As we mentioned in our previous issue, there are two key ingredients to becoming a great leader:
- Connection
- Clarity
In this issue we will be concentrating on the second Key ingredient – “Clarity”
Let’s start with the first aspect of clarity. Before you can lead, you must have a clear vision of the direction in which you would like your partner to move, and the timing in which you would like your partner to follow.
Your best way to experience this aspect of clarity is to select a few basic steps in one dance; learn and rehearse the direction, footwork and timing for the leader’s part; then learn and rehearse the direction, footwork and timing� for the follower’s part.
When you know both parts of the pattern, you will have a clear vision of what you are trying to accomplish with the lead. That in turn will give your body the natural confidence of movement that will convey the same clear picture to your partner – thus allowing her to easily follow your lead.
That brings us to the second aspect of clarity – the ability to convey your “intention” to� your partner in a manner that let’s her dance, rather than feeling pushed or pulled from one step to the next.
“Let me hear your body talk” – words of a song, but also the key to giving your partner a clear vision of your intention.
The great news is that you are already good at “letting your body talk”.� Picture for instance when a friend comes to your front door and you want to invite them into your home.� What do you do?� Do you grab them by the back and push them in – or do you simply move out of the way to create a space for them to go by – using your arm as a means to invite them in and extend a warm welcome?
In essence what we do naturally with our body language to convey our intention to our partner is to create a space or vacuum and invite them to fill the space.
Try these exercises:
Stand with your partner and hold her right hand with your left hand. If you want her to come forward, you could pull her with your left hand (and that would be a valid way); or you could try gesturing with your body in the direction you want her to move – extending your right arm as an invitation for her to move forward.
Or, for instance, if you want to lead the lady into an arch-underarm turn from an open break (as in Rumba), you could just lift your left hand and hope she follows; or you could create an arch with her arm and yours and then with your right hand convey an invitation for her to go under.
These simple exercises will allow you to experience leading and following as a natural thing. Once your body is aligned with your intention your movement will be more graceful and your bodies will create more natural lines and shapes.
When dancing in closed position, think of your frame as a protective area you create for your partner. Lead the lady by moving that protective area in the direction you want her to go.
Your frame should be solid with tension on the outside of your arms and she should feel protected and comfortable.
Become more and more aware of leading by invitation, by creating an obvious space for your partner to move into. Your partner will enjoy always having a clear understanding of what you are asking her to do.
Now, add “Connection”, the first ingredient we covered in our previous issue, and you will know exactly when to initiate each lead. By being connected with your partner you will be moving as one; you will know when she has fully completed a step and is ready to be lead into the next one. You will be giving her the opportunity to dance!
Connection and Clarity – the two key ingredients to becoming a great leader on the dance floor. Master them and each dance will become an enjoyable flow of leading and following. Your dancing will soar – and so will your popularity!
