23 Jun
2019
23 Jun
'19
10:05 p.m.
I think this is quite good, though I’d add that it’s useful to specify some things not to
do, because I’ve danced with experienced dancers who clearly think you should give weight
by clamping your partner’s arm, or that you should lean your torso back or to the side.
And since they probably think they don’t have to listen, it may require emphasizing “even
some experienced dancers do this, but…”.
Also, it’s tempting when showing what not to do to exaggerate it, so people can see what
you’re talking about. But when you do that, people think you mean “don’t do it in this
exaggerated way” rather than “don’t do it at all."
Slightly more advanced (because not necessary, though easy) is to show people that you can
walk in a swing just as well as buzzstep. And I think it’s likely worth talking about how
to decline a twirl, and that it’s always fine for either partner to do so.
Consider discussing buzzstep vs slipping step, depending on what you’re seeing on the
floor—there’s a local dance where there are several experienced dancers who do a slipping
step, because no one at that dance has made a point to teach otherwise. It’s pretty easy
to never change it, if you’re never taught otherwise, since it’s in the same double-step
rhythm as a buzzstep (and why wouldn’t you lead with your left foot if you’re going
clockwise? easy enough to see how the mistake happens).
Read Weaver
Jamaica Plain, MA
http://lcfd.org
On Jun 19, 2019, at 1:59 PM, Alexandra Deis-Lauby via
Organizers <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
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(a)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(a)lists.sharedweight.net
<mailto:organizers-bounces+karlsruhecontradance=hotmail.com@lists.sharedweight.net>>
on behalf of Alexandra Deis-Lauby via Organizers <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net
<mailto:organizers@lists.sharedweight.net>>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2019 11:39:24 PM
> To: Larry Koplik; organizers(a)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(a)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
<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.