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Social
Dancing |
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| An
Introduction to Social Dancing |
| by: Shawn Trautman |
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| Social dancing encompasses a wide variety of couples dances, as well as various styles of dancing. In general terms, social dancing includes everything from the hot and spicy salsa to the top-notch two-step and all the classics in between, such as the foxtrot, swing, and waltz. Basically, social couples dances include all dances that are performed with a partner, in contrast to dances such as line dancing, which does not require a partner. |
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| Another unique attribute of the social dance family is along the same vein as the first, but takes it a step further. Social dances are not just performed with a partner; the successful execution of the dance depends on the interpersonal communication between the partners during the dance, which is commonly referred to as the lead-and-follow aspect of the dance. |
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| Other dance forms, such as ballet, modern, and jazz, can be performed as partner dances, but they are also perfectly acceptable and equally beautiful when performed solo. The artist’s intrapersonal communication and interpretation of the music are the defining attributes of these dances. |
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| In contrast, a solo foxtrot is merely a dancer progressing around a dance floor in a box-step pattern without a partner to initiate or complete the led patterns associated with the dance, leaving a relatively meaningless series of rhythmic steps taking the solo dancer around a circle. Hence the term social dancing because it is based on a temporary social relationship formed between two partners strictly for the purpose of completing the dance at hand. |
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| If you do not currently have a dance partner, do not be dismayed; a high percentage of beginning social dancers start out in the same situation. The beauty of lead-and-follow social dancing is that the basics of each dance can be learned individually for application in a mixed social setting. Once you are properly armed with the basics of a particular dance, you should be ready to dance with a corresponding leader or follower who also knows the standardized basic steps of the same dance. |
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| Many people learn to dance for the sole purpose of meeting people of the opposite sex. History has proven this to be a successful and palatable strategy because those individuals who can dance have a perceived “edge” on the competition due to their newly acquired musical sense and comfort on the dance floor, as well as a real advantage created by the confidence instilled by simply knowing how to dance and subsequently behave in a potentially awkward social occasion. |
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| As we will discuss later in other articles and reinforce throughout our book (Picture Yourself Dancing), social dancing is a very large umbrella covering a wide variety of dances, music styles, and situations. Although appropriate at a black-tie event where the menu includes champagne and caviar, the waltz is also appropriate in a country-western nightclub where beer on tap is the beverage of choice. |
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| As you learn the basics of the various dances, picture yourself practicing your newly acquired dance skills to different styles of music at venues across the globe. Keep in mind that the footwork and the lead-and-follow aspect of each dance are consistent in every situation in every corner of the world, despite music, surroundings, and attire. |
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| Though there are rules of etiquette associated with social dancing, please do not be intimidated or fall victim to the misconception that social dancing is exclusive, elitist, unattainable, or stuffy. Once you understand these rules, which are broken down in additional articles, you will leave the most pretentious in the dust as you step confidently onto the dance floor in any situation. |
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| By the same token, as you pursue a social dance education, your journey may take you to several places and groups of people. Social dancing is practiced worldwide and can be learned through private lessons, group lessons, or self-instruction methods, such as Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection (dance lesson DVDs), or simply by imitation if the individual is so inclined. Each method has its own unique advantages, and individual preferences and learning styles play critical roles. Whether your dance education takes you to the level of a competent social dancer or your desire to compete launches you into the realm of competition, performance, and DanceSport, a firm foundation in the essentials is critical. However, your dancing goals will determine your dance education. |
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| The various types of dance education and their benefits and drawbacks will be discussed at further length in additional writings, as well as criteria to look for when selecting the instruction method appropriate to your goals and budget, whether it be a self-instruction method, such as the article you are currently reading, or a highly specialized dance coach for learning acrobatic lifts and stunts for international competition. |
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