The wonderful thing about ballroom dancing, Latin dancing, and swing dancing is that two people work together to create a beautiful art form to music. The partners rely on each other, each doing their part to make the partnership work. The leader must make the decisions about what step to dance, what direction to go and which beat to dance on. The follower must follow the leader’s directions (which is more difficult than it sounds) and complete the picture the leader sketches. Both partners provide counterbalance to each other to make their movements bigger and turns faster. All of this is made possible through the use of connection.
If you were to ask five different people what they think dancing is all about, you will most likely hear five different answers. However, what makes dancing, dancing is simple: connection. In order to truly dance, you must be connected to the music, connected to your partner, and connected within yourself.
It is easy to become disconnected when you are partner dancing, such as ballroom, Latin or swing, and not realize it because you are concentrating on one small detail—the beat, where your feet go, what you are doing with your arms. However, when this happens you are missing the whole point of partner dancing.
Connection to your Partner in Partner Dancing
First and foremost, you must remain connected to your partner. Without this teamwork, you are not moving in harmony—why even dance with a partner? You must be constantly aware of where your partner is, what they are doing and how what you are doing relates to them. Even if you are not looking at them, your body is always trying to face them. In Latin dancing and swing dancing, you have many opportunities to look directly at your partner, which helps you to connect on a lead and follow level, but also on an emotional level.
In partner dancing, you communicate through your dance frame and through any other body contact you have. Keeping your center turned toward your partner wherever possible and maintaining a solid frame by keeping tone in your muscles (not flexing them, stiffening your arms or trying to crush your partner) will keep you connected to your partner for better leading, following and harmony.
Connection to the Music in Ballroom Dancing, Latin Dancing and Swing Dancing
Next, you must remain connected to the music. Dancing on the beat is only part of this, although it is certainly the most important part. You also need to listen to the music and do what it tells you. Is it telling you to move softly and smoothly, or quick and staccato? Try to fill every microsecond of music, even when your feet are not moving—continue your hip action in Latin dancing and fill out your shapes in ballroom dancing by stretching your body and arms. If there is a hold in the music, it is an added touch if you strike a pose and hold it.
Stay Connected to your own Body in all Dancing
Lastly, stay connected within your own body. Make sure your whole body is telling the same story. It is easy to let your arms flail around, completely disconnected from your body. Arm styling does not look very good if it does not seem to be matching your body—feel as though you are using your body to start each arm movement. If your arm is reaching to the side, your body should be, too. Do not let your arms go behind your body, because this creates a broken line.
Posture is an important part of this. Keep your shoulders back and your upper body stretching upward. Do not let the sides of your body, from your ribcage to your hips, collapse when you make body shapes; rather, keep both sides straight and stretch one side more than the other. Every line in your body should flow smoothly to the next.
Put the Pieces Together for Beautiful Dancing
The best dancers in ballroom dancing, Latin dancing and swing dancing are able to pull all the pieces together and have a beautiful connection to each other, the music and within their own bodies. They seem to float across the floor together in perfect time to the music, their bodies portraying every note. Every piece of technique you learn helps you to get a little closer to this high degree of connection. While it may take some time to reach this level, focusing on improving your connection to your partner, music and self will greatly improve your dancing.
