Dance and Life

As I was dancing around the kitchen this morning thinking about my upcoming performance and practicing some on the routine I realized something, Dancing is like a relationship. I know your all looking at me with a 'yeah right' look. But it is, I promise!
Before I go on, I'm talking about REAL dancing, like ballroom dance. Ok, first.... you need two people. Duh! :) But seriously you need a partner. Someone who knows what their doing it really nice. There has to be a lead and a follow.
The lead needs to know what to do, how his partner moves, what their strengths are, their weaknesses and how to lead. Just because they are the lead doesn't mean that they know how to lead. They have to know how to give direction, to give signals as to what to do next, how to move. They have to also make sure their follow doesn't run into anyone else, they have to steer and watch out for their follow. Their foot work might not be as complicated as the follow's but they have a lot to think about. They also have to support the follow as they spin or dip. Having a sturdy base is something that isn't learned over night either, neither is having a strong frame. Their frame helps to lead, guide and protect the follow.
For the Follows, the first thing is WAIT FOR HIM TO LEAD. This is your biggest and hardest job. You are the follow, they are the lead, let them do what they are suppose to. Listen to what they are telling you, be aware of their signals. Don't try to anticipate what they are going to do, because more often then not, it's not what they are planning and you have to stop and find the music again. Be aware of where you feet are, don't just let them move, know your movements, know where you body is. Yes, the follows have more complicated footwork and we're the pretty ones, but we can't do most of out moves if the lead isn't there so don't get a big head. Keep your frame. I know when you dance with a good lead you just relax and it is wonderful, but you still have to keep your frame, to make it easy for him to lead you.
and for both lead and follow, you can't do it alone. Someone has to teach you the moves. To show you where the step went wrong. This someone has to be a person that has learned to dance with their partner successfully and knows the steps. Don't be afraid to ask questions, to learn what you can, to understand how the combination really goes.
Don't be afraid to Dance
~ The Young Dreamer