19 Feb
2014
19 Feb
'14
12:02 p.m.
While "relax" would actually be a better description than "leaning"
into hand behind you, "relax" has so far not proven very effective in keeping a
beginner dancer from leaning INTO the swing which makes it much more difficult. Goes
right along with death grip on the right shoulder. It is a challenge. What exactly do
you mean by dramatic consequences for your arm?
Harold
-----Original Message-----
From: callers-bounces(a)sharedweight.net [mailto:callers-bounces@sharedweight.net] On Behalf
Of Linda Leslie
Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 10:52 AM
To: Caller's discussion list
Subject: Re: [Callers] Height diffferential
As a dancer who often role switches, I have noted that "leaning" can have some
dramatic consequences for my right arm when I dance the gent's role. I tend to avoid
using this word, but do like "relax", "connection", and other concepts
that might get to a better swing experience. I would love to hear about other words that
seem to work for dancers/callers.
Linda
On Feb 19, 2014, at 10:25 AM, George Mercer wrote:
The "Where to place the gent's hand for a
swing" is a curious problem
for me. I've generally been told I have a good swing, but every once
in a while I'll be dancing with someone who insists/demands I move my
hand further up on the back or much lower. I do what I'm asked to do.
I hesitate to suggest to anyone that swinging involves "leaning back."
As for body tension/giving weight, I suggest they use the guide that
one uses for gardening and even child rearing -- firm but gentle.
Tension but not stiff or rigid. You can do both. I also find myself
when dancing with new dancers telling them to relax, body rigidity or
stiffness is not the answer and it doesn't help them or the person
their dancing with at that moment.
Relax. Firm but gentle. Let me know you're there, Thanks.
On Wed, Feb 19, 2014 at 9:33 AM, Harold E. Watson <hwatson(a)uark.edu>
wrote:
> Sometimes we'll hold a quick swing teach during a break. I've always
> taught the gents to place their right hands between the ladies
> shoulder blades. This provides support for the ladies' backs so they
> can lean back into it to balance with swing and it doesn't hurt their
> back. (We have some gents that insist on swinging at around 90 RPM.)
> One of the more difficult thing I've had to teach beginner ladies is
> get used to leaning into that hand. They have a tendency to tightly
> grip my right shoulder rather than relax. It can be a difficult
> concept for a newbie.
>
> Harold
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