This edition of Rellezaboppin is brought to you buy guest writer Kara Martin (of Swing Dancing, Swing Teaching and Devil City Swing fame)
Boy am I excited to see all of you guys switching up your roles on the dance floor and giving the other side a go. Faux bros and he-she's abound in our classes and the social dancefloor and whilst I think that switching roles is such a great way to improve your dancing I think it is important to learn the opposite role at the right time.
Let me tell you a story about a little follow that could. Not too long ago, I had a student who was dedicated as all heck, she would come to all of my classes, laugh at all of my jokes, and just generally help out before, during and at the end of class. She would be nice to all the new students, would be gentle with all the leads, and encourage everyone she came across, but for some reason she refused to move up to a higher class level. Maybe it was that back in those days you had to change venues or maybe it was because she had to change teachers. No matter the reason, I was getting worried that one day she would just get bored and leave us.
One fateful night, on a particularly warm summer night, dozens of follows turned up but only a couple of leads. I thought to myself, was this going to be the opportunity that would give my student something more from her classes. I said to her " go on, give it a go".
"No, no" she said " I don't know how to lead"
"No problemo bambino", I said "this is a beginners class, NO ONE expects you to know how to lead"...
Boy am I excited to see all of you guys switching up your roles on the dance floor and giving the other side a go. Faux bros and he-she's abound in our classes and the social dancefloor and whilst I think that switching roles is such a great way to improve your dancing I think it is important to learn the opposite role at the right time.
Let me tell you a story about a little follow that could. Not too long ago, I had a student who was dedicated as all heck, she would come to all of my classes, laugh at all of my jokes, and just generally help out before, during and at the end of class. She would be nice to all the new students, would be gentle with all the leads, and encourage everyone she came across, but for some reason she refused to move up to a higher class level. Maybe it was that back in those days you had to change venues or maybe it was because she had to change teachers. No matter the reason, I was getting worried that one day she would just get bored and leave us.
One fateful night, on a particularly warm summer night, dozens of follows turned up but only a couple of leads. I thought to myself, was this going to be the opportunity that would give my student something more from her classes. I said to her " go on, give it a go".
"No, no" she said " I don't know how to lead"
"No problemo bambino", I said "this is a beginners class, NO ONE expects you to know how to lead"...
Even though she struggled at first my student is now a great lead and follow, although I think she prefers to follow these days you will see her both leading and following whilst teaching your Wednesday night classes. (Maybe she'll tell you about her experiences in her next blog post ;) )
I have a great respect for any girl who wants to learn to lead, as I personally started dancing as a lead due to a knee injury. Throughout my years of leading I have come across all kinds of adversity tho! Some girls dont want to dance with other girls, (same goes for guys who want to learn to follow) and it is always nice to ask someone you don't know if they're comfortable dancing with you.
The moral of the story here is this: If you want to be a gender bender (man follow, lady lead), dont cheat yourself by skipping too far forward. With classes structured the way they are these days, you should not have to spend too long in beginners and level 1, but you will need to start at the beginning and move at a pace that is appropriate to you and the class . Ask your teacher how they think you're doing and remember, every class is different, take it for what it is, learn what is being taught and most of all have fun. Also be aware that sometimes, people just assume that if we "think we're good enough to lead, we must be". Sadly, it isn't always the case - it is hardly ever the case - but we are all in class to learn, regardless of leading and following and our gender! You will look back at your journey and think to yourself.. ahhhh so THAT'S what they were trying to lead on me all those times....
If you get really stuck, or you just dont want to have to spend so long hanging out in beginners/level 1,
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