 |
| YOU CAN DANCE STUDIO |
| CLASS NOTES |
| Frame |
| NOTES FOR THE LEAD AND FOLLOW Dance is a non-verbal communication experience between two partners. Much information is passed back and forth between the partners BEFORE THE MUSIC BEGINS... How we begin the dance is EXTREMELY important.... How we initially EMBRACE each other tells our partner much information about us as individuals....for example.... A Follow who initiates the frame/embrace BEFORE the Lead may be considered controlling, impatient, unaware, uncaring, and new to dancing. A Lead who initiates the frame/embrace in a rushed or forceful manner may be considered by their partner to be controlling, impatient, unaware, uncaring, and new to dancing. A Follow who does not provide consistent, even pressure/frame/embrace may be considered by their partner to be new to dancing, unaware, unconnected, and unwilling to communicate. A Lead who does not provide consistent, even pressure/frame/embrace maybe considered by their partner to be new to dancing, unaware, unconnected, and unwilling to communite. A Lead who initiates the frame/embrace in a relaxed, gentle manner may be considered by their partner to be caring, aware, connected, willing to play, safe, and willing to communicate. A Follow who invites the frame/embrace in a relaxed, gentle manner may be considered by their partner to be caring, relaxed, aware, connected, willing to play, safe, and willing to communicate. NOTES TO THE FOLLOW 1. Your frame allows you to actively "listen" to your partner's energy and desires. It takes time to acquire good "listening" skills. 2. If you are talking while dancing you are "listening" and "talking" at the same time. This henders your ability to interpret your partner's "non-verbal" desires. This also distracts your partner from doing their part of the dance. 3. With your left arm create a "tension" between your partner's shoulder and your shoulder blade pushed into your partner's hand. 2. With your right arm give as much pressure back to your lead as you are receiving. 3. A loose right arm is called a "noodle" arm and contributes nothing to the communication. NOTES TO THE LEAD 1. You create a space that your partner wishes to be in. In this space you take your partner on a journey with you and the music. 2. Create a firm and gentle environment for you and your partner to be in. Take your time in every song. You are creating the journey along with the music. 3. Place your right hand on the back of your follow. Find their shoulder blade and have your hand over it. 4. Your left arm creates your open side. Meet your follow halfway and give firm gentle pressure. Have your palm point toward their shoulder. Imagine your hands have a ball between them. |