Emotional Connection

As a professional instructor, I've focused most of my coaching on the necessary discipline of teaching my students to practice basics and body control, with a constant emphasis on technique and high intensity training on the physics of partnering.

In retrospect, I've come to recognize that emotional partnering skills are as essential as physics in creating a successful connection and chemistry. I've been observing the emotional dynamics between dance partners and how much that influences their progress. Falling in love with dance is one thing. Staying in love with it while training can be difficult at times. The experience runs counter-intuitive to the notion that dancing with someone should be effortless, comfortable and natural. In fact, the experience is more intense because of the more intimate nature of our chosen recreational pursuit and the expectations brought to the dance floor. Both verbal and non-verbal communication become amplified---after all, it does take "two to Tango!"

I find myself being ever more mindful while dancing and teaching, to the reactions and responses of my partners. To get the full experience of dancing with one another, we must surrender to becoming an open book, vulnerable with both goals and fears exposed. I encourage my students to practice not just executing near-perfect movement, but also to dedicate themselves to creating a safe emotional environment around the partnership, successfully striving to reach new milestones with authenticity and openness.

In a dance, there is you, your partner and the music. The rest of the world is just a blur.