By on Tuesday, April 20, 1999 - 09:32 pm: Edit| By on Tuesday, April 20, 1999 - 09:32 pm: Edit |
| By Swiveler on Unrecorded Date: Edit |
Oh yea, I read that. Crazy stuff. Maybe if all those kids in high school were swing dancing, they wouldn't want to be shooting? You know, I can't believe that more high schools haven't grabbed onto this swing thing!!!!! |
| By Ron Bloom on Wednesday, April 21, 1999 - 02:32 pm: Edit |
There once was a dancer named Claire, Who did Lindy steps up in the air, -One night a fellow named Fred, -Dropped her straight on her head, Now she listens to swing from her wheelchair. |
| By Swiveler on Wednesday, April 21, 1999 - 03:02 pm: Edit |
Okay, that was morbid. So, I guess you're against them? Well, I 'm for them if they are NOT practiced on a social floor, are ONLY done in competition, performance and jams, and if they are AIR-STEPS (as Frankie calls them), steps done in time to the music. Very rarely do I see this, instead, I see bungled moves with poor execution, from people that don't even do good basics. Okay, I got on a soap box. I'm not talking about most the peole here. I'm talking about quite a few kids I've seen at the Rocket, Tio Leo's, and the Catamarran. I also think good dancers should be able to do a variety of moves that include fast footwork, slow styling, improvisation and yes, AIR-STEPS. |
| By Ron Bloom on Wednesday, April 21, 1999 - 05:12 pm: Edit |
Well said, as usual, Tammy. I'm not against them, either, if done like you said. But a lot of them really are dangerous, and I've already known lots of people get injured. I like to watch them done well, too, but I'm not doing them. I'd rather dance. |
| By Sean Banister on Friday, April 23, 1999 - 10:33 am: Edit |
HAHAHA! That article was pretty damncrazy if you ask me! The crowd where my posse and I go regularly(memories in anaheim) hardly ever does aerials. I don't even know if most of them even try aerials in private, or at home. The main focus at memories semms to be just dancing: turns, styling, and move variations. What the heck are those dorky denver people thinking? Headbangers ball...phoey! I can't believe someone actually died from an aerial!!!! NUTS! |
| By Antix (Antix) on Saturday, April 24, 1999 - 11:55 pm: Edit |
Tammy, do you really think that if more kids were swing dancing then shootings wouldnt take place? What a stupid comment that was. Sorry |
| By Swiveler on Monday, April 26, 1999 - 08:42 am: Edit |
Yes, I do think if kids had activities that made them feel good about themselves, increased thier self esteem and taught social skills, kids would not be shooting each other. I'm sorry, maybe I'm naive, but I think a lot of this world's problems stem from a lack of compassion and intimacy that you can find in an activity like dancing. When I go to the Rocket, I see kids of all ages, pimply-faced and "outsiderish," but they're smiling, relating, and having fun. I don't have all the facts, I don't undertstand what motivates and fuels such hate and disreguard, but I guess I can only hope that those boys "could" have been saved from thier path of distruction. I'm sorry if my earlier remark sounded flip, but I do believe social interaction and activities in youth can only be productive. I'm been thinking of how to bring swing to innercity kids, or gang kids, or whatever. I notice a bunch of kids roaming around my neighborhood and wonder if they had a place, had free lessons, if it wouldn't help. Again, I'm no sociologist, or psychologist, just idealist. (sorry to have insulted you). |
| By Chris on Monday, March 20, 2000 - 09:46 am: Edit |
For all that want to learn from the aerial masters, check this out!!!! There is a aerial workshop up in LA on April 21!!!! Nathalie and Yuval - French Rock n Roll Champs |
| By Tangomike (Tangomike) on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 09:10 pm: Edit |
As a total forum novice and someone who gets out far too seldomly recently (although I am making an effort to reconcile that issue), maybe noone will read this dead topic. Then again, maybe it pops up in the "latest postings" heading and will draw some attention. Why would a teacher in a beginning class attempt to demonstrate an aerial he wasn't very good at on a partner who he knew didn't want to do it and didn't know it was coming (which obviously means it was done poorly, since well executed aerials indicate concerted effort by both parties)? Perhaps more to the point: why would such teacher, after clearly offending his partner in front of the class, not immediately or at least withing 24 hours, tender a generous apology? I suppose there is still time to think of the right thing to say and do in order to at least make a learning experience out of it to the class next week - demonstrating how *not* to perform an aerial under any circumstances. To