Dance Magic Review       November 1997

Dancing with Beginning Dancers

by George Woolley

I look forward to dancing with beginning dancers because often they:

• are open to whatever I lead
• respond naturally
• are present in the moment
• are appreciative
• have less expectations, and
• require my full attention

Often I am intrigued and inspired by some aspect of my beginning partners dancing that is unusual but natural to her. Out of this, together we explore ways of dancing and playing together that I've never experienced before.

As a social dancer, one of my aims is to be able to dance well with anyone (anyone who wants to, anyway) no matter how little dance experience she has. Often I learn things from beginning dancers that effect all my dancing. For example, dancing with beginning dancers sometimes reveals where my leads are not clear and natural.

I view partner dancing as an interactive art form in which two dancers create a shared kinesthetic and feeling experience of moving across the floor together in connection with each other and the music. I do not view partner dancing as a sport to be judged. To the extent judging is relevant, it would be judgment by me and my partner in the moment.

Some things I've noticed that work well for my dancing with beginning dancers are:

• having a heightened awareness of my partner's moods, responses and ways of dancing
• dancing together many times in an evening
• approaching the dances we have as an adventure and an opportunity
• encouraging my partner to have eye contact and to smile. Letting my partner know that her enjoyment enhances our dancing.
• leading clearly and simply, and making changes if something doesn't work
• intervening if my partner feels apologetic about her dancing. Letting her know that it's my job to lead things that she can follow. If something doesn't work, it's my responsibility.

When I talk about beginning dancers here, I mean beginning from the point of view of a typical dance teacher of the dance we are dancing. Dance teacher's that I've encountered classify dancers as beginning, intermediate and advanced, etc. The classification is mostly in terms of mastery of steps and techniques. But from my perspective, the most important capacities for dancing are not specific to dance and can carry over to dance fairly easily. Beginning dancers are often not beginners at these general capacities.

In my opinion the most important capacity for social dancing is placing quality attention on your partner. The most dramatic quick transformation I've ever seen in a couple's dancing took place as a result of coaching on this. The man was coached to "place your attention on the lady", and the effect was dramatic. Their dancing, which had been painful to watch, became simple, but graceful.

The point of view that I am putting forward here is artistic and social, and enhances my dancing, especially with beginning dancers. I wish to convey this point of view as a possibility for anyone who is attracted to it.

© Copyright 1997 George Woolley

Note: This article also appeared in the June/July 1999: Dancing USA and in the July 1999 "Rebel Rouser", the newsletter of the Twin Cities Swing Dance Club.

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