|
A dance frame is
much like a picture frame in that it is meant to hold
the subject in a position that allows for optimal
viewing. Creating the perfect dance frame is quite
elementary and can be done without ever having danced
a single step. The key ingredients are two people and
a general conceptual understanding of four connection
points.
Here you’ll
find the four basic connection points that will
enable you to create your frame. Once you are able to
go through each one and understand them without
question, you’ll find yourself getting in and
out of frame just for fun to practice and build
muscle memory. It is important to note that creating
your dance frame while you are relaxed and stationary
is a much different experience from maintaining the
dance frame throughout a dance. You will find that a
dance frame is easily created while standing in
place, yet in motion, such as in dancing, the frame
must be continuously adjusted to account for
different dance positions, sudden weight changes,
reductions in the number of connection points, or any
number of other situations.
It’s time to
start the hands-on portion of your learning
experience. Literally—you and your dance
partner are going to build your dance frame one
connection point at a time. To do this, it is best to
stand facing your partner with your feet about
shoulder-width apart, with somewhere between
one-and-a-half and three feet between the two of you.
Check to make sure that you have soft knees. Try to
smile and, most importantly, don’t forget to
breathe!
|