wit - as previously mentioned, an aerial performed well involves both partners in a concerted effort, not to mention strong familiarity, a record of practicing together, and a solid understanding of each other's reactions. That's minimal. I personally have even higher standards but I recognize I tend to the conservative side of the matter. An aerial should *never* be performed on an unwilling partner. Of that much, anyone should be certain. I'd like to suggest that aerials shouldn't really be taught to people who are beginner dancers. Many of us know *advanced* dancers who have sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe doing aerials. Enthusiasm is great, and sometimes it gets the best of us, but, by the time you've been dancing long enough to be teaching you ought to know a lot better what's really apropriate. So knock that off the crap, Meeshi. That's my wife you're messing with, and the community at large in front of which you're embarassing both yourself and her. My apologies for getting a little bit worked up over this, especially to Jenn. She asked me not to post. Mike |
| By Alicat (Alicat) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 01:51 am: Edit |
hi all, sorry for the long post but have strong feelings on this and since I haven't posted in eons anyway I figure it's time for a nice long one =) Oh and this isn't aimed at Meeshi but just at any of you aerial dancers/teachers in gerenal . . . I completely agree on not teaching aerials to beginners! A couple years ago a beginner tried to flip me in an aerial at the old firehouse. He gave me no warning, didn't even ask, and next thing I knew my head was flying towards the floor, I screamed, he almost dropped me, and my back went crunch! Was in a lot of pain for awhile and had to go to the doctor twice. I realize aerial injuries can, and do, occur with experienced dancers, but I think the injury possibilities go way up with beginners and so it's not good to encourage them to do it. Instead, instructors should emphasize that they are dangerous, and they require A LOT of practice, preferably with a repeat partner. And if any beginner is still truly interested they should setup private lessons with an experienced aerialist and make sure they have some soft, comfy areas to land on as they practice =) And one more thing, I also find it inappropriate to do aerials in a crowded room where you can barely swingout let alone fly through the air. Because now you are risking injury to your partner and to those around you. Seems common sense I know, but it happens oh so often. I've had to try and "abort" some aerials, that the lead just went ahead and did, in order to avoid kicking people full speed in the head! Not good! Aerials can be fun, but lets not teach them to beginners in large class settings, lets not try them on crowded dance floors and on a personal, general, note to experienced leads (dunno if other follows agree . . . ) any aerial where my head remains up or supported is ok, any aerial involving my head plummeting past the floor . . . very bad and scary . . . even if you dont drop me. |
| By Carli (Carli) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 09:26 am: Edit |
I wasnt involved in the situation so this isnt aimed at anyone, but I am a firm anti-aerial follow. Aerials should only be taught in a private lesson and both partners have to be ready and willing to try them. Just because a lead is great at aerials with certain people doesnt mean they can pick up any random follow and do the same. It's all about connection and timing. Aerials are extremely dangerous as I know from years of practice. They should NEVER be done on the dancefloor unless in a contest or jam where there is PLENTY of room. Aerials are designed for performances not social dancing. It's scary when a lead thinks he can throw you around like a rag doll and risk injury to yourself and the poor people that are in range of your flying limbs. |
| By Ron (Ron) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 10:24 am: Edit |
Jeez, Meeshi, what were you thinking? |
| By Badkitty (Badkitty) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 11:28 am: Edit |
Carli is right on about aerials. This should extend to lifts and drops, also. Not every short follow likes to be lifted. Not every tall follow has the strength to support the lead in a drop. Those of us who dance at least once a week should be familiar with the physical limitations and the preferences of the people we dance with. And if you're dancing with someone new, even if they appear to be a skilled dancer, don't make any assumptions about the moves they can do. |
| By Admin (Admin) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 12:08 pm: Edit |
I know you are angry, but perhaps those comments should have been said directly to Meeshi. |
