Re: [Callers] Timing & Force

Laurie said, "Also, I have talked with many who have developed, as I have, a shoulder/neck problem. This seems to come from inexperienced dancers or assertive regular dancers (not terribly good dancers) when they FORCE a turn, especially at an incorrect time. "I'd love to hear from someone how to describe to a dancer who wants to twirl what the correct timing is - can someone give me a good way to put this out there?" Hi Laurie, Unless you are running a workshop that let's you go into more detail, then the best way is probably to drip-feed hints and tips as you teach the dances. = = = = = = = = = = Regarding timing, I emphasise that, while you can do what you want in your own time and space, on beat #1 of the next phrase you and your partner should be in the right place and facing the right way for the next move. So, when there is a change of direction, don't think of a move as being 8 beats, think of it as being 6 beats plus 2 beats to transition to the next move. This applies to, for example: Down the hall & turn alone Circle left/right Star right/left A simple flourish on the end of a swing such as an inside or outside turn For the inexperienced: opening out from a swing into a line or circle If the dancers are all doing the basic transitions well on beats 7 & 8 then just remind them occasionally that a twirl on the end of a swing has to happen on beats 7 & 8 as well. Pick a dance where the transition into the next move is demanding and remind them to finish their flourishes on time. Make sure the twirler knows that they are responsible for the twirlee's timing and positioning as well as their own, and that they should plan ahead. = = = = = = = = = = Regarding force, these are some of the points I make: (Note: although contra dancing is not about lead and follow, a flourish such as a twirl out of a swing often is - so I use the terms leader and follower purely as indicators of who is leading and following in a flourish.) Rule #1: Everyone is entitled to get on the dance floor and have fun without getting hurt. "Dancing is the vertical expression of horizontal desire", so RELAX! A strong lead is about clarity, not strength. (As an example, I often put my hand in an allemande position and get someone to blow on it - as their breath hits my hand I do a complete spin. People who want to spin don't usually need any force from their partner - they are quite capable of spinning themselves! A strong platform can be useful to push off, but if you try to push someone into a spin you are more likely to push them off balance then to help them.) When you are following, remember (as one excellent teacher used to say) "It ain't my job to drag your ass across the floor!", so, when someone leads you into a twirl or any other flourish, send the message straight from your fingers to your toes and follow the lead - don't fight back! Always start with ZERO tension and build up to what you need to execute the move. You aren't fighting each other - you are only fighting centrifugal force. Unlike arm-wrestling, if your hand moves nearer to your body in an allemande, YOU LOSE! It's dancing not wrestling! You are responsible for your own balance. Leaning backwards in swings or allemandes doesn't make you go faster it just makes your partner have to waste their energy holding you up. = = = = = = = = = = Of course, the people you most want to listen to these tips are probably the ones who aren't listening! If I seem a little passionate about this subject please forgive me, but I have had two shoulder operations as a result of dancing, and am hoping not to need another one. Hope that helps! :-) Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent