Ballroom Dancing Secrets, Orlando

Ballroom Dancing Secrets

Social Dance Instructor: Jo Rossano—407-297-9048

A man will give his follower many hints when he dances. Here are a few I have learned through the years that may help the beginning dance student:

1) Watch the man’s shoulders. This is where I find my biggest hint for what he is about to do. His shoulders will well precede any lead to turn you — at least a full two beats ahead of the music. How? The man will start with his shoulders and then his feet will move and then the follower.

2) Try to follow his shoulders. So, if he is turning, then you will most likely being going in front of him. Try to think of a mirror and you are his reflection. He is getting out of your way so you can turn.

3) The second indication that you are about the turn is his hand. If his hand goes up and is hovering over your head, you are more than likely going under his hand. (The first indication of a turn was his shoulders—#2 above)

4) Watch where the man is looking, it’s a good indication of where he’s about to dance or where he wants you to dance.

5) Watch your leaders hands — why? Because you will be following his hand. An example would be — if he puts his hand behind his head while holding your hand — he wants you to dance behind him. Think of his hands as your compass.

6) The biggest help in following is keeping your connection. Connection is how your arm gives his hand the way to turn you. If your arm is floppy, without any tone, then he won’t be able to lead you where he wants you to dance. But, if your arm is toned or is like an outboard motor handle on a boat — see the picture to the right? Then he moves your hand, your arm is toned and it moves your entire body in the direction that the man is moving the arm, this makes leading you much easier.

7) Lastly, don’t allow him to pull and push you. Use your own energy to get yourself moving. If he wants you to turn, get up on the balls of your feet and turn. Instead, let him start your turn, and then use your energy to complete the turn. Ahhhh, he will like that. Nothing is worse than a lead weight for a dance partner.

Jo Rossano