0700

Social dancing is a unique activity, in that partners may not even know each other, but are put into quite intimate physical contact. With this in mind, it is very important, especially if the goal is to be a popular partner, that one takes care in both his hygiene and manners. In this blog entry we’ll take on the taboo topic of personal hygiene. It’s not the most pleasant topic of discussion, but if you’re finding yourself often partnerless, take an honest inventory of how you are presenting yourself to others. Perspiring is a common side effect of good dancing--it means you're exerting some energy! It should be assumed, especially in a crowded party or in the middle of summer, that pretty much everyone there will be somewhat warm, so be considerate of your partners and take a few preparations to ensure a pleasant atmosphere for everyone. For the gentlemen, your partners will be very pleased if you plan ahead and bring an extra shirt (or two, if you know you're particularly sweaty) with you. You can discreetly step out to your car to change, or even bring the shirt in your shoe bag and change in the restroom. Not only will your partners appreciate this, but you too will feel more comfortable in a dry shirt. Ladies, even you do perspire! Be thoughtful and consider your partner as well. Many ladies like to wear sleeveless tops and dresses for dancing, but bring a little lightweight wrap along with you for when you get warmed up. Even a sheer fabric barrier will keep your partner from feeling uncomfortable--don't forget, the man has his arm under your armpit! This is especially important if your partner is not wearing long sleeves.  For both partners, it should go without saying that one must wear deodorant at all times. Not only will your partner thank you, but the entire ballroom will too!  One last note on this topic is to bring along a small towel with you, to wipe your hands before each dance. Washing your hands before the start of the evening and at the end of the night, and of course if you make a trip to the restroom, is a good idea to prevent the spread of colds.
 For fresh breath, don't forget to bring along your mints and gum. Chewing on gum throughout the night may not be the most attractive way to keep a sweet smelling mouth, but it's better than nothing! Also, it is a kind gesture to offer a mint to your others around you as you are taking one for yourself--you'll be promoting fresh breath for all!
Even if you are not yet the best dancer out there, keeping good hygiene will ensure your dance card is full.

Benefits of Social Dancing

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:34:41 -0700

There are two directions to take when you are learning ballroom dancing. One is the competitive and performance route, which hones a dancer’s technical and artistic skills with the purpose for exhibition and competition. The other is for social dance--the very root of how the ballroom dances began. Many dancers take pleasure in doing both competitive and social dancing, as each path provides a sense of achievement and enjoyment. We’ll take a look here at what social dancing has to offer.
The benefits of social dance are numerous and personal to each dancer. Some dancers enjoy the physical aspect of dancing, which is a great cardio choice, especially when you are dancing hours on end at a party or dance. It also develops the muscles of the arms, from holding a frame continually, and of course the legs and feet. Additionally, the latin dances improve flexibility through their trademark hip action and all the styles will bring about an overall better posture. Posture itself strengthens the core of the body and not only provides a physical benefit, but improves the appearance and promotes a confident air. And those are just a few of the advantages gained from social dancing!
Many people start ballroom dancing with the intent of improving their social life, confidence, or even relationships. For married couples, often dancing together renews sparks in their relationship. The teamwork of partner dancing, moving in harmony with the music, and just having somewhere to go together on a Saturday night instead of sitting in front of the TV, often refreshes a relationship and introduces a new, common goal for the pair.
For those going solo, dancing is an excellent way to meet new people. People who like dancing are looking for fun and to be in an upbeat atmosphere. Obviously they are also open to being up close and personal with others, and interacting with new people is inevitable when you are switching partners in a group class or at a dance. Social dancers find they make friends of both sexes and from all walks of life, who share their joy for dancing.
One of the best byproducts of dancing is increased self confidence. Social dancers gain assurance as they learn new patterns and techniques and see that they can apply them with their dance partners. They also build confidence as they increase their physical aptitude, whether it’s by having the endurance to dance straight through four songs, starting to shake their hips in the cha cha, or finding they are able to keep up with the fast pace of a hustle.
What do you want from your dancing? When you start, you’ll find yourself not just meeting your initial goals but getting even more out of it than you expected. Get dancing today!