Have you ever argued with your dance partner? Come on, we all have done it. Here are a few tips that I continue to use even as a professional to keep the peace and positivity when working with my partners.

If you have a partner….

1. Work on new ideas separately

If you are a leader, limit the time you “began” a “new idea” together. Fundamentally leaders – “set things up,”  and follows echo what happens until the energy runs out, or something changes.”

If you are a leader, sometimes you may not know where you want to go, and followers depend on leaders knowing exactly where to lead them. so one of the things I used to do is use a stationary object as my reference point and manoeuvre myself around the object to figure out the logistics of where my body needs to be in relationship to my partner. This will allow you to outline the big picture of the idea before having to get into the details with your partner. 

2. Practice the shapes without rhythm  

In order for the idea to be legit it has to work when your social dancing. This is actually the part that brings the fun back into the practice. The reason you have to do this is because once you create the big picture of the idea, then it must be processed within the context of your roles as leaders and followers. 

If you don’t know your roles with simplicity as leaders and followers check out my course in the description below. If you don’t know your roles as a leader or follower you both will end up naturally switching job descriptions. The leader will end up thinking it’s the leaders job to make the move happen, and the follower will be thinking about what needs to happen next. In reality it should be the opposite.

This method has worked for me for many years, and I hope it helps your practice sessions become more productive. If this video has helped you make sure you like and subscribe so you don’t miss anything. Also consider supporting the channel on Patreon and as a gift you will get free access to my online swing dance school.

I’ll see you in class

You can do it!

Jamin