So, you’re at the dance studio for your first ballroom dancing class. You get on the floor with another person and start to make some basic moves, but then something seems off. Your partner doesn’t seem to be hearing what you are doing or feeling what you are doing in the music. The connection just isn’t there! Why is this?
In this post, I will discuss why ballroom dancers must connect emotionally with their partners to do this dance properly. I will also give you tips on improving the connection between you and your partner.
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Why is it important for ballroom dancers to connect emotionally?
It is all about communication
One of the main reasons ballroom dancers must connect emotionally is that this dance is all about communication. Ballroom dancing is not just about physically moving around the floor with your partner.
It’s also about interpreting the music, understanding your partner’s movements, and feeling the emotions that are being conveyed in the song. If you can’t connect with your partner emotionally, you will not be able to do this effectively.
You’re dancing as a unit
Dancing with a partner means that you are dancing as a unit. This means that if your partner is feeling the music, you should feel it too. If they stop to take a breath during the song, for example, this gives you time to rest and catch your breath and keep up with them physically.
If your partner is not giving you any cues (e.g., facial expressions or movements), then this means that they are probably disconnected from the dance and may need some help to get back into it again.
It’s not just about the steps!
When you’re ballroom dancing, it’s not just about the steps that you are doing. It’s also about how you perform those steps and how your partner reacts to them. There is always a leader in the dance, and the follower must be able to react and follow their lead.
If you are not emotionally connected to your partner, then it will be difficult for them to understand what you are trying to do with the steps. This can cause confusion and frustration on both sides, which is not conducive to having a good dance.
Both partners have to provide a counterbalance
So that the turns are safer and movements bigger, it is always important for both partners to provide a counterbalance to each other. This is another reason there must be an emotional connection between the two of you.
If one person does not feel the music or doesn’t understand what their partner is doing, it won’t be easy to provide the correct counterbalance.
This can cause a lot of strain on the body, which is not what you want in this dance. It’s definitely better to do it right from the beginning rather than having to go back and fix things later down the line.
How can you improve the emotional connection with your partner?
There are a few things that you can do to help improve the emotional connection between you and your partner.
Practice together
Practicing together is a great way to get to know your partner better and to develop that emotional connection. When you are practicing, take the time to talk to each other about what you are feeling – this can help you understand each other better and make dancing together much easier.
Listen to each other
It’s also important that you listen to each other when you are dancing. If your partner gives any kind of feedback (e.g., facial expression, movements, etc.), then take note of what they are saying and try to incorporate it into your dance in the future if possible.
Some people like to use words or phrases that describe different feelings to understand their partner better. This can be helpful when trying to convey the correct emotions in your dance.
Be open and honest with your partner
Oh, and don’t be afraid to tell your partner if you are feeling something. It’s important to be open and honest with each other, as this is what will make you closer together emotionally.
Start the dance by telling them how you feel about your partner or sharing a personal story. Then it can carry on throughout the rest of the dance too if necessary. There’s nothing wrong with talking during a dance.
Listen and dance to the same music
This is an extremely important one – make sure that you and your partner are listening to the same music. If you are not on the same page with regards to the music, then it will be very difficult for you to dance together.
The best way to achieve this is by dancing to live music as opposed to a recording. This will help ensure that both of you are on the same page musically.
Look them in the eye
This is another way to show your partner that you are emotionally connected to them. Looking at them shows that you are paying attention and that you want to connect with them on a deeper level.
Dance in close proximity
When you dance in close proximity, it helps to create a closer emotional connection between the two of you. This can be especially helpful if you are having difficulty connecting emotionally.
Try not to use too many tricks
While tricks and acrobatics can look impressive, they can often take the focus away from the emotional connection between you and your partner. Save these for later in your dance when you have already built up a strong emotional connection.
By following these tips, you will be well on your way to establishing a strong emotional connection with your ballroom dance partner. Remember – it takes time and effort to create this kind of bond, but it is definitely worth it in the end.
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