Jack and Jill went up the Hill

I love teaching - I really do - but its usually at the TasSwing Christmas party that I get a little bit annoyed and wish for just one night - I was "normal".  The sole reason for feeling this way, is the Jack and Jill competition.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with how the Jack and Jill works, it is as follows.  A certain number of leads line up, and  certain number of follows line up opposite them.  Then our dice monkey rolls the dice and follows move along (say if the dice landed on 3, follows would move along three leads).  Then the dancing begins.  This means you dont know who you will be dancing with, you dont know what song you will be dancing to, but you do know, all eyes will be watching the dance floor.

The aim of the game is to prove yourself to be the best lead, or the best follow, this is done through a number elimination rounds and maximum amounts of showing off of your wikid dance skillz.

Im not gonna lie to you, at first it seems really daunting, but believe me, it is well worth the experience and there are a few things that will help you get the jump on your competition.

Leads

Ok sure, you watched that youtube clip of that crazy aerial that must be easier than it looks - DO NOT TRY IT HERE.  Even the most experienced dancer should be warned against busting out arials on the Jack and Jill dance floor (any social dance floor for that matter).

Dont try to force your partner into a series of complicated spins, moves and tricks, sure by all means test out a few, but dont forget, a brilliant basic, with a beaming smile is worth more to your dance than a frown and a multitude of f*ups.

Dont be down on the girl who has only been dancing for four days and who has bravely agreed to go into the Jack and Jill.  The golden rule of dancing is to make your follow look good, and this means leading clear moves with determination, not giving up and leading like a fish then being grumpy at your gal.

Follows

JUST SMILE!  Ok its a bit more complicated than that, but keep in mind, your lead is out there trying to make you look good so damn it - SHINE!!  No matter what moves are thrown at you, or what leads you dont pick up on, no one will know if you smile through it (even giggle if you wanna!!)

Remember everything we taught you about dips.  A great dance can come undone by throwing your head at the floor.  Try to keep your chin above your belly button, your head forward of your bottom and your chin up (these rules apply even if you have been flipped over and you are hanging upside down!!)

Thank your lead for the dance, even though you are in a Jack and Jill competition, thanking your lead is a good sign of grace.  Even though its a competition, the most important part is that all contenders have a great time, so make sure you remember your manners (even if he treads on your feet!!).

Remember its all a bit of good old fashioned fun - ham it up and go for gold!!