After many discussions with many people, experts (well, me) agree that Bronze dancers should know these things...
- the basic timing for each dance
- when to start a dance in time with the music
- how to continue dancing in time to the music
Please, please do that. Or return to Go and do not collect $200.
- how to step sideways, forward, and backward in a particular order to make up a pattern of a dance
- the basic footwork of a dance
- how to dance a basic figure on your own
- the directions of movement on the floor (line of dance [LOD], diagonal wall [DW], diagonal center [DC])
I'm surprised how many people cannot tell which direction they're stepping. Maybe people should look at their feet more often. Men, you especially. It's sideways. Straight. To. The. Side.
Ladies, you too need to be able to dance a basic figure on your own. Saying that you "just follow" is pleading ignorance. Us ladies don't "just do" anything.
- standing "straight" and providing tone through your frame
- introducing use of rise and fall and latin motion in the respective dances
Don't make your partner hold you up. Don't just do "moves." Have some technique.
Bonus points include...
- knowing what dance(s) you can use to a particular song
- having great posture and solid frame
If this seems a little short or brusque, it's so the idea is clear. Note that these ideas should be in place before you are doing Bronze figures or attending Bronze classes. Of course, you will continue to improve upon your use of them as you progress.
Mostly, I'm looking for What (clear movement from foot to foot, correct use of feet) and When (timing, timing, and more timing) at the Bronze level.
Want to know what Silver dancers should be doing? Stayed tuned for next week's installment!
He's chilly.
