Top 5 Tips for Leads
Here are my top 5 tips for leads on the dancefloor. Feel free to add your own using the comments function at the bottom of the page.
1. Don't start a lesson during a dance. The classes have finished, and everyone's now dancing socially. The last thing a follower would want is to be stopped in the middle of the dancefloor and be taught a move. Do this, and you can be sure they won't be dancing with you again, along with anyone else who noticed what you were doing. We all have enough combinations, turns, etc in our locker to be able to leave one or two out that someone may be having trouble with.
2. Dance with the follower, not for the spectators. You're not putting on a performance. Other womens perspective (and I don't pretend to know what women think, by any means!), is that the way you dance with other women is how you'll dance with them.
3. If she looks good you look great. Dance at your followers level. Since you'll be dancing with a variety of women, there'll be plenty of opportunity to 'show your stuff'.
Imagine two guys: One ALMOST knows about a hundred twists, turns and other moves! The other knows about 10 moves, but the difference is he knows them well, and can execute them comfortably, with precision and clarity. Since he knows the moves well, he's able to concentrate on making the dance enjoyable. Which one do you think a lady would prefer as a dance partner?
4. Be aware of how much space you have, and use it with consideration for others. Also watch out for those who's only goal seems to be to crash into as many people as they can. Protect your follower from these moving hazards and dance small, not big.
5. Dance to and with the music - be inspired by it and tailor your dancing to the music. Keep timing and rhythm, don't get carried away, and if the music's fast, keep it simple!