| By Tangomike (Tangomike) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 04:13 pm: Edit |
One could argue that I should have gone directly to Meeshi. On the other hand, it has been tried, and that hasn't changed his behavior to date. And yes, I am angry. I do not publically call out someone who I like, and who does so many good things in the community unless I believe a very important line has been crossed. Some reconciliation is in order, and it should be public. |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 04:16 pm: Edit |
It doesn't need to be made public if it's not a public issue. Maybe I'm misunderstanding the situation, but it sounds like this happened in a class, in which case the only people who are really involved are the people in the class. It's not like it happened in a jam circle or something. |
| By on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 05:01 pm: Edit |
It do¥s seem ás though there are manyànon-pub¬ic solutions, r!nging fòom saying ".o" !t the téme to Jen disco.tinuing her relationship with M%eshi. <R> ‰ really cannot imagine èow youràneed for a publ©c swing/rama reconcilia´ion is the bestàsolutio. to your anger or in any way constructive. I'm very sorry Jen was unhappy with something Meeshi did. I do hope the two of them can work through the problem. |
| By Tylerdurden (Tylerdurden) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 06:48 pm: Edit |
I think people are taking this too seriously. I don’t think anyone is out there intentionally trying to hurt people. We are all out there trying to dance and have fun. For example, I use to hate Hollywood or fast dancing by I learned to deal with it and to share the floor. Granted that beginners tend to go for flash with aerials, but its not like the scene is big. We need more people to be excited about swing and if it takes a few aerials to lure them in then by all means teach aerials. I would rather have someone teach beginner’s aerials then have them try it out on their own. If you don’t like aerials, you can always move to a different spot on the dance floor or wait for slower music or avoid the people that do them. Cant we all just get along? |
| By Susant (Susant) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 07:08 pm: Edit |
"Always move to a different spot on the dance floor...avoid the people that do them"? Would that be before or after getting kicked in the head? (You don't always see it coming, you know.) "Wait for slower music?" I don't think so. If aerials are taught, especially to beginners, the instructions MUST include a warning about when and where they're appropriate in a social setting. |
| By Lindyslayer (Lindyslayer) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 07:51 pm: Edit |
Perhaps Mike was making it public for those that thought they were alone. Geez, it's his wife, wouldn't you be mad too...Jeremy? |
| By Badkitty (Badkitty) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 08:46 pm: Edit |
Sorry Lee, there should be no such thing as beginner's aerials. I'd been dancing a year and a half before learning two aerials and there were only two guys I trusted to throw them with. I learned them from probably the most advanced aerial teachers, Natalie & Yuval, with a carpet and/or padded surface available. Plus we practiced at home quite a bit before trying them in public. |
| By Carli (Carli) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 08:51 pm: Edit |
Sorry "TylerDurden" but no way. Aerials should not be done at a social venue. It is extremely hard to know when someone is going to walk by or turn in your direction so if you bust out an aerial it can easily put other dancers in danger. This is something I have very strong feelings about because people get hurt. Aerials are cool to beginners, i remember wanting to learn them but there is a time and a place. Teaching newbies a few aerials to show off in the scene is a seriously bad idea. If you want to show them aerials to get them excited...do a performance and teach a private but there is no way in hell people should be learning aerials in group classes to be used on a social dance floor. |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 09:12 pm: Edit |
To answer your question, I don't actually know what happened, because it was not described in detail, only alluded to, so I can't really say how I would react to what happened. If the situation was a teacher doing an unexpected aerial with my wife which got messed up and they both ended up looking dumb in front of a class, then no I probably wouldn't be mad, because that sort of thing happens. Dangerous behavior and injuries are a different subject, but I'm having a hard time understanding how making it a public issue is going to do any good for our scene, or any of the people involved. And before anyone brings it up directly, yes I made a post a while back about people doing dangerous moves, but I didn't name any names specifically because I think that's messed up. Also, the situation I was talking about wasn't an issue with one person but a problem that I saw with a large group of people. |
