Be a better dance partner

How to be a good dance partner:

There’s more to just dancing well than learning the steps. One of the most important parts of being a good dancer is learning to be a good dance partner. At Chicago Dance we structure our classes to let our students learn to dance with many different partners. This may seems strange to those of you taking classes simply to dance with your spouse at an up-coming event, but if you truly want to dance well, dancing with a variety of partners in class can help you improve your partner skills. Here are some tips every dancer can use to become a better partner:

• Learn how your whole body moves, not just your feet. Notice where you hold your weight and learn to shape your body to accommodate your partner.

• Adapt to your partner’s actions, they may lose their balance or wind up on the wrong foot.

• Try to keep your fingers together, and avoid poking or digging your fingers into your partners back or arm.

• Don’t push or pull hard or rest your body weight on your partner.

For Leaders:

• The key to leading is, quite simply, to lead. Don’t push your partner around the floor, guide them. Dance yourself clearly into your movements. This makes it easier for your partner to respond to your moves. For less experienced followers, lead with two hands whenever possible.

• Don’t lead your partner through figures that are too difficult for them to do or for you to lead. Remember that we were all beginners at some point.

• In open positions, keep your joined hands at the waist level of the shorter partner.

• Use your fingertips (or the metacarpal area of the hand) for leading turns and learn how to execute push/pull leads (compression/tension) well instead of squeezing your partner’s hands and fingers tightly.

For Followers:

• No one likes a backseat driver, wait for your leader to move before you move. Likewise, be involved in the dance. The leader will indicate the movement, but it’s your job to get yourself there.

• Follow the weight changes and the rise and fall of your partner since these will convey his timing.

• Support your own weight, unless the movement specifically calls for you to give your weight to your partner.

Learning to dance with many partners won’t just make you a better dancer, it’s also a great way to meet new people and learn new steps. By dancing with partners at different skill levels you have the opportunity to both share your expertise and learn from those who have been dancing longer than you. Remember, the most important part of learning to dance is enjoying the time you spend at the studio.