Topic: Ladies, what kind of lead do you prefer?

[John Gimber: Webmaster]

This seems to be a good poll to have, based upon the chats going on at present!

John.

[Lou]

Hey John!

Why can't I vote for more than one option?!   

[John Gimber: Webmaster]

OK, there you go Lou - you now have two votes to cast on this one!

John.

[Justine]

i like a firm lead but i think this is a bad thing as i have danced rock-n-roll before hand, i am trying to get out of this and i find it very difficult, they said that i could go from rock-n-roll to le roc easy but its not easy at all, i wish i could slow it down a bit and be more softer so im sorry to any men that i have yanked their arms out haha!!!! also i can lead in rock-n-roll so i tend to try and take the lead in le roc, i am trying my hardest to sort this but i hope it will just click in time 

[ClaireLSt]

are we assuming that all these lead positions on firm/light/etc are knowing what they are doing?
i actually find that leaders who really know what they are doing barely need to lead at all. its a wierd kind of eye contact, psychic lead thang going on.  or perhaps sometimes one is just inspired to follow to the best of one's ability. 
hey ho. perhaps the preferred lead is just down to the dynamics of the particular dancers/tune/yyy? 

[Elaine]

The perfect lead for me is one which is light, positive and smooth and is able to allow the Lady to add flurishes.

The worst lead is someone who bounces their hands up and down, yanks my arms and is not in rhythm.  Also someone who does not realise that a person is on the other end!

I am glad to say that all those who have commented to this link are good leaders!!

Justine, if you can get to a Tango class, this will assist your understanding of how to follow - trust me on this!  The mists will clear.

There are quite a few good leaders about, but unfortunately, a greater number of poor ones.  I don't know if this applies to followers as well?

In any event, chaps, what are we going to do to improve those who inflict pain and suffering on their fellow dance partners?  You only have to cast an eye over the dance floor on a free style night to see who thinks they are in a curling competition!  The only thing that I can do is to avoid eye contact or refuse.  If I do get caught by a 'yanker' I do as Lou does, I let my arm/shoulder go very lose, but then contact is lost.

For the very best (IMHO) in leading or following, I would urge you to watch David and Lily Barker.  David has an incredibly light touch - he will even dance without holding his partner's hand!!  Lily is a perfect follower and can add flourishes which I can only dream about!

Elaine

[Justine]

thankyou for that bit of advise i will try to go to a tango lesson, but can i ask is it not the style that people dance that depends on the hold, as i have watched you and i like the dancing that you do it is very elegant and looks well, but i have also noticed that some dancers have a complete different style of dancing that is faster and their own style, i have danced with both sorts and found that the hold is different, i do prefer to have the firmer hold and dance a bit faster maybe i am doing it wrong as i am use to doing rock-n-roll? but is it all le roc but in their own styles??? or is there only one way to dance le roc???

[John Gimber: Webmaster]

If you're interested in doing some tango, try tango west - www.tangowest.co.uk.

You should come across a lovely lady by the name of Janet Offer who seems to organise it all.

Tell her I sent you! 

John.

[Justine]

thankyou john i will, i would like to say that everyone on here are very help full and thankyou all xxxx i have learnt alot from this site thankyou 

[Anita]

What you are seeing at LE- ROC dances and lessons is all le-roc Justine but with different styles--some people prefer the slinkier moves and some the more funky stuff etc etc. And this will also depend on what music they're dancing to. Obviously the speed you dance will depend on the record you're dancing to and you obviously prefer the faster stuff.

[Elaine]

What you are seeing at LE- ROC dances and lessons is all le-roc Justine but with different styles--some people prefer the slinkier moves and some the more funky stuff etc etc. And this will also depend on what music they're dancing to. Obviously the speed you dance will depend on the record you're dancing to and you obviously prefer the faster stuff.

Quite!  You still don't need to have more than a light contact though.  On more than one occasion, I have nearly hit the floor when my 'over zealous' partner has attempted to put me into a fast spin 

Enjoy the tango and report back!  The resident teacher at Tango West is Eduardo, but he is on holiday until middle of Feb.  At the moment, the beginners lessons are very busy, so it may be best to wait a couple of weeks to let the lessons even out!


Elaine