| By Jason (Jason) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 09:34 pm: Edit |
So now we know... swingorama is only to complain anonymously and behind people's back. This forum is full of people whining/crying/complaining anonymously about stuff they see in the scene that bothers them (but of course no one will step up and actually talk to the offending person/persons). And now when someone actually names names, everyone has their panties in a bunch about how this should be a private matter. How about next time Mike just post the same exact thing replacing the offending teacher's name with 'anonymous teacher' and then it will fit in with all the other popular 'I like to complain about others but am too big of a sissy to tell it to their face' posts here. After all, as long as it refers to an 'anonymous teacher' and doesn't name any names, then suddenly it's a public service announcement and will help improve our swing scene immensely. In all serious however, an unexpected and unwanted aerial IS dangerous behavior, moreso than an arm wrenching lead. Not sure when or where it suddenly became acceptable to fling people around against their wishes, teacher or not. Anyways, eventually you'll all become like me and not give a hoot about what silly things people do on the dancefloor anymore. |
| By Tangomike (Tangomike) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 10:41 pm: Edit |
Jeremy (aka Yedancer) - my problems are *primarily* with a specific person in this case, as opposed to a behavior at large, so it's appropriate to use names. Besides, Meeshi is a leader in the community and sets an example. Lifting unwilling partners off the ground I find particularly egregious behavior. To me, it is important to challenge it in a public and specific manner. What better place to do that? Let me emphasize that while I am angry with what Meeshi did, I still like him in general. It's not my place to tell him how or what to teach, but, my hope is that he will be more courteous and thoughtful of his partners (particularly Jenn), and furthermore instill that thoughtfulness into the people he's teaching. Strictly as a secondary issue, I don't mind the discussion about aerials that this has generated. Some people, especially follows for the obvious reason that they're the ones who get hurt, are often uncomfortable with aerials. It's important the guys know this and respect it. |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 11:23 pm: Edit |
Okay, Mike. I understand what you're saying, and while I don't necessarily agree 100%, I respect what you are saying and why. |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 11:25 pm: Edit |
And thanks for not having the usual knee-jerk reaction and jumping all over me because I offered a differeing opinion. Man, how often does that happen on an internet forum? |
| By Jlanders (Jlanders) on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 11:51 pm: Edit |
It seems like there has been an increasing problem with aerials lately. A couple weeks ago, I was almost kicked in the head by a couple practicing aerials on a crowded dance floor. After about 4 of us had near misses (and we were all just standing near the wall talking) someone finally asked them to stop. Beginners shouldn't be encouraged to do aerials. They are dangerous, not just to the couple performing them, but to other social dancers around them. I'm in the 1 foot on the floor at all times camp, myself. While aerials look cool when done in a jam circle or competition, I'd just as soon watch. |
| By Meeshi (Meeshi) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 03:12 am: Edit |
Mike -- I'm sorry I didn't read this sooner. First of all, I public apologize to Jenn, and or any woman whom I've lifted without consent. Yes, aerials are dangerous unless well practiced with a consenting partner. As for the context of the unwanted lift, I'm sorry, Mike, but you weren't there. I wasn't teaching an aerial in class. I actually messed up a simple jitterbug move and in an unintentional and spontaneous act of frustration lifted Jenn off the floor. As soon as I realized what I had done, I put her down and apologized immediately. She was pretty mad, so I let her alone. That's pretty much what happened...Jenn, you can correct me if I'm wrong. If I was thinking more clearly, I could have made a point to the class about *not* doing aerials, but the awkward tension of the situation did not allow me to think very clearly. Again, I apologize to Jenn, but I honestly think this would have been better handled privately. |
