Whose Dance Is It Anyway? The Lead, the Follow, and the Magic of Partnership

The Misunderstood "Push": A Lesson in Dance Language

The room buzzed with energy, a mix of nervous laughter and determined footwork. I have noticed many beginner couples with the same frustration when I work with them one-on-one. I hear "He keeps pushing me," or "And when I push her, she just stands there!"

A familiar wave of realization washed over me. This wasn't just a physical misunderstanding; it was a linguistic one. The word "push," so common in everyday language, has no place in the vocabulary of partnered dance. It conjures images of force, of resistance, of a battle rather than a graceful exchange.

"Let's talk about that word 'push'," I interjected. "In dance, we don't push. We suggest. We indicate. We lead." I demonstrated, placing my hand gently on my partner's back, a feather-light touch guiding her into the turn. "It's a conversation, not a command. You're not forcing your partner; you're inviting them to move with you."

The lead will usually go quiet, a sense of understanding settling in. "Think of it like this," I continued. "Imagine you're guiding someone through a crowded room. You wouldn't shove them; you'd gently place your hand on their arm and direct them around obstacles. In dance, it's the same principle, just with more artistry."

That little linguistic shift, from "push" to "suggest," transformed the atmosphere. Suddenly, the tension eased, and the students began to explore the subtle nuances of leading and following. They discovered that true connection wasn't about force, but about a delicate balance of intention and responsiveness. And it was that moment that reminded me, and I hope will remind you, that partnered dancing is a conversation, not a conquest. And as we explore in the blog post above, whose dance is it anyways? It's ours.

The Lead, the Follow, and the Magic of Partnership

Partnered dancing: it's a beautiful, intricate conversation played out with bodies, not words. But within this dialogue, the question often arises: whose dance is it, really? Is it the lead, dictating the moves? Or the follow, adding their own flair? Let's unpack this fascinating dynamic.

The Traditional View: The Lead's Domain

Traditionally, the lead holds the reins. They initiate the steps, guide the direction, and set the overall tone. Think of it as the choreographer in real-time, using subtle cues and physical connection to communicate their intentions. This structure provides a framework, a roadmap for the dance to unfold.

For many beginners, this concept is crucial. It provides a clear structure and a sense of security. The lead learns to communicate with confidence, while the follow learns to interpret those signals with precision.

Beyond Control: The Follow's Essential Contribution

However, to see the follow as merely a passive recipient is a grave misunderstanding. A skilled follow is an active participant, a vital component of the dance's magic. They interpret the lead's signals, adding their own style, musicality, and expression.

Imagine a jazz improvisation: the lead provides the melody, but the follow adds the harmonies and embellishments, creating a richer, more nuanced experience. They can anticipate, respond, and even subtly influence the direction of the dance.

A truly great follow elevates the lead, making them look and feel better. They bring life and vibrancy to the dance, transforming it from a set of steps into a living, breathing expression of connection.

The Dance as a Dialogue: A Shared Creation

Ultimately, the best partnered dances are a dialogue, a give-and-take, a true partnership. It's not about control, but about collaboration. The lead initiates, the follow responds, and together, they create something greater than the sum of their parts.

Think of it as a conversation between two musicians. One proposes a musical phrase, and the other responds with a counter-melody, creating a beautiful harmony. This dynamic exchange is the heart of partnered dancing.

Modern Interpretations: Blurring the Lines

In contemporary dance styles, the traditional roles of lead and follow are often blurred. There's a growing emphasis on fluidity, equality, and shared creativity. Some dances even feature equal roles, where there's no defined lead or follow.

This shift reflects a broader cultural trend towards greater equality and collaboration. It acknowledges that both partners bring unique skills and perspectives to the dance floor.

The Takeaway: It's Our Dance

So, whose dance is it anyway? The answer is: it's ours. It's a shared creation, a testament to the power of connection and collaboration. Whether you're a lead or a follow, remember that you're both essential to the magic of partnered dancing.

Embrace the dialogue, celebrate the partnership, and enjoy the beautiful conversation that unfolds on the dance floor. Because ultimately, the best dances are the ones we create together.

"What Kind of Dance Is That?" The Joy of a Style That Defies Categories

My wife and I love to dance. We've developed a style that's a bit of a melting pot, drawing inspiration from Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, Carolina Shag, West Coast Swing, and even a touch of the Bop. We seamlessly blend these styles, transitioning between them fluidly, creating something that feels uniquely ours. But it also creates a fun, and sometimes puzzling, experience when we're out dancing.

Over the past few months, as we've hit different venues, we've been showered with compliments, which is always lovely. But what's even more interesting is how people describe what they're seeing. It's like a dance Rorschach test!

One night, someone will come up and say, "That looks just like Carolina Shag!" The next venue, a couple will exclaim, "We see you doing some great Chicago Steppin'!" Most recently, we even had someone tell us, "You guys are doing some fantastic DC Hand Dancing!"

It's fascinating, and it got me thinking. Why do people see such different things?

It boils down to a few key factors:

1. The Shared Language of Swing: Many swing dances share a common ancestor, a core vocabulary of movements. The rock step, basic turns, partner connection – these are building blocks across styles. Our dance, as a fusion, naturally incorporates these shared elements. So, if you're familiar with one of these "dialects," you're likely to see something recognizable.

2. Regional Dialects: Just like spoken language, dance styles often have strong regional associations. Carolina Shag hails from the Carolinas, Chicago Steppin' from Chicago, and DC Hand Dancing from, you guessed it, Washington D.C. If you've primarily danced in one of these regions, that's your frame of reference. You're seeing our dance through that lens.

3. Emphasis and Interpretation: Our blended style shifts and changes. One moment, we might be doing something with a strong, grounded pulse and intricate footwork, reminiscent of Carolina Shag. The next, we're flowing smoothly with a close connection, perhaps evoking Chicago Steppin'. People latch onto the elements that resonate most with their own dance experience.

4. The Power of Suggestion: Sometimes, it's a matter of suggestion. Once someone mentions a particular style, others start to see it too, even if it wasn't their initial thought. Human perception is fascinating!

5. The Beauty of Fusion: Ultimately, the most important thing is that our dance is our dance. It's a unique blend, a conversation between different styles. It defies easy categorization, and that's precisely what we love about it.

So, the next time someone asks, "What kind of dance is that?" we can smile and say, "It's a little bit of everything!" It's a chance to share our passion for blending styles and perhaps even introduce them to the joy of "Combo Swing." It's a reminder that dance, like language, is constantly evolving, borrowing, and creating something new and beautiful.