| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/27/2008 3:36:48 PM |
I have tried country line dancing. They ARE picky about doing the right steps, and the flow of the whole 'line' is what makes it fun for the dancers. Some are irritated if you go to 'dance' and you do not know the exact steps. There is no freeflow dancing in country line dancing.
You need to come where I teach, we teach you the step, but you make them your own, so you can change it up as long as you go with the flow and don't step on someone. If you mess up, no big deal. Someone is always there to help you. We are not picky, you are there to have FUN! | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/27/2008 6:41:35 PM | | I wouldn't mind learning some of the ballroom dances. Sorry outofthedesert but line dancing will never work for me. I love the Paso Doble. It would be a major thrill to learn it. | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/27/2008 6:47:55 PM | Line dancing is NOT country dancing. Now gimme a cowboy who can two step and I am down with that.
I have a good friend who does that ballroom dance thing - some women can follow a lead, some are just clueless [not all of us were born with dancing slippers on] - and some men could not lead their way out of a wet paper bag with a hole on both ends.
Just dance and have fun................... | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/27/2008 6:48:42 PM | I also teach ballroom and latin...........the music is on and my feet will move, no matter what the type. East Coast swing and Salsa are my favs!
The thing about line dances, the music is good for two step or other country couples dances--that way, everyone dances. | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/27/2008 6:57:31 PM | I would welcome the opportunity to learn and would just have fun with it.
I love to dance and can usually follow purdy good. If I miss a step.....laugh and just
KEEP ON DANCING
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/27/2008 9:06:50 PM | outofthedesert,
Just wanted to compliment you on your ability to empathize.
I agree; it’s a lot easier for (a lot of) men to ask someone for a “dance” than a “date”.
And a “dance” need only be a dance; just touching someone else for a while is enough. And if someone doesn’t get “that”, there is no point trying to explain.
And as Dave Barry said (best): “Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.” | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/28/2008 6:08:32 AM |
Or am I just being stuffy? Ummmm....maybe...a little.
There are "dancers" and then there are "foot tappers". To someone who truly loves to dance....it's about the "dance" nothing else. Sure, they might be just trying to show off...but they could also easily just be excited about sharing something with you. "Dance partners" don't just happen...even if both people know the steps...it takes a bit of practice. As for the whirling and dipping.... could you be exaggerating just a bit? (not saying that you are) "Dancers" (male) LEAD their partner...by literally moving, pushing them in the direction they need you to go. If you have a good male partner and will allow him to lead, the dance should be very easy even if you're not really so good yourself. LOL! and naturally I just HAVE to throw this in....it's about SHOES!!!! Don't try to dance in flat heels. I like 3 1/2 to 4" heels for dancing myself, with ankle straps preferably (so you don't accidentally step out of them). It's very important to "stay on your toes"...otherwise you'll always be 1/2 a step behind.
If you're understandably uncomfortable about a "public" dance lesson, then tell him; and maybe suggest that he could give you a few private ones so you can dance together comfortably when you go out.
You are right, you don't owe them, but it takes a lot of courage to walk across that floor and ask a LADY to dance and I WILL be gracious and accept. Outofthedesert, I totally agree with you! I almost never turn down a dance.....old, young, fat, thin....I only refuse to dance with someone who has obviously had way too much to drink. The "dancers" are usually well known. Like I said....it's about dancing...not rubbing bellies. About ...ummm, 10 years ago, I was out dancing with some friends...and a woman came up and asked me if I would dance with her SON! LOL! He was....maybe 17 yrs old.....out with his parents, and apparently he "admired" me but was afraid to ask, even though both of his parents assured him that I would not turn him down. (I didn't know his parents....they just realized that I was there for the dancing only). LOL! I will also add that one of the BEST dance partners I ever had was a 74 yr old man ( I was about 38 at the time). | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/28/2008 8:47:31 AM | A couple of thoughts.
1. Dancing is done with a gentle lead, not with shoving or pushing. He invites her to take the step and she does it on her own.
2. It is the responsibility of the lead to show off his partner and make her look good, not to showcase how fabulous he is.
3. Each partner needs to adjust to the other. If one is much better, then he or she needs to adjust down so that the dance is a good experience for both.
4. It's just a dance that for the most part only lasts for 3 minutes (unless it's latin which can go for 5 or 6 minutes). You're not spending the rest of your life with this person so try not to reject people. Be kind and generous.
5. Pay attention to your partner and be attuned to them. Don't wander your gaze to check out other people.
6. Be considerate. If it's a dance you don't know, inform your partner. If there are missteps don't blame or criticize. Look out for other people on the floor and apologize when you bump into someone. Look at each other. Smile a lot.
7. Most of all enjoy the dance and the music. | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/28/2008 8:53:05 AM | | I sure wish that there was somewhere for people my age to learn Hip Hop, Krumping etc. I find it far more interesting to do something new rather than the same old same old that we have been doing for decades. I bore after the first decade. I do realize that many folks my age physically couldn't/wouldn't do today's dance styles. My lose. | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/28/2008 9:37:59 AM | | We have a Cotton Eyed Joes in the next town, they are known as a country place, but they do teach hip-hop. Check out any place that has dancing in your town and ask. | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/28/2008 9:48:51 AM | | My town certainly doesn't have dancing lessons of any kind. The university in the city that is 10 mins away has ballroom dancing, but no hip hop. People my age even post of their profile that they hate this type of music, so I think I am out of luck regarding lessons for people my age. I could completely see how teens and young adults would not enjoy having someone of my age slowing down their classes. I can't even find hip hop classes for young people in my age. Guess I will have to keep learning a little bit more each time I go to Cuba. However, Cuba has their own dances and only seem to do hip hop to amuse tourista who ask for it. | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/28/2008 11:25:40 AM |
1. Dancing is done with a gentle lead, not with shoving or pushing. He invites her to take the step and she does it on her own.