| By Tangomike (Tangomike) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 07:51 am: Edit |
Thanks for your apology and for addressing it, Meeshi. I appreciate your candor. I'll give you the rest of my comments off line. Mike |
| By Carli (Carli) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 09:17 am: Edit |
Damn, I was hoping you guys would meet out back at the firehouse and brawl. That would have spiced up the scene a bit ;) |
| By Tangomike (Tangomike) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 09:34 am: Edit |
Nothing is off the table. Rumble at half block in La Jolla! ;-) I'll be the Sharks - you're the Jets. |
| By Carli (Carli) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 09:42 am: Edit |
Haha DANCE OFF!!! rules: 1) wear flashy ethnic clothing (sequins a must) 2) sing all of your fightin' words 3) come up with cool gang nicknames (preferably swing related) 4) Kick some lindy hopper ass! |
| By Mel (Mel) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 10:28 am: Edit |
I have to agree about no aerials on the dance floor. I danced for 5 years before I even learned my first aerial (in a controlled setting). And, I still choose not to do them. I have also been kicked in the head by a flying foot, as others have stated here, and barely escaped other injuries in dancing situations. When I see people doing aerials on the social dance floor, my first thought is if I should get up and leave (not just the dance floor, but the dance in general) right then and there. I'm not willing to risk my safety because of someone else's need to be crazy. There should be a strict NO-AERIALS policy on all social dance floors! Just my thoughts. |
| By Salperez (Salperez) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 10:56 am: Edit |
I agree with Mel about the No-aerial policy especially since it seems that most of the offenders are the beginner kids trying out aerials on a crowded dance floor. I also believe that the lead should be constantly aware of his surroundings and protect his follow at all times. If it means leaving the dance floor for a short while then so be it. |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 11:18 am: Edit |
There should absolutely be a no social-floor aerials policy. However, as for teaching aerials to beginners, I don't see anything wrong with that. In fact, I think it could be a great idea. A formal class on "aerials" for beginners is the perfect place to instruct them about protocols and safety for aerials. What better situation is there to have people listening to a teacher, who can then inform beginners that they should not do aerials with random partners, only with people they've practiced with before, that they should never do them on the social dance floor, etc. |
| By Badkitty (Badkitty) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 11:42 am: Edit |
Carli, great idea, I can't wait to see them go at it. I have money on Meeshi to take out at least one of Mike's kneecaps. |
| By Tangomike (Tangomike) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 11:57 am: Edit |
Oh thanks for the vote of confidence Sherri! |
| By Meeshi (Meeshi) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 12:55 pm: Edit |
Mike, thanks for letting me know what your thoughts are off-line. I appreciate your candor, too. |
| By Badkitty (Badkitty) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 01:04 pm: Edit |
Sorry Mike, bad joke in reference to your height differences. I also predict a pretty bad headache for Meeshi. |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 06:04 pm: Edit |
It seems like this whole thread might not have existed if the issue had been talked about personally before making it public. But that would have been much less exciting. |
| By Meeshi (Meeshi) on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 12:22 am: Edit |
I know this is coming way too late, but I want to retract what I said earlier regarding the "unwanted lift." I realize in that post that I was merely reacting defensively and trying to absolve myself from any responsibility regarding my stupid actions last Sunday. The fact is that during a dance demo I tried to flip Jenn without any warning, and it wasn't cool or proper to do that in front of our class, especially since she had previously told me never ever to lift her. It was purely spontaneous, and it was purely my fault. So I profusely apologize to Jenn for my poor judgment and for the possibility of hurting her, and to all the students in the class that had to witness my foolish and dangerous actions. Please accept my apologies. It will never happen again. |
| By Ian (Ian) on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 02:22 pm: Edit |
