The answer is found in one word: immediately. A slow dance mimics the nuances of any relationship. It involves give and take, leading and following, a trust between partners that transcends the need to control.
To avoid confusion, one dancer must act as the appointed leader. This is traditionally a male role, but for same-sex couples, it may be necessary to appoint a leader before the dance begins. Once you’ve established the lead and follow roles, it’s important not to deviate from them. Do so, and you’ll engage in pushing and pulling each other around the dance floor and/or stepping on toes or arguing profusely – never a welcome sight.
Having trouble following? Close your eyes. Trust your leader to guide you around the floor. Then go home and pop a Shawn Trautman slow dance lesson into the DVD player. After ninety minutes, you’ll internalize the nuances of your role during each slow dance. The detailed instruction provides both leaders and followers with the tools they need to slow dance with style.
- Leaders, it’s all up to you to direct the steps of a slow dance. That sounds like a lot of pressure, but when you have a responsive and understanding partner, it works. The two keys to a successful slow dance lead are confidence and a consistent frame using all four connection points. Be sure in your actions. Otherwise, your follower may misinterpret you, and the dance no longer becomes fluid.
- Seamless slow dancing is all about matching a partner’s movements, so if it’s not going well, it’s usually the fault of the leader. Remember that before you point fingers!.
|
