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 <[email protected]>
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
