[Gadget]

Originally Posted by Wendy

I don't think there should be too many interesting bits of music which leave space for musical interpretation during the beginners' class or indeed until taxi time is over... that's what the freestyle AFTER 9.45 is for

I don't believe you are actually suggesting that! (OK, I know the devils were exadurating the view, but...)
The music is as interesting as you make it. Why play music at all during the beginners class or until 9:45? Just get a little yamaha keyboard that goes dum tsh dumdum tsh, dum tsh dumdum tsh, ... {Or play "call on me" on repeat }
Sure, don't play "difficult" tracks to dance to, but that does not equate to less interesting or less space for musical interpretation.

And your musical interpretation might not be the same as the girl's.... it is a personal thing.

Yup - but I'm leading. She goes by my interpretation. If she can't feel that interpretation, then I'm not leading properly. Remember we're talking about beginners; anyone else wants to interpret differently and I'll adapt to accommodate. But my belief is that she should be looking to elaborate on my interpretation - follow my lead - not create her own and expect me to follow hers. Fine if we're on the same wavelength, but just de-rails the dance otherwise.

As leading is as important, if not more important, than musical interpretation, especially if the girl is a beginner, then I think you should concentrate on your leading before 9.45 whether you are a taxi or not...

what better way to "practice" your leading than by changing the timing or even the moves to match the music? I think that you should always concentrate on the leading - are you saying that you should stop leading clearly just because you're not dancing with a beginner or the music has become more 'expressive'?

I also think I disagree with the concept that musical interpretation is less important than leading: the whole point to leading is for musical interpretation. Otherwise why bother to dance to the count or find the beat? I think in fact that the lead is less important than dancing to the music. {If you didn't think so, then why would you abandon the lead and do your own thing to the music rather than following it?}

The method you seem to be applying is to develop moves, movements and timing (a) separate from the music (b), then once an appreciation of both has been met, join a+b. Two separate strands that join and entwine.
I think that the appreciation of music (b) needs to be developed, then moves and timing learned(a) to further the expression of the music. The strand of music being wrapped by expression - learned together rather than separate.
(This is assuming that most folk have at least a glimmering of (b) that can be worked on - if not, then that's the bit I would address first; like finding the beat)

You still have lots of time to practise your style and whatever with more experienced dancers..

And they are more likely to anticipate and try and interpret my lead rather than just following it . When I want to practice a lead or make sure I have something right, then I would much rather have a beginner (or novice) on the end of my arm than an experienced dancer: If they are experienced, then I don't know how much they are compromising; I don't get a true follow - I get what they think I am trying to lead.

and the braver beginners will stay on later and get a taste of that too if they want...and some might even want space to interpret the music as well...

Why would they stay on? all they know is metronome dancing. They see others dancing to the music and think "I can never do that" - if it was taught with more musical interpretation, perhaps they may think "I can't do that yet" and stay longer.

A good test of whether the girl is enjoying the dance or not is to see if she is smiling.... there's an idea for another workshop "How to interpret the expression on your partner's face" ...

I've seldom had anything but smiles - I would love to think that every dance with a beginner that ends in a smile was enjoyable for her, but I know there is no such quantity.