I always found that beginners doing arials further draws attention to the fact that they are a beginner. A) They obviously are still learning to dance, and B)They do the same cheezy hip lifts and side-to-sides (can't remember what they are called). Of course I was probably guilty of this, as I remember the day that I realized that practicing arials was taking away from my practicing to become a better dancer, so I stopped dong them at all after the first year or so. |
| By Darlene (Darlene) on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 11:37 am: Edit |
ahhh! It's so nice when a person takes responsibility for their actions. It increases my respect for them. Thanks Meeshi. It never hurts to discuss dance floor etiquette. It this thread has helped one person understand the time and place where aerials should be performed than something good has come out of it. |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 01:55 pm: Edit |
Speaking of which, I saw some dancers last night doing aerials on the social floor. And no, they were not beginners. |
| By Jeff (Jeff) on Monday, March 21, 2005 - 11:32 am: Edit |
I wonder if it's puzzling to many, especially those new to Lindy Hop, that aerials aren't appreciated on the social dancefloor. On the street I think aerials are the perceived defining moves of Lindy Hop, possibly because of old footage of primarily performance and "jam circle" material, as well as some recent movies and commercials. I think it's been mentioned somewhere in this thread above that instuctors who teach aerials should inform their students when, and when not to, attempt them. |
| By Mel (Mel) on Monday, March 21, 2005 - 11:37 am: Edit |
Yeah, whenever I tell people that I "swing" dance they always make reference to flipping people. People automatically equate swing to aerials. |
| By Salperez (Salperez) on Monday, March 21, 2005 - 12:23 pm: Edit |
Must be that damn GAP commercial that started it all. LOL |
| By Katherine (Katherine) on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 01:02 pm: Edit |
Well, I wrote a section of the new FAQ about aerials and their being inappropriate on the social dance floor. Not that the FAQ is going to change everyone, but it will be something we can point to... Follows, we can help here. The last time someone did an aerial-type move on me (we'd never danced together before, it was without any warning, without asking me and it was on a crowded dance floor) I said something to him afterwards about that being "foolish." Looking back on it, I wish I had admonished him more strongly. I wouldn't say something to some random couple I didn't know, but if someone pulls it on me, I would certainly say something. Katherine |
| By Susant (Susant) on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 03:32 pm: Edit |
Hey Katherine, don't forget the mega-head-over-backward-dip. It is often followed by the mega-head-crack-to-the-floor/head/knee/other body part of your neighbor (or your lead, if you're really flexible). Not an aerial exactly, but this may fit in that category. An inexperienced lead will throw the follow waaaay over, and an inexperienced follow will throw her/his head waaaay back no matter how experienced the lead. I'm not saying don't dip, just exercise good judgment and some caution here. (It helps to keep your chin pointed somewhat toward your chest as you dip.) |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 05:31 pm: Edit |
Honestly, I like to think that I try hard to keep my follow safe at all times, and no matter how hard I try, there's always some yahoo next to me that isn't paying attention and ends up bashing my follow. Of course, maybe I'm the one doing the crazy stuff that gets my follow hit, but I really don't think so. I try to always check where I am sending my follow, especially when swinging out. And there are so many times when I have swung her out and am absolutely powerless to protect her, and then some oblivious newbie sends his partner right into mine! I guess I could not just make sure that I am sending my follow to an empty, safe spot, but make sure that that spot is not being potentially thought of as an empty spot by someone across the floor. Jeez, it's like a chess game or something! I have to think 7 moves ahead for everyone around me. |
| By Salperez (Salperez) on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 10:35 am: Edit |
At Henry's especially, I find myself many times having to cut my follow's swingout short as an incoming massive drunk flailing projectile comes at my follow. Other times, stiff arming works well against the drunkards and arm flailing non-dancers. |
| By Jeff (Jeff) on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 12:22 pm: Edit |
