i teach a swing by teaching allemande first. once they are walking around each other with
feet pointed opposite directions (so nobody can walk backwards or jump sideways), i point
out that the only difference between a swing and allemande right is where the hands are.
then i demo facing my partner while standing still and putting left hand on/over the
shoulder and leaning VERY GENTLY back and have everybody try it. if they can't do
that without falling over, their hand is in the wrong place. then i point out where the
gent's hand goes and mention that swinging is an equal-opportunity move - both people
are responsible for making it work.
then take allemande position again just to get the feet pointed the right way, switch
arms/hands to ballroom position and walk forward.
this works great for new dancers, but it's hard to get the experienced
"clampers" to change their ways 🙂
good luck!
________________________________
From: Organizers
<organizers-bounces+barbkirchner=hotmail.com(a)lists.sharedweight.net> on behalf of
Alexandra Deis-Lauby via Organizers <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2019 11:59
To: Karlsruhe Contra Dance; organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
Subject: Re: [Organizers] Tips for a swing workshop
I’d suggest taking a moment in the evening dance after the 4th dance to go over swing
technique. Explain where we want both flat hands (on correct shoulder blades as heights
allow), squarish torsos, toes pointed in the direction you wish to walk, lots of
connection on the rounded end (no gaps between those arms), rounded frames with space
between the two people. Encourage and demonstrate feedback. “Higher hand please, I’d like
less/more weight please,” “ask for what you need to make the swing feel good for you”
Have them try the swing from both sides so they understand how symmetrical the connection
is. No one role is responsible for all the weight. They age equally responsible.
Good luck!
A
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 19, 2019, at 2:20 AM, Karlsruhe Contra Dance via Organizers
<organizers@lists.sharedweight.net<mailto:organizers@lists.sharedweight.net>>
wrote:
HI Larry,
By "proper" I mean something more focused than a beginner workshop. Something
you would not do during a normal weekly dance. But might have time to offer during a
special weekend, for example. I do teach the swing in my beginner workshop, but just to
help them get by in the dance. And to be honest, it's not the true beginners I am
needing to help. If they have only experienced my teaching of the swing, they generally do
fine. I have a number of dancers who have come from another dance group and have never
been taught how to swing well, but don't consider themselves beginners - and they
aren't. They also generally come after the beginner workshop. They know figures. They
are experienced at what they do. They have just never learned the importance of, and how
to really share a swing.
I don't want to be condescending to them, that's why I was thinking of trying to
sell it as a workshop to improve your swing or be more creative with your swing.
Hope that helps.
________________________________
From: Organizers
<organizers-bounces+karlsruhecontradance=hotmail.com@lists.sharedweight.net<mailto:organizers-bounces+karlsruhecontradance=hotmail.com@lists.sharedweight.net>>
on behalf of Alexandra Deis-Lauby via Organizers
<organizers@lists.sharedweight.net<mailto:organizers@lists.sharedweight.net>>
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2019 11:39:24 PM
To: Larry Koplik;
organizers@lists.sharedweight.net<mailto:organizers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: Re: [Organizers] Tips for a swing workshop
What is a “proper” workshop? A beginner workshop?
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 18, 2019, at 5:31 PM, Larry Koplik via Organizers
<organizers@lists.sharedweight.net<mailto:organizers@lists.sharedweight.net>>
wrote:
Here's a video that Princeton Country Dancers created
about the buzz step swing that might be helpful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaVSVtPRwlA
Larry Koplik
On 6/18/2019 4:01 PM, Karlsruhe Contra Dance via Organizers wrote:
HI all,
I know, we learn to swing by swinging with other experienced dancers. But my problem is a
lack of experienced dancers.
I would love to help my dancers get a bit more out of their swings the next time I have
the chance to offer a proper workshop (other than "the basics") There is
potential there.
I was thinking of possibly selling it as "swings and swing flourishes" - but
based on the level, the flourishes won't have to be terribly creative.
I have never participated in a workshop of this type. Can any of you point me to some
resources or tell me about experiences that you have had? Or other ideas?
Thanks!
Rebecca in Karlsruhe, D.
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