2013 is already proving to be an exciting and full year, as I am training
many students for upcoming DanceSport competitions.
I want to share a few thoughts with my courageous, committed
students who have risen to the challenge of the competition dance floor.
First, this is difficult! Ballroom dance and partnering are challenging
for ALL dancers! So, if you think you are the only one not “getting it” – get over
it because you are not alone! One of my
newest students is an excellent, experienced dancer and dance instructor;
however, she teaches a variety of styles other than ballroom. Even this lovely dancer going through the
process of learning how to maintain frame and body connection while in motion,
as do all new students of standard ballroom dance. Remember – this art is NOT
easy but, it is REALLY worth it!
Next, learning and teaching ballroom dance is a strategic process,
which is designed to provide methodic growth.
This is especially true of closed syllabus routines. Each set of figures progresses in
difficulty. This is what develops us as
dancers. Nothing takes the place of
methodical drills designed to develop the necessary skills to dance well.
Therefore, trust the process!
This idea of growth leads to my next thought and morsel of great
advice I once received. One of my
instructors used to say that it is better to dance bronze figures and patterns
like a gold dancer than to execute gold figures looking like a bronze dancer. This
idea has always stuck with me as an example of how to learn and teach. I
observe in both social and competitive venues examples of people dancing
figures outside of their skill level. You will look better and more
confident dancing well at your level than executing advanced moves and patterns
poorly! A dancer’s goal should be to exhibit smooth, elegant, refined, and
balanced grace – at any level of the ballroom syllabus.
The
key to a successful DanceSport competition is:
have fun, don’t give up, and dance well at your level!