Cut the swingout short? You whimp. I like to send my follow out at about 30 miles and hour and pick off those drunks on the edge of the dancefloor like I'm bowling picking up a spare. They go flying. And of course my follow is fine cause she initiated the impact, ya know, like a head-buttor head butting the head-buttee. Opens up the dancefloor. It's fabulous. It worked wonders at Henry's last night. Okay, I'm kidding. I only send her out in the gaps and do a near miss fly by. It scares 'em off just as well. |
| By Salperez (Salperez) on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 04:01 pm: Edit |
Funny quote: "Jitterbug. It's EASY. You just walk up to a girl and ask, 'Pardon me, would you mind if I break every bone in your body?'" --Australian newsreel 1940s |
| By Lindymouse (Lindymouse) on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 07:23 am: Edit |
Hey! Let's not forget that the best-placed follow will hit whatever is near if she does not control the distance she travels at the end of the swingout. Not all things are in our contol as leads. |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 09:12 am: Edit |
Yes, I have to cut the basic short all the time. But you can't cut it short when it's already over, and as we all know, the move is over by about 7 and doesn't begin again until about 2, which is over 1/3 of the entire move. And yes, follows that control the distance they travel are the best. |
| By Meeshi (Meeshi) on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 12:06 pm: Edit |
I agree with Dean and Jeremy. When sending follows out, the follow often has a better view of potential hazardous "roadblocks" than the lead. The best follows will shorten their arm connection accordingly to avoid such roadblocks and yet follow the send-out momentum fully to complete their swingout. Purely amazing to me! |
| By Ron (Ron) on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 12:15 pm: Edit |
There are a couple follows in San Diego that have a long reach and never shorten their arm connection, and so I have more problems accidentally sending them into people! |
| By Jeff (Jeff) on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 01:08 pm: Edit |
I just don't extend my left arm as far, to the point where my left elbow is behind my back if needed. It doesn't look as good as a matched and mirrored connection but it keeps the follow from crashing into others on a crowded floor. Dancing is all about constant adjustments. When you're both on the same page and split those adjustments you usually have a great dance. |
| By Jeff (Jeff) on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 01:20 pm: Edit |
Oh, Meeshi, I know what you mean. Some follows are so controlled, know how much room they've got and time it so it doesn't look rushed or broken up. It's cool when they see a road block and simply go back the other way on 6 on their own as if it's being led, or just style in place without moving forward. Some follows make us leads look so much better than we are. Rephrase: Many follows make me look so much better than I am. |
| By Badkitty (Badkitty) on Friday, March 25, 2005 - 11:49 am: Edit |
I guess I'm not one of those follows. I can't believe how many times I got stepped on last night. One of those times was admittedly my fault, due to big styling, but the other times there was really nothing my lead could have done to prevent it. I got stepped on or struck in the head when I wasn't even being sent out, at wierd times like on 1 & 2. Luv those beginners...and experienced dancers who should know better... |
| By Shepkatt (Shepkatt) on Friday, March 25, 2005 - 12:52 pm: Edit |
As a newbie I may not know I am doing something wrong until I smack into, or step on, one of you so if you see me out there and I am headed down the wrong path -- PUHLEEZE let me know.. I try to remember it all but I have my senior moments - brain overload. Constructive critism is good and I want to learn to dance the right way.. I have an awesome instructor but that instructor won't be with me everytime I am out.. so I am at your mercy and you are at mine.. Haahaa.. :-) |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Friday, March 25, 2005 - 05:45 pm: Edit |
Don't worry Shepkatt, as a beginner, you don't have as much responsibility as a more experienced dancer. Just use your common sense and your peripheral vision while on the dance floor and you should be fine. And don't forget to ask for constructive criticism, because most of the experienced dancers will be more than happy to give you a tip even during a social dance. Or if you want a free private lesson just dance with Jeff and ask for help. HAHA! Just kidding, Jeff. |
| By Shepkatt (Shepkatt) on Friday, March 25, 2005 - 06:14 pm: Edit |
Oh.. I am not shy... And I do ask... and I have danced with Jeff.. once... but looking forward to dancin' with him again. Thanks for your reply -- I appreciate it.. :~) lynnda |