Dance Lovers

Tango is a dramatic and powerful dance. There is no rise and fall; you stay into the knees with the quadriceps forward. It's slinky, sneaky, and cat-like. When you go forward, you step with a heel lead. You're slightly off center of your partner ... about 4 inches. Keep the knees slightly bent, the shoulders way back, with the hips and thighs forward. There is a slight right shoulder lead (for both the man and the lady) which would also could the weight of each step to be toward the outside edge then toward the inside edge of the foot. On the final drag or hesitation, the man could slightly lift his right rib cage.

OK - I admit it: I really enjoy this show. I have so much respect and admiration for all that have the courage, time, and discipline to put themselves out in the public in an unfamiliar area. My hat's off to the celebrities with crazy schedules and limited time to work and practice. It will be interesting to see who grows into fabulous dancers. After watching only the first week, here are my humble predictions for the top 4: Laila Ali, Apolo Anton Ohno, Joey Fatone, and Ian Ziering. We'll see what happens.........

The art of following well takes time to develop. With time and experience ladies can really learn how to contribute to a dance partnership. Ladies should always move slower than the man. Since they are not leading, they should not get some place first ... or determine the length of a step ... or decide what direction to go ... or what pattern he's thinking. In foxtrot, for example, think ALL slows; make him CAUSE the quicks. Just try to stay with the beat and do slow, slow, slow. You can make and allow him to become a good leader. If he does something wrong or different, still follow him. Don't help. Ladies want to help; we want to help with the patterns, with the lead, with the beats ... don't. Allow him to grow by waiting for him to lead. Ladies you are 50% of the team ... even though he's leading. Offer whatever he's giving: if he pushes, push an equal amount against him. This philosophy will help you (and your partner) keep your dance frame. Whether it's foxtrot, waltz, or tango, etc., you do not want to be accused of having "spaghetti arms" - loose arms with no tone or stability. Keep the "W" in the frame between you; don't allow your right arm/hand to be pushed in line with your head or behind your head. Both dance partners should always keep their arms rounded forward in front of them. In swing (east coast swing or west coast swing), again, if he pulls, pull slightly against him. He wants to pull you into a pattern ... not just pull and get an arm coming forward; the pull should bring the lady's body forward (since she's got tone in her arms and offers a bit of resistance). There has to be one leader and one follower in a dance couple; let the leader become a good one and the lady will become a good follower.