Social dance is all about connection, communicating effectively with your partner so that the result is both partners dancing seamlessly as one unit. For the communication to be effective, we as dancers need to be able to listen, feel, and adapt to one another. The ultimate connection is not just synchronous movements of our bodies, but also synchronicity of our minds with the music. Social dance celebrates music through the combination of creativity, coordination and movement with our partner.
In social dance, the lead initiates the move and the follow executes or finishes it. In this improvised dance, dance partners have to understand the needs of one other. Both partners are able to interpret and give expression to the music while respecting each other’s roles and capabilities. A great lead supports the follow with a strong frame and protects them on the dance floor. They clearly signal their intention for the next step to the follow while allowing the follow some space to express their musicality and individuality. A great follow is responsive to the signals that the lead gives them without making assumptions as to what the next move would be. They feel light (i.e. don’t feel too tense/rigid or push their weight onto the lead), at the same time ensuring proper physical contacts are maintained, and do not interfere with the lead when adding their personal styling.
A great social dancer is one that wants to create the greatest experience that they can for their dance partner. While dancing, they are fully committed to their partner. They are not thinking about who they will dance with next. They are not thinking about what happened earlier in the day or what is going to happen after the social is over. They are living in the present moment of the dance and enjoying the journey. The more experienced you are at social dance, the more at ease you will feel in surrendering to that journey and bringing your partner on that journey with you.
The best social dancers are not necessarily the most advanced or talented ones. Experienced dancers need to remember what it was like when they first started out. It can be a bit intimidating going to a social dance as a newcomer to the dance world. A beginner dancer can lack confidence in their dancing ability and has a limited number of steps that they are comfortable with. The best social dancers are able to quickly assess the level of their dance partner and adjust their moves accordingly. They are able to make their partner feel appreciated both during the dance and after it is done. The best social dancers do not offer unsolicited advice or try to correct their partner on the dance floor. Sometimes beginner dancers ask for help, and if you are comfortable, you can offer some tips. However, teaching really should be left for the dance class. The main focus of social dancing should be connecting to the music and your partner in a relaxed, welcoming and supportive environment.