 Spoken by someone who has obviously NEVER done the two step at a crowded redneck bar! LOL!
Moraima! Don't worry about what the younguns are doing! They're just jumping up and down. Just take a few classes and learn the basics. IE. the Two Step is just the Fox Trot on FAST FORWARD....LOL! a little more familiar with your partner...and sideways rather than forward/ backward. Just remember....ballroom dancing the movement is in your waist and hips....Country...it's all in the KNEES! LOL! (same steps though) | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 6/28/2008 11:39:12 AM | I took line dancing classes for seven years. It is a blast!!!!
You can improvise, but, you had better go with the flow or you could get stepped on or end up in the punch bowl... hahahaha | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 7/1/2008 9:56:54 AM | ..and decide that they need to give you lessons...
I don't teach or criticize my partner much unless she is doing something dangerous. This can happen with either the leader or follower. Then the other partner has an obligation to warn the other. A common example would be the follower taking real small steps backwards. I can feel the follower shift weight but I can't tell how far she moved unless I look down at her feet ( and look really stupid), or I bump her knee with my knee. It is also the leaders obligation to lead steps that are as large as he is taking, but that is something leaders learn in the first few months.
I don't do ballroom only Argentine Tango but I imagine the ballroom dancers have the same issue with Waltz and Fox trot. | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 7/1/2008 10:07:32 AM | I think dance ettiquette is more important than the steps sometimes. Especially in country dancing. There is a frame in place to be kept framelike in order to dance with the correct posture and resistance. The "twirlin'" thing is ridiculous. Some men think that's the way to go. It's not. OH ! ! the man who likes to look at himself as he passes the mirrored wall, is an idiot. So is the man who never gazes into his partner's eyes. It's like he's dancin' with his rubber dolly.
But men....it doesn't matter if you know the steps or not. If you have the correct posture and frame, the woman will follow you. Well..if she's a good dancer she will. That is our job....after all...you lead, we follow. | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 7/1/2008 10:17:23 AM | I love to dance and appreciate a good dance partner. A good partner doesn't need to give me lessons and is a good judge of my capabilities. Personally, I love to swing and be twirled but not all women do. Really great partners can assess this just by dancing with you and paying attention. The guys who are habitual "instructors" and make a woman do all sorts of things she either can't or doesn't want to are annoying clueless goofballs and probably are just as clueless off the dance floor. It's a sign that they aren't paying attention.
A good lead gets his partner to go where he wants her to go; a *great* lead takes his partner where *she* wants to go! | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 7/1/2008 12:44:16 PM | "Moraima! Don't worry about what the younguns are doing! They're just jumping up and down. Just take a few classes and learn the basics. IE. the Two Step is just the Fox Trot on FAST FORWARD....LOL!"
You are missing my point. I like hip hop etc. because I real like it. It has nothing to do with what kids like. I do do some of this type of dancing when I go to Cuba with my Cuban friends who are all about the last dances even if they are 90 year old.
I don't like the music of the types of dances you are talking about here. I am being nice when I say I don't like it. The beat to me is so boring. I would rather have my skin peeled than listen to country music never mind dance to it. I amazese me that people can do the same old same old for decades without get bored.
Guess I was just born too soon for the type of dancing I like.
So you see when someone ask me to dance to much I don't like it is more than a 3 min. committment. Besides when that kind of music is starting, I am all about leaving as fast as I can.
I also don't get why silver haired dancing machines can't just understand that I REALLY don't like dancing to their type of dances. They start kipping on about being shy or needed to learn etc. No mean no even at a dance. | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 7/1/2008 1:34:23 PM | A good lead gets his partner to go where he wants her to go; a *great* lead takes his partner where *she* wants to go!
I hate to contradict you, but any qualified dance instructor or judge, would definitely tell you otherwise.
As a woman, if you don't know how to follow, then no...you aren't a good dancer...period. Learn this. For it is you that should be paying attention. You can help him with the rythym in certain ways, but the steps belong to the man.
If he doesn't know the steps then you may take the exception and lead, for learning sakes. But that's ALL !
If YOU don't know the steps either, then...well....? set down and shoot tequila...till ya think ya do. | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 7/1/2008 2:12:08 PM | Must say I agree with Sunny
Nothin worse than a man who has ya by a choke hold on the back of ya neck and his feet are doin the same!
However man whom has his hand directly in the middle of your back...well his feet know exactly where their takin ya! FOLLOW...FOLLOW...FOLLOW
As far as line dancin goes...let me tell ya Miss Sunny dances the steps in whatever direction she wants to and never bumps a soul no matter how crowded...her feet do the talkin (in 4 inch heels mind you). | |
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| Silver haired dancing machines your thoughts.
Posted: 7/1/2008 2:22:35 PM | HA ! ! ! cgangel ! That's why I've been called the blue heeler of the dancefloor....see I'm a workin' dog ! My job is to round up the herd and keep 'em in time. Go from corner to corner gettin' em in step. It's hard to do on a huge dance floor.
I can't stand it if half the floor is on one step and the other half just discombobulated and EVER'BODY looks stupid. Watch SUNNY ! ! ! ..and AWAY WE GO ! I may pass by ya 15 times in one dance...but I'm just checkin' yer work.
One DJ gave me a referree whistle ! Like I was the marching band majorette !
But you got the butt twist down, miss cgangel ! they don't call you cowgirl angel for nothin ! | |
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