Topic: How about a lesson in bristol covering lead/follow technique??

[marty_baby]

Hi all,

Considering the amount of interest on this issue  (200 views on this Forum alone.... 150 of these by Justine no doubt!   


Any chance of a lesson in Bristol sometime going back to basics, on how to lead/follow well?  Maybe spin technique thrown in?


I seem to remember the Elmgrove did this once - even reversing the roles at one point....  Any chance of doing something like this again?


I think it would be of interest to all levels, and would be well attended by "passionate" dancers alike

It would make a nice change to a standard class i imagine!   

Cheers
Martin

[John: Elmgrove LeRoc]

Errr, I teach the technique of what I do in every class already!

A lot of emphasis in each class on how and (more importantly) why a lead is done the way it is, safety and lead methods for dips and drops, how to lead spins and travelling spins, etc.

I also highlight the difference between the good techniques and bad, for the same moves, where appropriate.

My own personal opinion is that (at the level of intermediate that I target in my classes) if I don't teach the technique as an integral part of the move then I might as well not teach it all!

Granted I don't teach at an advanced level, but my own passion for teaching lies with beginners and early/mid intermediates, where a lot of technique is very important as it's the springboard for future technique, dances and classes, which can be learned anywhere.

I can see what you mean about teaching a technique class in isolation, but my own personal opinion is that without backup of applying the technique to a variety of moves, the class wouldn't help a lot (unless it was part of a series or something).

John.

[marty_baby]

Hi John,

I do hear you....

... how about a lesson - with moves in it - with an ESPECIAL emphasis on lead/follow?

Eg.  a class with a series of moves that REALLY bring out the points discussed in the other lead/follow Posts on this forum?


 


Think of it as an artisitc challenge..... 


....go on john..... 


 

[John: Elmgrove LeRoc]

Well last week's class was built around the technique of entry into the same seducer using different speeds and angles.  That highlighted

1. The safety aspect of fast/slow entries.
2. Support for the lady.
3. Disaster recovery.
4. Lead styles into the drop.

It also covered (for the lady)
1. Ways to improve support for the man in a seducer
2. Stability using footwoork and balance.

Don't know what tonight's will be yet!

John.

[Lou]

....go on john..... 

Yeah - go on John.... You could even use a blindfold..... 

[John: Elmgrove LeRoc]

Hey, have demonstrated moves with my eyes (anymy partner's eyes shut) before now.  A lot of jive can be done using tactile contact alone!

John.

[Elaine]

After my first private lesson with Amir Giles*, I came away with my head spinning - we did very basic stuff, but goodness, after 'dancing' for nearly eighteen months, I was told that my walk needed to be improved, I had little frame and I couldn't spin!  I knew all of this, which is why I went to him!  Even after just one lesson, I was really pleased that I understood what I had been doing wrong and have set about to try to get it right!

I have worked very hard, spent a lot of money and travelled miles in the quest to improve........ (I am not alone in this by the way!)

If any of the classes in Bristol can run a special class to cover these subjects, then good on you!

Elaine

*Amir Giles is currently training with the Ballet Rambert and specialises in Tango.  He has won showcase in New Zeland and is rated as one of the top teachers in the UK.

[marty_baby]

Hi John,

I hear what you are saying, and your methodology.

However, I do honestly think a 1 hour class covering this kind of stuff will really help improve the standard of dancing in bristol.  If dance regulars want to improve their lead/follow, they should be applauded.  It dosen't matter how many classes you go to/how many moves you learn.  If you lead badly, you lead badly... until you learn otherwise!


No problems John.  I'm not demanding or dictating what you should teach in classes - perish the thought! 


This Forum post is just a suggesting to classes out there - thats all 


It think it goes without saying though- if any class will cover lead/follow in Bristol - I'll be there - along with many others I imagine!


Cheers
Martin

[John: Elmgrove LeRoc]

I'll put your suggestion to Elmgrove David, and see what he thinks.  He may decided to put on a specials class just for this purpose.  You can never quite tell with David though! 

Hopefully some other teachers will see this and take it on board too.

John.

[Justine]

haha!!!! martin, but you are right and if there is a class that teaches you how to follow a lead then i will be the first there, as i need all the teaching i can get, and i am very willing to learn.

[marty_baby]

...you and me against the world Justine!   

Bring it on!   

 

[Justine]

thats right marty lets get um haha