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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!.
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