A man’s body movement (especially his shoulders) will give his follower many hints for what Ballroom Dance step he is about to lead. Learning to read this special language is the key to becoming a good follower. Here are a few Techniques I have learned through the years that may help the beginning Ballroom dance student:

1) Watch the man’s shoulders. This is where I find my biggest hint for Ballroom Dancing with my leaders. His shoulders will well precede any lead to spin you — at least a full two beats ahead of the music. How? The man will start with moving his shoulders and then his feet will move and then the follower will move. (usually in that order)

2) Try to follow his shoulders. So, if he is turning, then you will most likely be going in front of him. Try to think of a mirror and you are his reflection.

3) The second indication that you are about the spin is his hand. If his hand goes up and is hovering over your head — he has created a “door” for you to exit.

4) Watch where the man is looking, it’s a good indication of where he’s looking is where he wants 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 spin you. If your arm is floppy, without any tone (stiffness), then he won’t be able to lead you.

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.

Another visualization that may help any woman whoever played with a “Barbie” doll growing up. Barbie’s arms are the perfect example of how to hold your arms while Ballroom dancing. Barbie’s arms are slightly curved and they move her body when she is rotated by the leader pushing or pulling her. We sometimes call this her “dance frame” that is caused by the “tone” in her arms. Without “tone” the man will not be able to lead you. If you don’t have the correct dance “frame,” you won’t feel his lead.

Click here for my dance blog about the Secret Language of Dance.

Jo Rossano

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