| I wasn't at the workshop, so this is based on what people have said in this thread.
I think the argument goes that ladies have far less to think about in a dance, so they should be able to listen to the music more. Could someone explain to me then why so few women seem listen to the music? Or is it that so few men listen either, so what is the point?
For various reasons it is difficult in Modern Jive to lead the lady into a break. It is a lot easier when she knows it is coming. (I have a feeling that the success of 'hitting the breaks' when the lady is backleading is partly due to this.) Listening to the music should be encouraged for both the man and the lady.
I was taught not to keep doing moves that the lady doesn't like. eg if she doesn't like improvising, then don't force it. If she doesn't like spinning, then don't spin her (the exception is when Gus is following - he needs the practice!) The leader has this choice, the follower doesn't. So if the ladies start hijacking the lead like this, they should aim to be considerate as well - if your man doesn't like it, then don't keep doing it.
It is nice to see people getting away from the Madame Tussauds look when a break happens. Hopefully the next stage is to start interpreting the 95% of the song that has music, and not just the 5% of silence.
But it is even nicer to have people 'thinking' after a workshop, and not just trying to 'remember' a move. That sounds like a good workshop.
David |