Ballroom Basics: Ten Tips in Ten Minutes that Result in Ten Times Better Dancing

Tip #6: Maintain the Big Top

Most folks have slow danced long before becoming involved in ballroom dancing. The slow dance hold, where the partners have their heads together, is the opposite of what is required for ballroom dancing. In ballroom dancing, a very large space is created between the heads of the partners and this is necessary for effecting turning patterns such as pivot turns. In ballroom smooth dancing, to help create this space, the lady must stay positioned against the man’s right hand by stretching upward, outward, and leftward into the man’s right hand. Again, this ice cream cone shaped pairing or big top is necessary for effecting turning figures such as pivoting actions.

Make it to the big top in a pair of our closed toe ballroom dance shoes or our comfortable ballroom dance shoes…it’s your choice, but whatever you choose we are certain you’ll love our great selection at The Dance Shoe Depot.com

Happy Dancing!

via Ballroom Basics: Ten Tips in Ten Minutes that Result in Ten Times Better Dancing.

Ballroom Basics: Ten Tips in Ten Minutes that Result in Ten Times Better Dancing

Tip #5: Learn the Correct Single Hand Hold Connection

In swing dancing and in many Latin dance figures, the connection is often with a single handhold. This connection needs to have rock solid integrity. The lady should cup her hand so as to provide a strong full-hand connection versus trying to effect connection only at her fingertips. The top diagram shows the correct way, the bottom diagram, the wrong way. Again, the top diagram shows the correct connection, the bottom diagram shows a weak and unreliable connection. In competition dancing, a momentary loss of connection can spell disaster.

Get started with a pair of our swing or latin ballroom dance shoes by visiting us at The Dance Shoe Depot.com. We have a great selection in both men and womens latin dance shoes.

Happy Dancing!

via Ballroom Basics: Ten Tips in Ten Minutes that Result in Ten Times Better Dancing.

Ballroom Basics: Ten Tips in Ten Minutes that Result in Ten Times Better Dancing

Tip #4: Maintain Frame and Connection

The most important elements for good leading and following are dance frame, connection, and timing. When these elements are present, leading and following are easy. When they are absent, partner dancing becomes impossible. Here we see the common mistake among beginners are letting the arms fall and letting the frame collapse. Notice that turns are difficult to lead if the lady has a noodle arm. Here we see the correct maintenance of frame. Tone must be maintained in the arms and all connection points must stay intact. Leading turns is easy if framework is maintained.

Get the ultimate connection in a pair of our comfortable ballroom dance shoes by visiting us at The Dance Shoe Depot.com.  We got what you need when it comes to latin, cuban, practice and smooth ballroom dance shoes for both men and women.

Happy Dancing!

via Ballroom Basics: Ten Tips in Ten Minutes that Result in Ten Times Better Dancing.

Ballroom Basics: Ten Tips in Ten Minutes that Result in Ten Times Better Dancing

Tip #2: Maintain Posture.

The best way for the man to check his posture is by standing with his back to a wall and then carrying this straight alignment onto the dance floor. Dance teachers often talk about the Top Line, the Midline, and the Front Line. A good dance hold, with good posture and frame present a regal and majestic appearance on the dance floor.

We also suggest a comfortable, well fitting pair of mens dance shoes to help with both your posture and comfort on the dance floor.  A nice looking pair of dance shoes certainly will not hurt when it comes to catching a ladies eye. Men, we all know how good that can feel! Come see us for a great selection of mens ballroom dance shoes at The Dance Shoe Depot.com.

Happy Dancing!

via Ballroom Basics: Ten Tips in Ten Minutes that Result in Ten Times Better Dancing.

Ballroom Basics: Ten Tips in Ten Minutes that Result in Ten Times Better Dancing

Tip #1: Perfect the Correct Closed Dance Hold

It is hard to overemphasize the importance of the closed dance hold. Here’s a brief description. In the closed dance hold, the lady is positioned slightly to the right of the man. Likewise, the feet are slightly offset so that the right foot of either partner can step between the other partners feet. In this way, knees don't bang and each partner can step into the other.Now let’s talk about the connection points.One connection point is the man’s left hand to the ladies right hand. They are palm to palm in an upper-hand clasp, with fingers and thumbs closed around their partners hand. A mistake is to point any of the fingers.The next and most important connection point is the mans right hand on the ladies back. The man’s right hand is loosely cupped with fingers and thumb together, not spread apart. His hand connects to her back on her shoulder blade. His wrist should make contact with her underarm at the junction of her arm and body. The lady should position herself so as to ensure that this connection point is maintained.The third connection point is the Ladies left hand and forearm on the mans upper arm. A well-matched couple of average height and arm length will find her fingers resting on or near the seam of his shirtsleeve.The final connection point is the body contact. The right half of the mans front is in contact with the right half of the ladies front. The connection begins at the upper thighs and should continue through the diaphragm.You might be tired of hearing about the dance hold, but good dancing begins with a correct hold. Note also that in Latin dancing, connection is not made at the diaphragm.

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Pivots & Turns Continued…

Right pivots are difficult. But if you have been doing pivots and it does not feel quite right, or if you cannot stay on a straight line, try the following two techniques:

First, make sure that, while turning, the ladies right knee is firmly locked to your right knee. The lady has to take a good sized step forward, into you, when you take your first left foot step in front an around her.

Stay upright but keep your weight slightly on your heels and suggest the lady do the same. As you put weight on your left foot, stay back on your heel and rotate the lady around you so that when you put your weight on the right foot again, you face your line of progression. In other words, you execute a full 360 degree turn with each two steps.

I find that if I have a partner who follows the above technique, I can easily pivot many times and keep progressing on a line in the same direction.

Make sure your that partner by starting off in the right pair of shoes from The Dance Shoe Depot.com.  We carry a wide selection of Latin ballroom dance shoes, Cuban heeled dance shoes, ladies, mens and even kids ballroom dance shoes. Visit us and enjoy the shopping experience  that experts have been using around the world!

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Pivots and Turns

When turning, such as in the Waltz, or when executing a pivot imagine a horizontal wheel. One partner is always at the hub of the wheel, while the other partner is at the rim. The partner at the rim provides the force and momentum, the partner at the hub provides the stability.

In a Waltz left turn, the partner who takes the left forward step on the one count is at the rim. He/she is responsible to provide the rotation and must take a long forceful step forward. The partner at the hub only takes a small step backward, letting the rim partner move around her/him. Thus, each partner takes his/her turn at the rim or the hub, depending which one moves forward on the left foot on the one count.

In a right pivot, the same principle applies. The partner who steps forward on his/her right foot is at the rim and is responsible for the rotation, while the partner at the hub stays almost immobile, letting the rim partner move around him/her. Again, both partners alternate between hub and rim.

Perfect your pivots in a new pair of stylish ballroom dance shoes from The Dance Shoe Depot.com.  We like you and want to put you in the best type of shoes so that your dancing is taken to the next level.  Check out our great selection of cuban heeled dance shoes, low heeled dance shoes, dance sneakers and even ballroom dance boots and you’ll surely agree that we have your best interests at heart.

Happy Dancing!

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