Over the past few weeks I’ve been noticing in increase in Followers asking for more information on how to improve their dancing. Whether it was in class, at a social or just through random conversation; it seems that this time of year that you’re seeing a variety of classes being offered to advance the Follows’ skill set. With that in mind, I’d like to present the patented: Sara’s Technique Yielding Ladies Excellence or S.T.Y.L.E.
The S.T.Y.L.E. Technique
This technique combines the three main areas of Following (Spinning, Following and Styling) and roots it all in the base area of Following: Balance. Whether you’ve taken a class with Sara or not, her technique is a great way to see where your strengths and weaknesses lay in your dance. I’ve composed a quick list of what each area involves and feel free to let me know if there’s anything that I’ve missed:
Balance
This is the most fundamental element to good Following. Having good balance will not only improve how you look as a dancer, but also how well you execute moves, isolations, spins and most of all: keeping it safe. By working on your balance you will vastly improve in all other areas of your dance.
Here’s a great video about Balance
Spinning
From your first class to your last dance, chances are you will be spinning non-stop. Learning proper spin technique (from proper Prepping to Balance to Execution), will take you from awkward to awesome in no time. The essence of spinning can be broken down into a few areas as well: Prepping, Balance, Spotting, Breathing and Posture.
Here’s a great video that demonstrated proper Prepping and Spinning Technique (note: this video is on2, but the techniques are the same)
Following
This may sound a little redundant, but you’d be surprised about how many Followers fail to practice their fundamental Following techniques. Following to me, can be broken into several main areas: Hand/Dance Connection, Anticipation, Weight Shifting, Momentum, Timing and Musicality.
While I don’t have a video to cover all of these areas, what I will do is write my next blog with some finer points to each of the main areas of Following.
Till Then,
Stay Shining Salseros!
